Part 1 of 6 · The Entrepreneur’s Guide to University Tech Transfer
Finding your way into a university tech transfer office can feel confusing. Where do you start? Do you just browse their website? Do you need an inside contact?
Good news – it doesn’t have to be complicated. At Summit Venture Studio, we’ve built startups directly from university intellectual property (IP). Along the way, we’ve learned some simple steps that will help entrepreneurs move quickly, avoid wasted time, and get traction with TTOs.
This post will show you how to find a tech transfer office, why starting with your alma mater matters, and why picking up the phone often beats endless website browsing.
Tech Transfer Office: University technology transfer offices, or technology licensing offices, are responsible for technology transfer and other aspects of the commercialization of research that takes place in a university.
Entrepreneurs Don’t Know Where to Start
Universities are full of innovation. Every year, research labs develop thousands of technologies that never see the light of day commercially. That’s where tech transfer offices come in.
But here’s the problem:
- Entrepreneurs often don’t know how to access these opportunities.
- Sending a cold email to a generic inbox often leads to silence.
- University “Available Technologies” web listings can be outdated or incomplete.
In short, the very first step – finding and approaching the right tech transfer office – becomes a roadblock.
“It might be easiest if (entrepreneurs) go to their alma mater. There’s just gonna be a built-in reason for them to…probably give you more service.”
-Spencer Walker, SVS
Wasted Time and Missed Opportunities
If you rely only on browsing TTO websites, you risk:
- Reviewing outdated postings. (Many disclosures are years old.)
- Missing newer technologies not yet posted online.
- Spending weeks chasing generic inboxes that don’t reply.
Every delay is a missed opportunity. By the time you find something promising, another entrepreneur may already be negotiating a license.
And even worse, first impressions matter. If your only touchpoint is a vague email to “techtransfer@university.edu”, you’re unlikely to get prioritized.
Entrepreneurs need a more effective approach if they want to get real opportunities in front of them quickly.
How to Find and Approach a TTO
Here’s a practical playbook for taking the first step:
1. Start with Your Alma Mater
- If you’re an alum, you’re already part of the university community.
- TTOs are more likely to return your call or email.
- Even if they can’t help you directly, they’ll often connect you with the right staff faster.
2. Go Beyond the Website
- Search “[University Name] tech transfer office.”
- Review the ‘available technologies’ page. (But treat it as a directory, not the full picture.)
- Use it to spot staff names, phone numbers, and contact forms.
3. Pick Up the Phone
- Don’t be afraid to call. A short introduction can open doors that email can’t.
- Sample Opening line:
“Hi, my name is [your name]. I’m an entrepreneur interested in helping commercialize university technologies. Could you connect me with the right person to talk with?”
4. Be Clear About Intent
- Tech transfer offices exist to help commercialize IP. Make sure you explain that your goal is to help bring university technology to market.
- Keep your first ask simple: request an introductory meeting.
5. Follow Up With Specificity
- If your call leads to email, follow up promptly and consistently. Diligence may require multiple emails.
- Mention the types of technology you’re interested in (like software, healthcare, education).
- The more specific you are, the easier it is for staff to respond.
Recap
Contacting a tech transfer office doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with your alma mater, treat websites as a directory (not the full opportunity list), and don’t underestimate the power of a simple phone call.
The first step is often the hardest, but with the right approach, you’ll quickly move from “Where do I start?” to real conversations about real technologies.
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How to find a tech transfer office starts with your alma mater and a phone call. Searching online listings is useful, but they’re often outdated. For faster results, pick up the phone, state your intent to help commercialize university technologies, and ask for an introduction.
FAQ
The fastest way is to search “[University Name] tech transfer office.” Many have ‘Available Technologies’ pages that are searchable by category, but calling directly is usually more effective.
As an alum, you’ll often receive warmer attention and faster responses than when approaching a university with no prior connection.
They’re helpful for browsing, but many lists are outdated. Treat them as a starting point, not the full opportunity set.
Calling often works better. Use email to follow up, especially with specifics about the technologies you’re seeking.
Keep it simple: introduce yourself, explain you’re interested in commercializing university technologies, and ask to be connected with the right person.
