Discoveries that Dare. Ventures that Endure.
The Liftoff License is a structured, exclusive agreement available to faculty-led startups that successfully complete the Ignite Option milestones.
Designed for early-stage commercialization, it offers startup-friendly terms with deferred financial obligations and equity-based consideration, reducing up-front barriers while aligning long-term interests. Patent reimbursement is spread over time, and royalty rates scale modestly with revenue growth. Terms are standardized by industry—ranging from medical devices to software and agriculture—helping streamline negotiations and accelerate market entry.
While therapeutics follow a customized licensing path due to extended development cycles, all eligible startups benefit from continued access to Venture Center resources and investor support through Discovery Capital.
Liftoff Countdown Requirements (Required):
- Ignite Option Milestones: To transition from the Ignite Option to the Liftoff License, startups must successfully complete key commercialization milestones, including customer validation, legal formation, technical progress, funding acquisition, and a clear go-to-market strategy. These achievements demonstrate readiness for full licensing and early-stage growth—unlocking access to UMN’s structured, startup-friendly Liftoff terms.
Liftoff License Key Features:
- Exclusive License Access: Available to startups that complete the Ignite Option or equivalent milestones, with structured, startup-friendly terms.
- Deferred Financial Obligations: Reduced upfront costs; payments are tied to revenue and funding milestones, easing early cash strain.
- Equity-Based Consideration: UMN may accept equity in lieu of large upfront fees, aligning long-term interests between the university and startup.
- Patent Reimbursement Plan: U.S. patent expenses are reimbursed over two years, with extensions possible based on capital raised; international costs paid as incurred.
- Royalty & Revenue Sharing: Industry-customized royalty rates based on cumulative revenue, with pre- and post-Series A sublicensing terms.
- Streamlined Negotiations: Terms are pre-set based on the startup’s sector—removing negotiation delays and ensuring clarity.
- Continued Resource Access: Liftoff Licensees retain access to Venture Center tools, funding programs, mentorship networks, and investor matchmaking via Discovery Capital.
Access startup tools, grants, incubators, and mentorship through the Venture Center, Discovery Launchpad, and programs like MIN-Corps, Discovery Capital, and I-Corps.