Overview
How to Start a Company with UW Technology
Talent and Technology Lab Tours
Technology Access Program
Hiring a Consultant From the UW
Company starts are one way to achieve the development and commercialization of innovations and discoveries made at the UW. New startup ventures can contribute to economic development in Washington state and may provide opportunities for interested faculty and students to participate in the further development and commercialization of an innovation.
For companies or individuals interested in starting a company with UW technology:
Once a UW technology has been selected or identified and the appropriate UW TechTransfer manager has been contacted, the company or individual interested in starting a business must provide UW TechTransfer with a business plan that represents a realistic expectation of the business opportunity and their plans to develop the licensed innovation. In some cases it will be appropriate for UW TechTransfer to enter into a time-limited option to the innovation that will preserve the ability to obtain a license and will allow the company or individuals sufficient time to complete an acceptable business plan. Consideration for entering into this option will vary based on the stage of development of the innovation and the perceived opportunity.
It is important to note that the University will not enter into any agreement in which equity is the only form of consideration for granting the license. UW TechTransfer expects that any license will also include a royalty stream for net sales of product and other forms of consideration, which may include the reimbursement of patents costs, if any, milestone payments, and minimum royalties. Any equity that the University accepts as consideration for granting the rights must represent a fair value for the technology being transferred.
The University and licensee will work together to identify appropriate diligence requirements, which assist the University in demonstrating that the technology will be commercialized in the public’s interest.
The University may have obligations to other parties, or may be continuing research and development of the technology itself. The ongoing relationship between the University and licensee, including access to licensee’s improvements, and/or sponsored research, will be part of any negotiation.
Acceptance of equity
To facilitate company creation and to help early-stage companies conserve funds, UW is willing to accept equity in a transaction for a company start when it is considered appropriate. The decision to accept equity will be based on the business judgment of UW TechTransfer, and what is considered to be the most appropriate means to develop and commercialize the innovation.
UW employee involvement
UW TechTransfer will not negotiate license terms directly with a UW employee. UW employees who wish to participate in the founding of a company should expect to have a business partner, advisor, or an attorney negotiate any agreements with UW TechTransfer.
Any UW employee who plans to be involved with the company must have this proposed activity reviewed and approved through the University. The nature of the review and approval process depends on the nature and extent of the employee's involvement. The University’s Office of Research reviews all licenses to or grants from a company in which a UW employee has or anticipates a significant financial interest.
Click here for the Significant Financial Interest (GIM10) Policy and Form.
Consulting
Employees who wish to consult for the company must also have University approval. The Vice Provost for Research reviews all faculty requests. Click here for more information about consulting.
Supervisors and unit chairs review requests from classified and professional staff. Click here for more information on the policy and link to the necessary forms.
If you are interested in starting a company using UW technology, please contact UW TechTransfer for further discussion.
Interested in working with UW TechTransfer to launch a startup or mentor an enterpreneurial academic researcher? Learn about our LaunchPad Initiative.
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