Over the past two years, Innovation Gateway has facilitated a significant increase in commercialization activity, including a more than 30 percent increase in both invention disclosures and licensing revenue, a 40 percent increase in projects in the startup pipeline, and the successful launch of 17 new startups. It also led UGA’s efforts to win a $500,000 NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Site grant and a $500,000 i6 Challenge grant from the Department of Commerce, which provide additional resources to expand the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

1. Building a Front Door
for Innovation
Derek Eberhart, PhD
Director, Innovation Gateway
Ian Biggs
Senior Associate Director, Innovation Gateway

2. The Challenge
• Top-flight research universities are
key to success in the global
innovation economy
• University research discoveries
help fuel the innovation pipeline
• Universities must ensure robust
industry engagement and transfer
of discoveries to the market

3. Evolving Innovation Landscape
INDUSTRY INVESTORS UNIVERSITIES

4. Our Solution
• Innovation Gateway launched in 2015
• Combines UGA’s innovation,
intellectual property licensing, and
startup programs
• Streamlines path from lab to market
• Ensures that UGA research discoveries
reach their full potential for public
benefit and economic impact

5. Our Concept:
The front door for innovation
• A “one-stop” shop to match UGA resources
with industry needs
• A cohesive, multi-faceted approach
• Efficient translation of discoveries into new
products and companies
• The right pathway for each invention
• Strategic partnerships

6. Leveraging Existing Strengths
Top 10
Licenses & options
Top 20
Licensing revenue
6
• Formed industry-focused licensing teams
• Revamped invention disclosure evaluation process
• Integrated innovation, licensing and startups
-Rankings based on annual licensing survey by Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM)

7. Path to Successful Startups
GENERATE
Explore new
opportunities
EVALUATE
Define challenges &
identify critical path
DEVELOP
Leverage services
& seed funding
SCALE UP
Support sustainable
growth
• Education
• Coaching/Mentoring
• Access to funding
 GRA Ventures grants
 SBIR grants
• Incubator space
 Lab & office
• Advisory Board

8. The Innovation Ecosystem
• Board of Advisors
• Georgia Research Alliance
• Industry Partners
• Regional Incubators
• Regional Economic Development
• Local Innovation Centers
Strategic Alliances
• Student Entrepreneurship
• Small Business Development
• Researchers
• Industry Partnerships
• College Deans
• Alumni
University Partners
UGA
Strategic
Alliances

9. The Innovation Ecosystem
• Board of Advisors
• Georgia Research Alliance
• Industry Partners
• Regional Incubators
• Regional Economic Development
• Local Innovation Centers
Strategic Alliances
• Student Entrepreneurship
• Small Business Development
• Researchers
• Industry Partnerships
• College Deans
• Alumni
University Partners
UGA
Strategic
Alliances
Economic
Development

10. Increased impact of innovation, licensing
and startup program
• 20+ new startups
• 200 new jobs created
• 140+ new products on the market
• $1M in new grants to expand resources
Invention
Disclosures
+30%
Licensing
Revenue
+30%
Active Startup
Projects
+40%
Our Impact
Since 2015

11. Next Steps
• Continue to “Illuminate the Pathway”
• Develop new partnerships
• Enhance regional partnerships to provide space
for graduate companies
• Leverage I-Corps and i6 grants
• Continue to diversify funding sources

12. Takeaways
• Be vigilant in adapting to evolving landscape
• Alignment and partnerships are key
• Minimal new university resources required
• Alignment of stakeholders may not require
restructuring
• Commercialization expertise is essential
• Cohort-based programs ensure scalability
• Alumni network is a valuable resource

13. research.uga.edu/gateway