University Tech Transfer: Have I Got A Business Idea For You

The University of Minnesota plays in the big leagues of technology transfer. Over the years, the state’s flagship institution of higher learning has patented hundreds of inventions by its researchers and licensed their use to companies across the continent and around the world. In 2006, the university pulled in $56.2 million in licensing fees and royalties, placing it fourth among U.S. universities ranked by licensing income.

But for all its success, the university believes that it can do even better at converting scientific discovery into intellectual property that can be patented and licensed to private enterprise. Over the past two years, the university has revamped its tech transfer operations in a bid to boost the commercial potential of patents and licenses, and to launch more startup firms.

Phil Davies
Senior Writer

Full Story: http://www.minneapolisfed.org/pubs/fedgaz/08-05/cover.cfm

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The Few, The Risky

Should universities invest resources in creating startups to exploit licensed technology?

Phil Davies
Senior Writer

Full Story: http://www.minneapolisfed.org/pubs/fedgaz/08-05/few.cfm

(Many thanks to the NASVF http://www.nasvf.org for passing along these stories. Russ)