When a UT researcher has a personal financial interest or association with a company that aims to further develop and commercialize their UT-owned technology, there can be a perceived or actual conflict of interest. The Office of Research Support and Compliance helps researchers address personal, financial conflict(s) of interest related to their research activities, through the implementation of financial conflict of interest management strategies.

The Office of Technology Commercialization has an expert team dedicated to helping interested parties find the best UT technologies for their specific needs. Through utilization of a powerful web-based search tool, or connecting one-on-one with a team member, we can provide a tailored list of available UT intellectual property. Our team works with potential partners to transfer university technology or discoveries to the marketplace for the benefit of society.

The Find Funding page on the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors is a clearinghouse of internal and external research funding opportunities available to UT Austin researchers. The Find Funding page includes links to searchable databases containing funding opportunities in the Innovation and Economic Impact space applicable for innovators.

The Forty Acres Founders Pre-Accelerator Program at the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center offers undergraduate student founders the opportunity to study potential customers, improve their product, establish product-market fit, and position their product for success within the marketplace. Students will learn to vet their ideas, develop skills for researching and understanding customer needs, and develop tools for building a product/service that appropriately fits a market need.

The Foundation Relations team is here to assist faculty in identifying potential foundation funding sources for their research, programs, and projects, as well as developing strategies to approach funders. Office Hours are held every Thursday to give UT faculty the opportunity to meet with one of our gift officers to discuss their projects and potential funding avenues. Faculty are encouraged to use the ‘request a meeting’ form on our website to efficiently engage with our team.

The Foundry provides access to makerspace equipment such as 3d printers, a laser cutter, mills, a VR headset, and a recording studio. The Foundry is designed to train and service entry-level makers. Students can join the Canvas course to learn more about how to get certified on the equipment. The Foundry cannot support large events or classes as equipment is limited.

The Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) engages first-year students in real-world research experiences with UT faculty and scientists. Each year, more than 1000 undergraduates explore unanswered questions in STEM fields to uncover new knowledge and develop innovative technologies in 30 faculty-led research groups. FRI has become a national model for science education, as students are more likely to complete STEM degrees and graduate better prepared to pursue advanced degrees or industry jobs.

Nine-month program for 2-3 recent graduates to discover an entrepreneurial opportunity in an industry of their choice and explore potential solutions with the goal of launching a venture. Each GY Founder receives a $15,000 stipend and $10,000 budget for travel and material expenses.

Genesis is a student-alumni partnership with over $1.8 million to distribute to student-founded companies through non-dilutive grants, along with the time and talent of our diverse and entrepreneurial leadership team. Genesis has helped founders develop their businesses, build their products, generate their first revenue, recruit cofounders and early employees, brainstorm ideas, and raise future funding from top investors. All students can apply for funding and mentorship.

The George Kozmetsky Memorial Student Challenge is an interdisciplinary program that links students from any major/or year in teams to address relevant community problems. The program begins each Fall and generally engages 150 students across the campus. Teams are given problems, research possible solutions, and submit presentations. Top 10 presentations pitch to judges and $15K in prize monies are presented to top solutions. Solutions are shared with communities.