Technology commercialization initiative:
   In this on-going effort at the Thomas Walter Center Dr. Swamidass directs a cross-functional team of graduate and undergraduate students engaged in commercializing Auburn University’s patented technologies from the College of Engineering. Investigations include technology evaluation, market research, identification of potential licensees and development partners, scaling-up technologies for commercial production, pilot plant development, estimation of cost of operations, cash flow analysis, business plan development, and contacts with the business community to market AU technologies. Over 50 technologies evaluated at the Center.
New startup:
   The commercialization initiative of the Center has enabled the licensing of a chemical engineering process invented at the university. It has resulted in the formation of Modular Carpet Recycling, Inc. (MCR), a new startup business to exploit an Auburn University technology to recover nylon from used carpets. This business was incorporated in June 2007. The recycling plants will keep waste carpet from going to landfills and produce 99+% pure nylon; this green technology will reduce the need for crude oil which is the raw material for virgin nylon. About 5 billion pounds of waste carpets are sent to landfills each year. The company has raised about $3 million in private capital (fully subscribed).
Business-Engineering-Technology (BET) minor:
   Dr. Swamidass directs the BET program for selected students majoring in business and engineering. A total of eight different professors from the colleges of business and engineering teach custom designed courses in this minor, which was first offered in 2001. The theme of the program is "Launching New Products Through cross-functional Teamwork." This is a four-semester, 16 semester-hour minor that complements all majors in the colleges of business and engineering at Auburn University. Student teams learn to develop new products and business plans. Selected Auburn University student teams work with team members in the University of Plymouth, UK, or in the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India.