Getting Started

Starting a company can bring great value to the community, the university, and the inventor. The University of Texas at Austin appreciates this contribution and will assist the UT entrepreneur throughout the process.

Invention disclosure

The first step of any activity involving a technology invented at the university is for the inventor to submit an invention disclosure form to OTC. See the Commercialization for Inventors section of this website.

Making the decision and getting started

Once the university has asserted rights to the technology, appropriate intellectual property protection can be sought and the university can work with the startup company.

If you decide that you would like to start a company, the next steps include developing a more complete business model, drafting a business plan, assembling a management team, and approaching investors. Some inventors hand off almost the entire process and stay on in a minimal advisory capacity. Others assume the role of CEO and manage the entire affair.

Conflict of interest

The university strongly encourages the formation of companies to commercialize technologies invented within. To protect both inventors and the university, however, it is important that all conflicts of interest be fully disclosed and managed. If your intent is to start a company, university policy is that you notify your Unit Head and work with the Vice President for Research's office to manage any conflicts of interest resulting from the formation of the company. All conflict of interest management plans must be reviewed and renewed annually, or if the inventor role in the company or related research changes. Your Licensing Associate is able to provide you with the contact information. More information about conflict of interest may be found at the UT Austin and UT System websites: