Georgetown’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) fosters new venture activity and entrepreneurship centered around GU technologies. We proudly stand as a steadfast ally for Georgetown faculty, staff, students, and local and regional entrepreneurs venturing into new enterprises built upon Georgetown University technologies. Our expert OTC team is committed to streamlining the creation of innovative ventures fueled by GU’s cutting-edge advancements.
We are here to guide and support innovators at every step of the way as they navigate the intricacies of forming new ventures. Our goal is to offer insightful advice on the fundamental considerations associated with startups and entrepreneurial endeavors, equipping individuals with the tools needed to navigate specific challenges that may arise throughout the entire tech transfer process. Deciding to commercialize technology is a distinctive and demanding journey, and the information provided on this website is crafted to offer direction to our Georgetown entrepreneurs as they embark on this transformative expedition alongside us.
Embarking on the journey to commercialize an invention involves navigating a process filled with opportunities. If, despite marketing efforts, an invention remains unlicensed or holds potential for a strategic startup, the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) collaborates with inventors in deciding on the establishment of a company. In this case, the inventor should inform the OTC, adhere to university policies, and work in tandem with the OTC to negotiate a license agreement for the invention. The University, through the OTC, conducts diligence provisions in license agreements for startup companies and may convene a committee to review licensing and conflicts related to inventor entrepreneurs.
As you contemplate initiating this entrepreneurial journey as the inventor, our team is ready to offer guidance on compliance with university policies and collaborative efforts to negotiate a licensing agreement aligned with your objectives. The support extends to formulating a comprehensive business plan, detailing development strategies, product or service descriptions, target markets, and financial considerations preceding the negotiation phase. Expect further elucidation on these processes in forthcoming sessions, as the OTC serves as an assisting entity and a collaborative partner dedicated to facilitating and advocating for your innovative pursuits.
Office of Research Oversight/Regulatory Affairs – Disclosure of Outside Professional Activities
“Outside Professional Activities” are defined as those that “either (i) do not contribute to fulfilling a faculty member’s research, teaching, and service responsibilities to the University, or (ii) are conducted as a PI, co-PI, or in any other role listed as committing effort to a sponsored research, service or education grant or contract awarded through another institution or entity without a subcontract to Georgetown.”
Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) – Conflict of Interest Guidelines
The Policy requires all faculty and most staff to file disclosure forms annually and to update their disclosures when circumstances change. All “Investigators” must update their forms within 30 days of discovering or acquiring a new financial interest related to their university responsibilities.
Faculty Handbook – Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
“The University allows and encourages all faculty to engage in other professional activities and relationships that foster professional development and enhance the mission of the University, when these activities do not undermine the fulfillment of their University responsibilities or compromise the basic values of transparency, objectivity, impartiality, integrity of scholarship, and independence. “
Georgetown Entrepreneurship inspires and supports the university community’s entrepreneurial mindset and initiatives.
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“In this course, you will learn what goes into launching a business. You will identify your target customers, create a story for your product, write a business pitch, and practice leadership behaviors that can inspire a team, prove out ideas, and test your brand concept.”
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Explore Georgetown Univeristy’s comprehensive library offerings tailored to guide you through every stage of starting and growing a successful business.
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“Georgetown Ventures is a nonprofit, student-run startup accelerator at Georgetown University. Since its inception in 2017, GV has empowered over 90 passionate entrepreneurs to realize their impactful ideas and raise over $30 million in collective funding.”
Learn more“An immersive, entrepreneurial training program that facilitates the transformation of invention to impact. Widely recognized as an effective training program in the U.S. and internationally, I-Corps addresses four urgent national needs: Training an entrepreneurial workforce, Translating technologies, Enabling positive economic impact, and Nurturing an innovation ecosystem.”
Learn more“Federal innovation, scientific achievement, and diverse entrepreneurship through small business innovation and research. Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization. The federal government invests in your solution and gives you the freedom to run your business according to your vision.”
Learn moreVisit Johnson & Johnson Innovation for information on accelerating early-stage innovation through strategic partnerships. Johnson & Johnson Innovation is committed to addressing global health challenges and advancing scientific breakthroughs to improve worldwide health. Their successful track record reflects the emphasis on integrating internal expertise with promising external innovations. Their mission is to unlock the potential of life science innovation.
Georgetown’s OTC keeps a dynamic ecosystem committed to propelling innovation and entrepreneurship through a multifaceted network of strategic partners. This collaborative framework extends its reach across diverse domains, fostering advancements in networking, mentoring, funding, education, and training initiatives. By engaging with a spectrum of partners, OTC ensures a comprehensive approach to business services, enabling seamless collaboration and exchange of ideas. Furthermore, the ecosystem catalyzes incubation and acceleration, propelling entrepreneurial ventures and research endeavors to new heights. The synergy created within this ecosystem is a testament to the commitment to providing a holistic support structure where ideas flourish, businesses thrive, and innovation becomes a driving force for positive change.
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