Office of Research & Development |
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An official website of the United States government
The VA Technology Transfer Assistance Program (TTAP), established in 2018 by the VA Technology Transfer Program (VA TTP), accelerates the transition of VA discoveries into the public domain. By supporting the development of functional prototypes and offering commercialization guidance, TTAP ensures that innovative solutions reach Veterans and the broader community more efficiently. The program is built on a Veteran-centric philosophy, placing the needs and experiences of service members and Veterans at the forefront of its mission. Using an outcome-driven, experience-based design process, TTAP develops and translates cutting-edge devices and methodologies tailored to the unique needs of Veterans. Serving as a bridge between VA researchers and market-ready prototypes, the program streamlines regulatory compliance and coordinates with contract manufacturers to facilitate efficient clinical testing. By disseminating these advancements throughout the VA system, TTAP delivers practical, commercially viable solutions that enhance care and support for Veterans.
Contact your VA TTP Technology Transfer Specialist on how to collaborate with a TTAP site.
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Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) Pittsburgh, PA |
HERL is a pioneering partnership between the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh, focused on enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities. By leveraging advanced engineering, clinical research, and medical rehabilitation, HERL creates innovative, user-centered solutions that address real-world challenges. The team at HERL comprises skilled engineers supported by advanced fabrication and testing facilities, enabling a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation engineering. Engaging in all phases of the research cycle, HERL conducts in-depth studies and develops high-quality, medical-grade products in its state-of-the-art machine shop. This unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application fosters an environment where individuals with disabilities can actively participate in developing solutions that directly impact their lives. |
Rehabilitation & Engineering Center for Optimizing Veteran Engagement & Reintegration Minneapolis, MN |
RECOVER is committed to empowering Veterans to participate fully in vital life roles and activities. The program advances this mission by developing, evaluating, and translating effective rehabilitation interventions and technologies into clinical practice. RECOVER primarily serves two groups: Veterans with lower-limb amputations and those with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCID), both of whom require extensive rehabilitation support throughout recovery and life transitions. Recognizing the high demand for healthcare among these populations, RECOVER focuses on fostering optimal recovery and enabling Veterans to lead meaningful, engaged lives. The initiative prioritizes identifying participation barriers and facilitators, managing pain and secondary complications, and supporting aging Veterans so they can maintain independence and continue to thrive in their communities. Most TTAP engineers contribute to RECOVER’s research mission while also leveraging their specialized skills to develop innovative prototypes that enhance the lives of Veterans, caregivers, and clinicians. |
VA Engineering Health Innovations: Cleveland Cleveland, OH |
VehiCLE is a team of engineers dedicated to bringing VA technologies to the private sector through licensing and national VA system distribution. They fabricate high-quality functional prototypes, perform design and cost analyses, and develop key technical documentation, including detailed drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and design history files (DHF). Based at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, VehiCLE partners with Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University, leveraging their advanced makerspace and fabrication facilities. VehiCLE assists VA Technology Transfer Programs (TTP) and VA innovators in advancing technologies with a focus on manufacturability—emphasizing ease of fabrication, reduced weight, simplified assembly, and lower costs. |