UC Innovation

Most UC innovations require alliances outside of the lab and classroom to make tangible results publicly available. This is can involve some or all of the following activities:

• Identify opportunities: Researchers and lab directors can, with the help of campus technology licensing staff and commercial partners, survey and mine the scientific capabilities and intellectual property residing in UC laboratories so as to identify those that can be translated into products and services of value.
• De-risk technology: Most inventions, even patented ones, require further evaluation, data gathering, proof-of-concept studies, or prototypes to demonstrate commercial potential.
• Plan a business and raise finances: UC startups must develop an entrepreneurial team, do market research to form a business plan, and secure investments.
• Support business incubation: UC startups and nascent business spin-offs need support through the early stages of their creation and growth.
• Market the technology: Campus licensing staff market research and intellectual property to identify potential licensees and/or sponsors who can support patent costs and the technology development required to bring research to market.
• Make early-stage investments: Most technologies require early-stage (proof-of-concept) funding and venture financing