Skip to main content
University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships

Innovation Partnerships Startup Licensing Practices

We are committed to being the most startup-friendly technology commercialization office in the country. Our goal is to minimize the friction for entrepreneurs to launch and grow startups resulting from U-M research activity.

The following are some general frameworks for our approach to startup licensing. In all cases, though, we can be flexible to accommodate your startup’s situation.

What type of startup?

SOFTWARE
HARDWARE & DEVICE
THERAPEUTIC OR DIAGNOSTIC
OTHER

Our Approach

Our primary mission in launching and licensing startups based on U-M research is to streamline the flow of U-M research discoveries into the hands of experienced entrepreneurs and investors. A fair, transparent licensing process increases the likelihood that a U-M research discovery will reach the market and improve the world. Startups based on U-M research discoveries create jobs (for U-M students and others), create research funding for U-M laboratories, create brand recognition for the groundbreaking research performed at U-M, and create and attract seasoned entrepreneurial talent.

We recognize that different technologies, business models, and investment profiles require different approaches to the economic terms in startup licenses. The following are some general frameworks for our approach to startup licenses. In all cases, though, we can be flexible to accommodate the realities of the startup’s situation.

Learn more specifically about our Negotiation Principles for discussing our licenses with entrepreneurs or investors.

Other Information

Option AgreementsAdditional Startup Support