Discoveries that Dare. Ventures that Endure.
UMN’s Startup Launch Protocol gives University of Minnesota faculty-led startups a fast track to licensing groundbreaking innovations, backed by the resources and structure needed to turn bold ideas into lasting impact.
The program consists of two components:
Ignite Option: A flexible-term option (1–3 years) designed to provide startups with the early access and time needed to explore and begin building a viable business with University innovations. This option enables startups to conduct internal development, technical validation, and continue customer discovery before committing to a full license.
- Liftoff License: An exclusive license available to startups that have successfully met the required milestones from the Ignite Option or have otherwise completed equivalent conversion milestones, including business planning and legal formation. It provides a structured, startup-friendly agreement with pre-set business terms designed to support the success of early-stage commercialization.
Industry standard license terms based on your innovation’s domain:
Sector | License Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Devices | Startups focused on developing, manufacturing, or commercializing medical technologies, including diagnostic devices, therapeutic instruments, surgical tools, implantable devices, and digital health solutions. |
| Physical Sciences/Engineering | Startups leveraging innovations in materials science, electronics, energy systems, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or mechanical and electrical engineering. |
| Software | Startups focused on the development and commercialization of software-based innovations, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data analytics, SaaS platforms, and enterprise or consumer applications. |
| Agriculture Technology | Startups advancing innovations in crop sciences, animal health, precision agriculture, sustainable farming, food technology, and agricultural biotechnology. |
| Small Business or Non-profit | A limited growth company or Non-Profit organization expected to not exceed a team of 1 to 10 individuals. These organizations are typically service-oriented, niche product providers, or specialized consulting firms that commercialize UMN innovations. |
| Pharma/Biotech | Excluded from the program because their path to commercialization involves far longer timelines, significantly higher capital needs, and more complex regulatory demands than other sectors. Talk to our licensing team for more information. |
Access startup tools, grants, incubators, and mentorship through the Venture Center, Discovery Launchpad, and programs like MIN-Corps, Discovery Capital, and I-Corps.