Georgia Tech has resources to help you form startups, manage conflicts of interest, develop licensing terms, and much more:
How do I access the IP as a startup?
- Start with the Office of Industry Engagement for a roadmap of options.
How do I determine my participation in a startup? What role can I play?
- Conflicts of interest are the natural outgrowth of successful research, collaboration, and commercialization efforts. Georgia Tech’s Conflict of Interest Management Office helps ensure these conflicts are managed appropriately.
- Visit the office’s FAQ related to Startup Activities for more information. A variety of compliance training opportunities are available.
Are there state laws to consider?
- Official Code of Georgia 45-10-20
- Official Code of Georgia 45-1-23
- Official Code of Georgia 45-10-28
- Intermediate sanctions
What steps are involved in establishing a startup?
- The Georgia Tech Integration Program for Startups (GT:IPS®) is a streamlined training program and licensing process available to all Georgia Tech faculty and students interested in forming a company around a Georgia Tech innovation.
- Participants who complete the GT:IPS®program are eligible to license Georgia Tech technologies.
- Courses include information on company creation, conflict of interest, IP, early stage funding, patenting strategies, and much more.
- VentureLab helps launch new companies from research at Georgia Tech, guiding teams through the legal requirements for a research-based university startup.
What are the alternatives to a startup for commercializing Georgia Tech innovations?
- There are three paths to commercialization: launching a startup, licensing to an established company, and knowledge transfer (e.g., copyrights, open source licenses, publications). Start with the Office of Industry Engagement for information about these options.
- The office will evaluate your innovation’s market potential and patentability to determine the path that is appropriate for your situation.
What funding sources exist for startups?
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) funding is one option for small businesses. The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) helps small high-tech companies and future entrepreneurs understand and make the most of the federal SBIR and STTR research funding.
- The Georgia Research Alliance has a commercialization grant program dedicated to spinouts based on research from Georgia universities.
Who can help me structure my new business?
Advanced Technology Development Center
- This incubator helps Georgia startups take an innovation from concept to product prototype to launch.
Global Center for Medical Innovation
- This organization accelerates development, testing, and commercialization of innovative medical products.
- Innovators of all types benefit from use of facilities, resources, and entrepreneurial expertise.
- Part of Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, VentureLab works with faculty and students to launch startups based on Georgia Tech research.
Can my startup use Georgia Tech resources, such as facilities, equipment, personnel, or students?
- Contact Georgia Tech’s Conflict of Interest Management Office to identify the options and restrictions that apply to your situation. The FAQ related to Startup Activities is particularly helpful.