Technology Licensing Office Unclaimed

Empowers researchers with market insights to enhance research impact and secure funding.

Facilitates timely disclosure to protect innovations and initiate commercialization.

Facilitates effective IP protection strategies for researchers and innovators.

Enhance grant applications and commercialization strategies with comprehensive market insights.

Accelerate market readiness of research innovations through mentorship and customer discovery.

Seed funding for University of Utah researchers to test innovative ideas and gather preliminary data.

Provides funding to bridge the gap between research and market-ready innovations.

Supports faculty in obtaining competitive SBIR/STTR grants for commercialization.

Accelerate your innovation with specialized resources and mentorship at University incubators.

Streamlines licensing management for ease of communication with the Technology Licensing Office.

Enables faculty to manage their inventions and collaborate effectively through a centralized platform.

Capabilities that manage invention disclosure, licensing, industry partnership formation, and commercialization pathways to move university research into licensed products or startups.

Strategic IP procurement, prosecution, registration, enforcement and licensing to protect patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets that underpin product and brand value.

Grant and microgrant programs providing seed and translational funding to de-risk technologies, support prototyping, and prepare teams for follow-on financing.

Capabilities for testing and scoring ideas, conducting market research, and assessing product-market fit and launch readiness.

Programs that provide early-stage ventures with structured mentorship, cohort-based programming, access to investors, and go-to-market support to accelerate company formation and growth.

Pathfinder Program

Pathfinder Program connects researchers with crucial market intelligence early in the research planning process, providing industry trend analysis to inform decision-making and strengthen funding applications.

• Gain Early Market Insights
  Empowers researchers with vital information to align their projects with industry demands and opportunities.
• Enhance Funding Proposals
  Improves the competitiveness of research funding applications by demonstrating market relevance and demand.
• Identify Emerging Trends
  Equips researchers with knowledge of current and future market dynamics, enabling them to pivot their research towards significant industry challenges.

Invention Disclosure Submission

Online form-based submission for inventor disclosures; a technology manager guides next steps to protect IP.

• Ensures Intellectual Property Security
  By ensuring early and thorough disclosures, the service safeguards inventors' rights and compliance, mitigating the risk of losing patent rights.
• Streamlines Disclosure Process
  The online platform simplifies the submission process, allowing inventors to disclose innovations efficiently while ensuring legal readiness.
• Protects Sensitive Information
  The confidentiality of disclosed information is maintained, ensuring that inventors' sensitive data is protected during the submission process.
• Provides Expert Commercialization Support
  Each submission is paired with a technology manager who assists inventors in navigating the commercialization landscape effectively.

IP Protection Guidance

Guidance on IP protection, including evaluation of patentability and assistance with patent filings. The Technology Licensing Office provides critical support in navigating patent processes and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

• Assess Patentability and Market Fit
  Attorneys analyze innovations to determine patentability and advise on market potential, enhancing strategy for commercialization.
• Streamline Patent Applications
  Expert assistance in preparing necessary documentation and guiding through the patent application process, ensuring timely submissions.
• Ensure Cohesion in Commercialization
  Integrate IP strategies into broader commercialization plans for maximized impact and efficiency in project development.
• Facilitate Early Disclosure
  Promotes timely disclosure strategies to protect IP while ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements.
• Maintain Comprehensive Records
  Ensure that all intellectual property records are up-to-date and easily accessible to support compliance and operational efficiency.

Market Research Guide

Guides researchers through market validation steps to strengthen grant proposals and commercialization plans.

• Identify Market Needs
  Clearly demonstrating market needs adds credibility and attractiveness to your proposals.
• Define Customer Profiles
  A clear definition of target customers enhances market entry strategies and proposal strength.
• Strengthen Grant Applications
  Supporting commercial validation in proposals increases the chances of funding and stakeholder buy-in.
• Estimate Market Potential
  Providing a clear analysis of market size helps in understanding the commercial viability of the project.
• Follow Structured Approaches
  Detailed guidance on key steps ensures comprehensive market research and thorough preparation.
• Access Recommended Sources
  Guidance on research sources ensures thorough market analysis and informed decision-making.

I-Corps Program

NSF I-Corps program helps reduce time and risk in bringing innovations to market through structured customer discovery and mentorship.

• Offers Funding Opportunities
  Unlock financing avenues through potential grants that enhance the viability of your project.
• Conduct Market Validation
  Engage in systematic customer discovery to evaluate market viability and refine your product concept.
• Gain Expert Guidance
  Receive continuous support from experienced mentors who guide you through the commercialization process.
• Accelerate Time to Market
  Utilize proven methodologies to expedite the transition from research to real-world application, minimizing risk.
• Access Tailored Learning Paths
  Choose from different tracks based on your current stage and goals for tailored insights and strategies.

Tech Discovery MicroGrants

The Tech Discovery MicroGrants program provides seed funding for researchers at the University of Utah to explore innovative ideas and gather preliminary data for larger grants. With a unique 1:1:1 matching model, contributions from the TLO, department, and college ensure essential support for proof-of-concept studies and exploratory research. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000, with total funding up to $30,000 available.

• Provides Initial Funding
  This funding allows researchers to conduct proof-of-concept experiments, technology development, or pilot studies quickly.
• Collects Essential Data
  Researchers can obtain critical data necessary for validating hypotheses and methodologies before submitting larger proposals.
• Facilitates Larger Grants
  This support helps researchers structure their proposals for significant grant applications, enhancing their chances of funding.
• Maximizes Financial Support
  The matching approach increases total support for projects, enabling broader and deeper research initiatives.

Ascender Grants

The Ascender Grant program provides substantial funding to help University of Utah researchers bridge the critical gap between research discoveries and market-ready innovations. Designed for technologies with strong commercial potential, it supports activities like prototype development, market validation, and scalability testing.

• Offers Substantial Funding
  The program awarded 17 grants totaling $1.6 million in fiscal year 2025, aimed at preparing innovations for licensing and attracting investment.
• Facilitates Prototype Development
  Funding covers activities essential for turning research ideas into viable prototypes.
• Enables Market Research
  Helps researchers understand market opportunities and competitive analysis to enhance commercial viability.
• Strengthens IP Protection
  Funding for activities that evaluate and strengthen intellectual property for commercialization.

SBIR/STTR Grants

SBIR/STTR Programs offer vital grants for small businesses, fueling high-risk research to transform lab breakthroughs into impactful commercial products. The Technology Licensing Office assists researchers with application support.

• Get Expert Help
  Receive guidance from TLO professionals to enhance your application and increase chances of grant approval.
• Access Competitive Grants
  Provides crucial funding sources for small businesses aiming to develop and commercialize new technologies.
• Transform Research
  Bridges the gap between academic research and real-world applications to create impactful innovations.
• Stay Compliant
  Ensures adherence to federal regulations, protecting both the university and grant recipients.

University Incubators

Access to specialized incubators and accelerators at the University of Utah, providing targeted resources and mentorship. These programs help develop promising technologies and support startups through various stages of commercialization.

• Gain Access To Expert Resources
  These incubators offer vital resources to help design and develop technologies ready for the market.
• Receive Expert Mentorship
  Connect with experienced mentors who guide you through the commercialization process, ensuring you’re well-prepared for market entry.
• Utilize Tailored Expertise
  Expertise designed specifically for your technology area, optimizing your development process and increasing the chances of success.
• Accelerate Licensing Process
  Reduce negotiation time and legal costs, allowing you to focus on product development instead of complex licensing negotiations.

Licensee Portal

Portal for licensees to manage licensing workflows and communications with the Technology Licensing Office.

• Access All Licensing Details
  Licensors can easily track the status of their licenses and manage associated documents.
• Manage Licensing Workflows
  Users can efficiently navigate through licensing processes and documentation directly within the portal.
• Receive Instant Updates
  Users stay informed of any changes or actions required in their licensing processes.
• Communicate Securely
  Licensees can message TLO staff securely, ensuring privacy and prompt responses.
• Submit Documents Efficiently
  Facilitates the straightforward submission of vital documents required for licensing activities.

Faculty Portal

Portal for faculty/inventors to access disclosures, licensing workflows, and collaboration tools.

• Manage Invention Disclosures
  Streamline the process of submitting and managing invention disclosures to ensure all relevant information is easily accessible.
• Access Disclosures and Workflows
  Facilitates seamless navigation through licensing workflows and disclosure management, enabling effective progress tracking and adaptation.
• Access Licensing Tools
  Empowers faculty and inventors by providing essential tools for navigating the licensing process and fostering successful collaborations.