Advancing Research Toward Impact
TCO manages multiple pathways to move University innovations toward real‑world application. Commercialization activities are designed to encourage adoption by organizations capable of advancing development, meeting regulatory or market requirements, and delivering societal benefit.
Potential partners may include established companies, small and medium‑sized enterprises, or newly formed ventures, depending on the nature of the innovation. TCO evaluates organizations based on their ability to further develop, test, scale, and deploy University technologies responsibly.
TCO focuses on aligning innovation with the most appropriate commercialization strategy.
Commercialization strategies may include:
- Licensing to established companies
- Sponsored research or option agreements
- Startup formation
- Open innovation or non‑exclusive dissemination
- Strategic partnerships and collaborative development
TCO will work with you to determine the best pathway depending on the technology, market timing, competitive landscape, and development requirements.
Overview: Technology Transfer Process
The process begins with submission of an Invention Disclosure Form. The disclosure documents:
- The innovation and its technical basis
- Potential applications and users
- Development stage and existing data
- Contributors and applicable funding sources
- Publications or public disclosure timelines, if applicable
Submission enables an initial assessment and establishes a record of the innovation. See Disclose page for more information.
Following disclosure, TCO conducts an initial assessment that may include:
- Review of relevant prior art and existing technologies
- Consideration of market need, competitive positioning, and adoption barriers
- Evaluation of development stage and technology readiness
- Review of IP ownership and sponsor obligations
To support objective decision‑making, TCO may use a third‑party firm to assess market interest, commercial potential, or competitive dynamics. These assessments help inform IP strategy, partner outreach, and licensing pathways.
Based on the previous assessment, TCO determines if and when to pursue appropriate IP protection. Protection is used strategically to support the commercialization and adoption of an innovation. Depending on the nature of the innovation and the market opportunity, protection strategies may include:
- Copyrights
- Patents
- Trademarks
- Trade secrets
- Data rights and proprietary know‑how
Not all innovations require formal patent protection to achieve impact or market success. See Patent page for more information.
TCO helps identify and engage with potential partners capable of advancing the innovation. This includes:
- Directly engaging with industry for market need and customer discovery
- Leveraging existing research or corporate relationships
- Supporting startup formation when appropriate
Partners are evaluated for technical capability, market access, and alignment with long‑term success.
All prospective licensees are required to complete a [Licensing Application] prior to entering into a license agreement. The application supports a consistent, transparent licensing process and allows TCO to:
- Evaluate commercial readiness and development plans
- Assess organizational capability and resources
- Confirm strategic and policy alignment
- Ensure responsible stewardship of university innovations
Completion of the application is required for consideration as a licensing partner.
When a suitable commercial partner is identified, TCO negotiates and executes agreements that allow the partner to further develop and deploy the innovation. These agreements are structured to ensure responsible stewardship of University-owned technologies and continued progress toward real‑world impact.
After an agreement is in place, TCO monitors compliance and progress in accordance with University policies and contractual terms.
Additional Considerations
It is important to note that commercialization timelines vary widely by technology and sector. Further research or development may be necessary before an innovation is ready for external partnership. Some disclosures may not progress beyond the assessment stage; in such cases, TCO may provide feedback or suggest future development opportunities.