Moving innovations out of the so-called ivory tower and into the public domain holds enormous power to treat disease and improve quality of life.
But while academic researchers and physicians may imagine promising clinical solutions, some are unprepared to navigate commercialization: pitching themselves, attracting investors, wrangling with intellectual property law, designing rigorous proof-of-concept studies, locating a commercial space and hiring talent.
Taking an idea from the lab bench to market typically spans a decade.
Washington University is working to empower faculty inventors — paving pathways, clearing obstacles and dedicating significant resources to technology transfer.
At the School of Medicine, entrepreneurial momentum is surging. Leaders say the institution has only begun to realize its potential.