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 UT System Board of Regents Rule 90101: Intellectual Property provides guidance on timely and efficient processes to manage intellectual property. These fundamental principles are intended to be adaptable to the highly varied circumstances that characterize the private sector and the portfolio of research at UT System institutions.

The Office of Industry Engagement (OIE) negotiates all contracts related to private industry research funding. OIE endeavors to streamline negotiations to better accommodate industry financial cycles and assist UT faculty in their collaborative efforts with industry partners. OIE focuses on flexible engagements and expedited contractual negotiations, through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and with support from the Office of Technology Commercialization.

The Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) is the only organization on campus authorized to manage university-owned IP (trademarks excepted). The OTC works with researchers to define the technology, assess its development stage, strategize potentially valuable patent claims, and as necessary, file patents to protect the IP in advance of publication. The OTC also supports technologies that are not patentable, such as software and copyrighted works that may be commercialized via license.

Interested in SBIR/STTR funding but not sure where to begin? Writing your proposal and looking for expert guidance? On-demand webinars about SBIR/STTR programs and agency proposal requirements are available to the UT Austin community at no cost through our collaboration with BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting.

The Office of Technology Commercialization helps UT researchers monetize software and creative content they develop while at the university. The Office of Technology Commercialization can help researchers find the optimal license type and distribution strategy for such work, which includes open sourcing. The Office of Technology Commercialization also helps with finding commercialization partners, negotiating licenses, and supporting startups.