KU Center for Technology Commercialization (KUCTC) wrapped up a transformative year. KUCTC supports KU and KU Med Center in activities related to intellectual property protection, licensing, and new venture creation. One of KUCTC’s locations is at KU Innovation Park’s main facility on West Campus, and they serve as important partners to the Park’s mission. The organization recently released its annual report for FY 2024. Here are a few of the highlights.
Innovation Surge
KUCTC reported a 14% increase in disclosures, with over 70 discoveries added to the commercialization pipeline. This is the first time KU’s tech transfer office has hit these numbers in five years, signaling significant growth.
Why it matters: More disclosures mean more potential innovations making their way into the market, driving KU’s role as a leader in research and development.
Startup Success
KUCTC helped launch six new startups, each leveraging KU’s research to build groundbreaking technologies. One such startup is Park company Zenoleap, which advances unique sensor technology for imaging and detection across multiple applications.
The bottom line: Startups are crucial to translating research into real-world solutions. These ventures show how KU’s research is driving entrepreneurial success.
Licensing Wins
KUCTC more than doubled its licensing and option agreements compared to FY23. This uptick highlights KUCTC’s faster and more effective negotiation processes. Each agreement brings KU innovations closer to market, sparking new relationships with industry partners ready to take products from the lab to the world.
Reinventing & Revitalizing
KUCTC restructured its team, adding three new licensing experts and a marketing associate to enhance support for innovators. They also overhauled their disclosure forms and are building and testing an online portal to simplify how innovators share ideas and discoveries.
Why it matters: Streamlining operations means KU’s researchers can focus on what they do best—innovating—while KUCTC handles the commercialization process more efficiently.
Strengthening Connections
Efforts to better connect with KU researchers and faculty paid off. KUCTC held department-level meetings, improved its website and increased opportunities for faculty recognition.
Worth noting: Building stronger relationships within the KU innovation ecosystem ensures researchers feel supported and informed throughout the commercialization journey.
Looking Ahead
With momentum from FY24, KUCTC is set to keep growing in 2025. Their goals? Reduce barriers for innovators, accelerate deals and continue improving their service to KU’s research community. KU’s innovation pipeline is stronger than ever, and KUCTC makes it easier for researchers to turn their ideas into impactful solutions.
Visit KUCTC’s website to learn more, meet the team and see the annual report.