Technology Development Office

BC Cancer leads cancer control across British Columbia.

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What we do

The Technology Development Office (TDO) helps BC Cancer carry out this work by supporting:

  • Discovery: finding new knowledge
  • Innovation: creating new ideas, tools or approaches
  • Technology development: moving technology from the lab to patient care

Treating only late-stage cancer is not enough for long-term control. That's why BC Cancer focuses on translational research. This type of research turns scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. It includes:

  • New ways to detect cancer early
  • Treatments that work better at earlier stages

To support this work, BC Cancer created the TDO to manage intellectual property and support commercialization.

 

About our work

 

The TDO works closely with researchers to move promising ideas into real-world use. We connect scientists, clinicians and industry partners to turn research into new technologies.

We follow these guiding principles:

  • Move new technology from research to patient care
  • Treat scientists, clinicians and partners fairly
  • Protect scientific research while sharing new technology
  • Connect industry with BC Cancer expertise
Collaborations and affiliations

BC Cancer partners with universities and research organizations across British Columbia. These partnerships strengthen cancer research, development and innovation.

We are affiliated with:

Together, we study what causes cancer, improve treatments, and work toward better prevention and cures.

Technology development services

The Technology Development Office provides a wide range of services to BC Cancer scientists.

Research agreements and contracts

We prepare and manage agreements between BC Cancer, researchers, and external partners.

Staff should not sign agreements on their own, as this can create legal risks. The TDO handles:

  • Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs/CDAs)
  • Material transfer agreements (MTAs)
  • Data transfer agreements (DTAs)​
  • Service agreements
  • Collaborative research agreements (CRAs)
Research partnerships

We help connect scientists with industry experts and partners. We  also help find funding from private and government sources.

Technology screening

We help researchers assess new technologies and decide if they are practical and have commercial potential.

Intellectual property protection

We keep records of all BC Cancer intellectual property (IP). We help protect it through:

  • Patents
  • Copyrights
  • Trademark registrations
Technology commercialization

We promote BC Cancer technologies to industry partners. This includes opportunities for:

  • Licensing
  • Collaborative research
  • Joint development
Start-up support

We help create start-up companies based on new knowledge. We connect scientists with business leaders and investors.

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Resources for inventors

 
Invention disclosure

The invention disclosure form helps describe a new technology and how it could be used. It includes:

  • What the invention does
  • Stage of development
  • Barriers to progress
  • Pros and cons compared to similar technologies

Completing this form assigns intellectual property rights to BC Cancer.

The BC Cancer Patent Committee reviews each disclosure. This group of senior scientists may decide to:

  • Not move forward
  • Continue research or clinical work
  • Protect and commercialize the invention

To submit an Invention Disclosure complete the Invention Disclosure Form (forms can be found here)​ and send it to TDO at TDOadmin@phsa.ca​.​​

Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) / Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA)

An NDA/CD​A is a legal agreement that keeps information private. If someone shares confidential information publicly, they may be face legal action.

Use an NDA/CDA when sharing confidential information, such as with:

  • New employees
  • Visitors with lab access
  • Anyone receiving sensitive documents

Important: Label all confidential materials clearly as 'Confidential'.

Contact TDO at TDOadmin@phsa.ca​ to request a NDA/CDA, please ensure to include the following details in your email:

  • Whether confidential information will be disclosed by BC Cancer/PHSA, received by BC Cancer/PHSA, or exchanged by both parties.
  • A brief description of the purpose of the discussions.
  • The name(s) of the Principal Investigator(s) involved in the discussions.
  • Your preferred NDA/CDA term (duration).
Material transfer agreement (MTA)

An MTA controls how research materials are shared between organizations.

Materials may include:

  • Cell lines and cultures
  • DNA, proteins and plasmids
  • Bacteria or modified animals
  • Drugs or chemicals

MTAs define:‎

  • What materials are shared
  • How they can be used
  • Who owns any new discoveries
  • Confidentiality rules
  • Access to reports and publications
  • Legal limits and responsibilities

To request an MTA please complete the MTA Questionnaire (forms can be found here) and send it to TDO at TDOadmin@phsa.ca​.

Data transfer agreement (DTA)

A DTA governs the sharing of research data between organizations and sets out the conditions under which data can be transferred, accessed, used, stored, and protected.

Materials may include:

  • Clinical and patient data
  • Research datasets and databases
  • Genomic, imaging, and laboratory data
  • De-identified or coded health information
  • Survey, registry, and administrative data

DTAs define:‎

  • What data are being shared
  • How the data can be used and by whom
  • Privacy, security, and confidentiality requirements
  • Data storage, retention, and destruction obligations
  • Publication and reporting rights
  • Ownership of data and any resulting discoveries
  • Legal responsibilities and compliance requirements

To request an DTA please complete the DTA Questionnaire (forms can be found here)​ and send it to TDO at TDOadmin@phsa.ca​.​

Policies

All BC Cancer employees must follow the PHSA Intellectual Property Policy for technology transfer.

If you have questions, contact the Technology Development Office.

 
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Why we do this

The TDO protects and develops intellectual property created by BC Cancer scientists, clinicians and technologists. Our goal is to improve patient outcomes by applying new knowledge. 

We aim to grow commercial opportunities while supporting the scientific process. Both inventors and BC Cancer benefit from commercialization.

When we discover breakthrough technologies, we support researchers in creating start-up companies.

Universities, hospitals and companies all help turn ideas into new products and services. Technology transfer offices make this possible through:

  • Licensing agreements
  • Joint ventures
  • Start-up companies
Since the 1980s, BC Cancer has developed patents, licences and spin-off companies. In 1998, BC Cancer recognized the need for a coordinated approach. This led to the creation of the Technology Development Office.

Who we are

​​Sarah Jane Lee, MBA, BSc 

Director 

sjlee@bccancer.bc.ca​

Sarah leads the identification and evaluation of intellectual property with commercial potential. She also helps develop business models to bring discoveries to market.

She holds a BSc from UBC and an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan. She also advises early-stage companies and mentors entrepreneurs. 

James Schlosser, MSc 

Senior Manager, Business Development & Contracts

jschlosser@bccancer.bc.ca

James manages partnerships, contracts and business development. He has a BSc from the University of Victoria and an MSc from Brock University. He has  experience in both research and industry.​

Other staff

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