Our job is to help your commercialize your technology.  The easiest way to get started is to contact us so we can better understand what you are working on. We encourage you to contact us during your early research activities to be aware of the options that will best leverage the commercial potential of your research.

The staff is trained to assist you with questions related to marketability, funding sources, commercial partners, patenting and other protection methods, new business startup considerations, university policies and procedures and much more. Our team approach provides you with access to specialized support such as a new business development specialist.

The typical steps in the commercialization process include:

Research

The commercialization process begins when a discovery emerges from research.  We offer assistance both prior to and after the research discovery.

Invention Disclosure

Submitting an Invention Disclosure to TCS is the first step to formally document your invention with our office.  This is a confidential document which fully details your invention so that we can evaluate options for commercialization.

Assessment

TCS will assess your invention for its commercial potential by evaluating its technical strength, market potential, and patentability. We will also consider whether a prototype exists or proof of principle experiments are complete, as well as whether a potential commercial partner has already been identified or has expressed interest.

Protection

We want to protect the rights of those who create IP.  Based on a thorough assessment, we will determine if patent protection is possible and appropriate.  If we believe your invention has commercial potential, we will file a patent application with the U.S. Patent Office.

Marketing

TCS will work with you to determine whether to try to license the invention to an existing company or help start a new venture to commercialize the technology.  If we seek a licensing partner, TCS will work with you to identify and contact potential commercial partners and market the technology.

Licensing

A licensee is chosen based on its ability to commercialize the technology for the benefit of the general public. Sometimes an established company with experience in similar technologies and markets is the best choice. In other cases, the focus and intensity of a startup company is a better option.  Once a licensee has been identified, TCS will negotiate any necessary agreements with third parties.

Commercialization

The licensee continues the advancement of the technology and often makes business investments to further develop the product or service. This could include further development, obtaining regulatory approvals, additional sales and marketing support, training, or other activities.

Reinvestment

Licensing revenues received by UConn are distributed to inventors as well as their academic units.  These revenues fund additional research and education and encourage further participation in the technology commercialization process.