When researchers at the University of Utah make a discovery with commercial potential, one of their first stops is the Technology Licensing Office (TLO). Working quietly behind the scenes, the TLO helps bridge the gap between lab-based innovation and real-world solutions.
“Our job is to make sure great ideas don’t just sit on a shelf,” says Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer at the U. “We work closely with faculty to protect intellectual property and create clear paths to licensing or startup creation.”
Each year, the TLO supports hundreds of invention disclosures, facilitates dozens of license agreements, and helps launch new companies based on university research. But beyond the metrics, the office plays a vital role in helping faculty translate discoveries into tools, therapies, and technologies that improve lives. For example, Recursion, a now $2+ billion therapeutics company, originally collaborated with the TLO in 2014 to spin out university research as a new startup. Recursion then received $ 1.46 million in funding through an SBIR grant, paving the way for their success.
The process typically starts with a conversation. “The best time to reach out is early,” says Hunter. “Even if you’re not sure whether your work is ready to be commercialized, we can help you think through next steps, funding opportunities, and protection strategies.”
It’s not just about patents—it’s about partnerships—and programs. As part of the Office of the Vice President for Research, the TLO connects inventors to a full range of commercialization resources, including NSF I-Corps, SBIR/STTR, the Ascender Grant for early-stage technology development, and customized Market Research Services. These offerings help researchers understand market fit, attract translational funding, and build strong commercialization strategies—ensuring promising ideas move confidently from prototype to product.
“What excites us most is seeing a researcher’s work take on a new life beyond the lab,” says Hunter. “That’s what technology transfer is all about.”
Each year, the University of Utah Innovation Awards celebrate the individuals and teams who make that transformation possible—recognizing outstanding contributions in commercialization, startup creation, and research impact.
🔗 Submit a nomination or learn more
As the U doubles down on its mission to turn research into impact, the TLO remains a key part of that strategy—quietly powering the breakthroughs that change the world.
📌 How to Engage with the TLO
Turning your discovery into real-world impact starts here.
- Submit an Invention Disclosure
Have a new discovery, method, or design? Start with a formal disclosure—your first step in protecting intellectual property.
🔗 Disclose your invention - Meet with a Licensing Manager
Not sure where to start? Schedule a conversation to explore your invention’s potential and the best path forward.
📧 Contact: tlo@utah.edu - Access Market Research Support
Gain insight into your technology’s commercial landscape with customized reports and competitive intelligence.
🔗 Explore Market Research Services - Apply for the Ascender Grant
Secure early-stage, milestone-driven funding to advance your technology toward licensing or startup readiness.
🔗 Learn about the Ascender Grant - Tap into Innovation Programs
Whether you’re exploring customer discovery or applying for federal funding, these programs can help:
NSF I-Corps: Learn more
SBIR/STTR Support: Explore resources
💬 “The earlier you reach out, the better. We’re here to help you move your work forward—strategically and with impact.” — Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer