Bill Farris —

Biography

 In his role at NREL, Bill Farris directs efforts to accelerate commercialization and the transfer of laboratory technologies to the marketplace.   He also oversees all licensing, sponsored research agreements, enterprise development, and innovation management functions at NREL.   Farris led the integration of NREL commercialization programs with the Colorado Center for Renewable Energy Economic Development (CREED), which seeks to catalyze the expansion of the renewable energy economic cluster in Colorado and beyond. He also conceptualized and managed the development of the Energy Innovation Portal, which serves as an internet-based clearinghouse for intellectual property developed at the nation's national laboratories.   Prior to joining NREL in 2008, Farris was responsible for the Commercialization, Economic Development, Business and Competitive Intelligence, and Commercial Relationships offices at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. In addition, he managed new venture activities at the Pacific Northwest Division of the Battelle Memorial Institute, and served as a primary point of contact for interactions with venture capitalists.   Farris holds a bachelor's degree in Geological Sciences and a master's in Radiological Sciences from the University of Washington, and a master's in Management of Technology from the National Technological University.

Research Interest

    Green Energy, Green Chemistry, Sustainability, renewable resources, biomass, biofuel, Green Engineering, green industrial applications, green investments, green process, green energy, biomaterials, nanotechnology, waste management, water treatment, bioreactors, bioprocessing