Technology Innovation at Georgia Tech and the role of Commercialization Services

Rollover anywhere on the diagram to the left to see an overview of that process step.

Invention Disclosure: To start the Georgia Tech Innovation Process, faculty members, research staff members or graduate students file an invention disclosure form with the Office of Technology Licensing, a unit of the Georgia Tech Research Corporation. The form describes what has been invented and provides basic information that drives the remainder of the process. To protect the intellectual property, invention disclosures should be filed promptly, before research results are published or publicly presented in any way.

Office of Technology Licensing: The Georgia Tech Office of Technology Licensing protects Georgia Tech intellectual property and ensures that those involved in the innovation process remain in compliance with IRS rules, and with regulations involving such issues as export controls and conflict-of-interest. The Office of Technology Licensing also manages the licensing of technologies and any royalties that may be produced by a technology license.

Technology Evaluation: Based on information provided in the invention disclosure form and through meetings with the faculty members, research staff members or graduate students involved, technology evaluation specialists assess the commercial potential of innovations. Factors include patentability, potential market size and advantages over competing technology. Within 90 days of the invention disclosure filing, evaluation specialists meet with the innovators to discuss the possible commercialization path(s).

Startup Path: Innovations that may be the basis for venture-fundable, fast-growth companies are referred to Georgia Tech VentureLab, a unit of Commercialization Services. Specialists there help transform an innovation into an early-stage company by (1) assisting in business plan development, (2) connecting the faculty members, research staff members or graduate students with experienced entrepreneurs, (3) locating sources of early-stage financing, and (4) preparing the new company for the next step. The next step could include incubation at the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), also a unit of Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute, or at EmTech Bio, an incubator operated by Georgia Tech and Emory University.

Licensing Path: Innovations with strong commercial value, but which are not appropriate for the formation of startup companies, may provide a licensing opportunity for established corporations. Commercialization specialists will work with the innovators to identify the best licensing partners and initiate the process.

Consulting Path: Innovations not appropriate for the formation of venture-fundable startups or licensing to established corporations may provide the basis for a consulting opportunity. Commercialization Services can advise innovators concerning issues involved in creating such entities.

Licensing Terms: Once the commercialization path is determined, a license must be obtained from the Office of Technology Licensing. Because of its focus on economic development, Georgia Tech encourages formation of startup companies that are likely to create new jobs that will provide long-term return to the state of Georgia.

ATDC: The ATDC is Georgia Tech's science and technology incubator. It has more than 25 years of experience in helping entrepreneurs launch and build successful companies. ATDC provides strategic business advice and connects its member companies to the people and resources they need to succeed. ATDC has helped launch more than 100 companies, and has been listed by both BusinessWeek and Inc magazines among the nation's leading incubator programs.

EmTech Bio: EmTech Bio is an incubator operated jointly by Georgia Tech and Emory University for life sciences startup companies. It is located near the Emory campus.

Value-Added Licensable Technology: Technology with strong commercial value, but which is not appropriate for formation of a startup, is marketed to established companies.