Technology Commercialization

University of Minnesota Technology Commercialization facilitates the transfer of University technology and ideas to licensee companies--both established and startup--for the development of new products and services that benefit the public good, foster economic growth, and generate revenue to support the University's mission.

The University holds 900 patents and 1,800 current licenses for UMN technology in medicine and health, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, agriculture, and other fields important to society and the economy. Since 2006, the University has spun out more than 130 startup companies.

What We Do

We advance technology transfer and business partnerships in a variety of ways:

• Express licenses available online
• Fast-track opportunity licenses for early-stage technologies
• Negotiated, exclusive, and nonexclusive license agreements
• Sponsored research agreements (MN-IP)
• University startup companies (Venture Center and Discovery Launchpad)

Our staff have significant industry knowledge and experience in:

• Agriculture & Horticulture
• Creative Works
• Engineering & Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Software & Information Technology
• Venture Center (startups)

Annual Reports

• 2018 Annual Report on Technology Commercialization
• 2017 Annual Report on Technology Commercialization
• 2016 Annual Report on Technology Commercialization
• 2015 Annual Report on Technology Commercialization

Guide to Technology Commercialization

Download a guide to tech transfer at the U.