The last time we collaborated with Battelle, we literally changed the way work got done in offices around the world. Can we do it again?
By Bill McKee, manager, Corporate Public Relations
So the last time Xerox partnered with research think tank Battelle, it turned out pretty well. That was 1944 and a patent attorney named Chester Carlson was working with Battelle to develop a process that the then Haloid Corporation brought to the market place as xerography. Yes, you know where that one went. (Hint: Haloid changed its name to Xerox.)
Well, now comes the second chapter.
The Xerox Research Centre Canada (XRCC), located outside Toronto, will take its expertise in materials science to joint customers with Battelle. The two have signed a strategic alliance to co-market and collaborate on materials science research services.
So what does that mean? To our Canadian scientists, it means a new avenue of activity. The alliance will allow outside clients of XRCC and Battelle to access the deep capabilities of the two renowned research organizations – including the use of our pilot plant and manufacturing scale-up facility.
Similar to what we initiated at PARC, A Xerox Company, in 2002, Xerox researchers can conduct contract research for external, non-competing clients. Recently XRCC signed a multi-year materials research services agreement with Dallas-based Authentix Inc., a leading provider of anti-counterfeiting, brand protection and program integrity solutions for the oil and gas industry, currency, branded products and tax stamp markets.
For Paul Smith director of our Canadian research center, this means that not only does the center continue to strengthen its scientific role in Canadian innovation, but also now brings valuable research capabilities to other companies globally. And Smith says there is value to the center’s researchers, who will develop new competencies that will provide added capabilities for Xerox’s core research.
This step is the latest in the Canadian center’s outreach program. In October, the Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (RIC) Centre moved into our facility to help their entrepreneurial clients gain access to world-class research and support services, and fast track innovations to market.
Indeed, we have every reason to expect great things from this partnership with Battelle.
The Xerox Research Centre Canada is part of the global Xerox Innovation Group made up of 650 researchers and engineers in five world-renowned research centers.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries by conducting research and development, designing and manufacturing products, and delivering critical services for government and commercial customers.
