The University of Michigan licensed 13 new business startups in fiscal year 2008, tying a record set four years ago, while tech transfer revenue hit an all-time high of $25 million.
Several of the fledgling companies offer novel treatments and diagnostics for diseases ranging from end-stage kidney disease to cancer, hearing loss, sepsis, diabetic ulcers and autoimmune disorders.
Others provide new tools for the production of next-generation vehicle batteries, semiconductor chips, and wafer-scale packaging of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Over the last five years, the University has helped launch 49 startups. More than 70 percent of them are located in Michigan, mainly in the greater Ann Arbor area.
Revenue at UM Tech Transfer rose to an all-time high of $25 million during the last fiscal year, surpassing the previous record of $20.4 million set in fiscal 2004. The income – about half from royalties -- will fuel ongoing reinvestments in research, technology transfer and industry-outreach activities.
"Given the economic challenges of our region, these results are encouraging," said Ken Nisbet, executive director of UM Tech Transfer. "They demonstrate that the people and resources of the University of Michigan are playing a significant role in providing opportunity and contributing to the transformation of our state's economy."
In fiscal year 2008, UM researchers disclosed 306 new inventions, and the university negotiated 91 technology agreements. Eighty-seven United States patents were issued, and 144 patent applications were filed. The fiscal year ended June 30.
"These results demonstrate our progress in leveraging the research and educational capabilities of the University of Michigan to benefit our region and our state," said UM Vice President for Research Stephen Forrest. "The challenge is substantial, but so is our commitment."
UM researchers' accomplishments will be recognized at the annual Celebrate Invention reception, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Michigan League Ballroom, 911 N. University Ave. To register for the free event, visit www.techtransfer.umich.edu.
