Sen. Tom Udall, D-NM, recently introduced a bill meant to improve the U.S. Department of Energy's technology transfer process, according to Albuquerque Business First.

The bill, called the Accelerating Technology Transfer to Advance Innovation for the Nation (ATTAIN) Act, would make several changes in three key areas, the senator said. It would authorize new tools for the department's technology transfer office for more efficient transfers and better analytics, create a new Tech Transfer Corps modeled off a similar department at the National Science Foundation and adapt a public-private partnership model the Small Business Administration uses for economic development and apply it to technology transfer. This last initiative would provide capital to funds investing in companies seeking financing in areas underserved by venture capitalists. 

"The finest scientists in the world are doing cutting-edge research here in New Mexico's national labs. If we can harness that amazing research by connecting innovators and entrepreneurs, New Mexico could lead the nation in high-tech business and innovation," Udall said. "That's what the ATTAIN Act is all about - improving the DOE's technology transfer process so we can get innovation from the lab bench to the marketplace and create well-paying, high-tech jobs here in New Mexico."

Udall emphasized his bill would require no additional funding from taxpayers, according to The Albuquerque Journal.