Resources for Entrepreneurs
Forming a start-up business (a new business entity) can be an alternative to licensing the intellectual property (IP) to an established business. In some cases, depending on opportunity and industry conditions, a startup is an attractive avenue of commercialization. In other cases, a start-up may be the only way to further develop the technical and commercial opportunity. Regardless, the new start-up must make a compelling case to investors, inventors, business partners and the University that it can attract funding and resources to achieve sustainable success. The University of Michigan actively promotes the use of start-up companies as a valuable tech transfer option to get our technology and its benefits to market. To increase the likelihood of success of these companies, Tech Transfer offers additional support to our startups (see Michigan Venture Services.) Ultimately, the decision to establish a new company to commercialize IP is made jointly between U-M Tech Transfer and the inventors. Find out How Tech Transfer Assists Entrepreneurs.
Michigan Venture Acceleration Center (MVAC)
The Michigan Venture Acceleration Center was created to help speed the formation and success of startups commercializing U-M research. In addition to starting new ventures, MVAC is also set up to help supplement, stimulate, and grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem on U-M's campus and in the greater Ann Arbor area. MCAC contains the following components.
- Business Formation Group
The Business Formation Group is a team of experienced entrepreneurs who assist inventors, entrepreneurs and investors to form companies based on University of Michigan technology. This group within Tech Transfer works exclusively on startups. [more] - Gap Funding
Tech Transfer has it own “gap” funding as well as identifies and administers other funding resources within U-M to accelerate business formation projects (potential startup ventures based on U-M technology) to get them to a point where they can, if viable, become self-sustaining or take on more outside resources. [more] - Other Funding Resources
There are many financial resources Tech Transfer takes advantages of in commercializing university technology. Tech Transfer partners with and makes introduction to outside resources such as angel and venture capital as well as grant programs. [more] - Catalyst Resource Network
This worldwide network of volunteers and paid consultants with deep industry knowledge mentor, advise and assist on a wide range of subjects. Accessed only through Tech Transfer of U-M, and used only for U-M projects, this vast resource of helpful individuals include supportive alumni. [more] - Mentor-in-Residence
The Mentor-in-Residence program assists the Business Formation Group by employing experienced outside serial-entrepreneurs. These individuals support Tech Transfer in accelerating U-M startup ventures, evaluating early-stage technology, distributing internal resources, and transforming technologies into business ventures. [more] - Networking Events
Tech Transfer is dedicated to fostering an entrepreneurial environment and technology culture. As a result, Tech Transfer takes an active role in participating and sponsoring networking events, speakers, and business outreach within the Ann Arbor region. [more] - Collaborative Partners
The Tech Transfer office has many partners who work to help insure and speed the success of early-stage startup ventures. These many groups and organizations play a vital role in the local and statewide entrepreneurial communities. [more] - U-M Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Tech Transfer is committed to promoting and creating an environment that helps start, establish and grow technology ventures. We places U-M technology in classes, works with student-initiated ventures and offer internships to learn about technology commercialization hands on though our TechStart program. [more]
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