Technology and Innovation

Innovation occurs when ideas are put to use in a manner that improves the way something works – whether that’s a service, process, or product. The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) was established within the Office of the Associate Director for Science (OADS) to foster innovative science and support the transition of results into practice by the most effective means.

The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI)

• Encourages, fosters, and develops innovative science, technologies, processes, and policies that support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Provides leadership, coordination, and support for technology transfer and innovation in CDC science that will enhance the agency’s ability to protect and promote the health of the public
• Supports scientific outreach, training, and collaboration in research and development activities that advance CDC’s mission and engage other agencies, global partners, academia, innovators, and consumers

There are several functional areas of OTI:

• The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) supports and facilitates technology development and transfer activities for CDC. TTO staff work closely with a variety of partners including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CDC investigators, and outside collaborators to facilitate commercialization efforts to benefit public health.
• The Innovation Lab (I-Lab) promotes the testing and implementation of innovative ideas to advance public health across the agency through a variety of programs and activities. The I-Lab provides training and support for innovation and entrepreneurship among staff and works to cultivate creativity in the CDC Community.

To contact the Office of Technology and Innovation, call (404) 639-1330 or send an email to OTI@cdc.gov.