Frequently Asked Questions
How are start-up companies created based on UConn technology?
Do you have a formal incubator?
What percentage of your technology licenses go to start-ups?
What policies govern faculty members involved with start-up ventures?
Do you write or help to write business plans?
Does UConn take equity as part of a licensing deal?
I am thinking of starting a company based on the intellectual property
developed here at UConn. How do I begin this process?
Why can’t I just commercialize my invention myself?
What does UConn R & D look for in a business opportunity?
How are start-up companies created based on UConn technology?
There are two ways companies are started at UConn based on University
technology.
First, a professor can start a company themselves and license their
intellectual property to the company. Over the last five years 4 companies
have been started this way.
The second way is for UConn R & D to initiate a start-up company and
bring the process together. Historically, UConn R & D has started 3
companies this way and two are currently in the development process.
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Do you have a formal incubator?
Yes, the University has a Technology Incubator Program on two campuses:
Storrs and the Health Center campus in Farmington. Additional space is being
considered at the Avery Point campus. More information on the incubator
program at UConn is available at the
Technology Incubator
Program web site.
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What percentage of your technology licenses go to start-ups?
Most technologies are best suited to being licensed to an established
company. Those technologies that can support a product line are rare. Out of
87 options and licenses signed, 11 have been licensed to UConn start-ups.
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What policies govern faculty members involved with start-up ventures?
University policies for faculty inventors are outlined on the
Center for
Science and Technology Commercialization (CSTC) web site.
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Do you write or help to write business plans?
UConn R & D will write business plans for technology opportunities its
Board selects as potential start-up candidates. It will also assist in the
search for early stage capital and the selection of management.
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Does UConn take equity as part of a licensing deal?
Yes, in some cases the University will accept equity as part of the
licensing fee.
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I am thinking of starting a company based on the intellectual property
developed here at UConn. How do I begin this process?
To begin the process, submit an
invention
disclosure
to the Center for Science and Technology Commercialization (CSTC). Together,
UConn R & D and the CSTC will, with you, determine the next steps in the
process.
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Why can’t I just commercialize my invention myself?
All intellectual property developed by employees of the University is the
property of the University of Connecticut.
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What does UConn R & D look for in a business opportunity?
R & D Corp looks for the following when evaluating a business
opportunity:
- Overall venture concept well developed
- Clear definition of technology and protection strategy
- Development of timeline and milestones
- Market opportunity (and competitive landscape)
- Marketing, selling and distribution outline
- Management and team members
- Required resources – cash flow projections
- Expected results
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