Supporting Innovation for All KU

We provide KU with a robust technology commercialization infrastructure, supporting innovations from our entire research community. We leverage KU’s unique assets, the innovation ecosystem and existing talent for the benefit of all KU, our stakeholders, and the greater community.

KUCTC envisions itself as the organization within KU capable of serving as its innovation “connective tissue,” combining its alignment with research activities and possessing a deep understanding of IP and commercial value. We produce creative and responsible licensing, leading to new product creation and positive societal impact.

We are a "one university" office serving researchers at all KU campuses. We add value to all KU by:

• Identifying, reviewing and protecting intellectual property resulting from research.
• Negotiating licenses for KU intellectual property.
• Collaborating with innovation ecosystem partners to support startup endeavors and industry engagement.

Our goals are to identify promising technologies and seek intellectual property (IP) protection for those inventions which can potentially benefit the public. 

We help find or support the creation of a commercial partner to take those invention to market. Not every invention can be protected, and the costs of pursuing protection is high. KU works to make informed and transparent decisions that balance the investment risks associated with IP protection, prosecution and the path toward impact. Additionally, our team works to ensure all legal and commercial documentation is handled with appropriate care. 

While the role of KUCTC is important in the commercialization process, we do not operate alone. We are a part of a rich ecosystem which includes our colleagues at KU Innovation Park, Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, Industry Engagement, and more.

In addition to IP and patent protection, we conduct many other activities that add value, such as:

• Educating our research community about commercialization and intellectual property.
• Marketing KU intellectual property to potential partners.
• Ensuring compliance with federal and sponsor guidelines concerning intellectual property.
• Monitoring licenses and other agreements for compliance.
• Collaborating with other research offices at KU and KUMC, including sponsored research and conflicts of interest.
• Partnering with other KU organizations to assist in accelerating technology development and new venture creation.