Entrepreneurship at Georgia Tech
Forming a startup company is one pathway to develop and commercialize university technologies. Entrepreneurs are key champions of bringing Georgia Tech innovation to market. The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) is here to provide resources and facilitate licensing of university Intellectual Property (IP) to startup companies. Over Hundreds of companies have been formed based on GT innovations, advancing our mission to amplify impact and champion innovation.
How Our Office Can Help
- Innovation Access: Tap into Georgia Tech’s diverse portfolio of breakthrough technologies to find innovations aligned with your research interests.
- Technology Licensing: Understand clear, pragmatic paths—options, exclusive/nonexclusive, field of use, royalty and/or equity—aligned to stage and sector.
- IP strategy & diligence: Gain guidance on patent prosecutions, freedom to operate, competitive positioning, and milestone planning.
If you are an entrepreneur external to Georgia Tech, please explore our Available Technologies: Technology Licensing | Office of Technology Licensing and follow the licensing process found here: Resources for Industry | Commercialization.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Resources
Many resources locally, statewide, and nationally are available to help innovators build successful startups. Programs provide information on funding opportunities, market research databases, and lab facilities. Below is a list of organizations internal and external to Georgia Tech that can help entrepreneurs.
Startup Resources at Georgia Tech
Quadrant-i
Supports Georgia Tech faculty, researchers, and graduate students to explore entrepreneurship and build a startup.
VentureLab
Supports Georgia Tech faculty, researchers and students to create startups based on Georgia Tech research.
Biolocity
Program that supports the commercialization of early-stage medical innovations developed at Emory University and/or Georgia Tech
Velocity Startups
A startup accelerator that propels deep-tech innovation – provides the resources and infrastructure needed for you to take your innovation to market.
Georgia Tech Patents and Trademarks Resource Center (PTRC)
Connects people to patent-related training and research consultation for students, faculty, and staff inventors and entrepreneurs.
CREATE-X
Gives Georgia Tech students, faculty, researchers, and alumni every advantage it can to help support them in launching their products.
Additional Startup Resources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Osage University Partners Osage University Partners | Venture Capital Fund for University Startups
- Engage VC (link to: https://engage.vc/team/)
- Technology Licensing - Welcome | Office of Technology Licensing
- Intellectual Property Strategy & Diligence Georgia Tech Intellectual Property
- Company formation support Corporate Engagement | Corporate Engagement
- Commercialization coaching Georgia Tech Research - Your Path to Commercialization | Commercialization
Funding navigation - Find Funding | Office of Sponsored Programs
Entrepreneurship FAQ
Can non-Georgia Tech founders license technologies?
Yes. We regularly work with external entrepreneurs who wish to license Georgia Tech IP and collaborate with inventors.
Do I need a full business plan to start?
No. A concise venture brief and a clear plan for near-term milestones are sufficient to begin.
What does a license typically cost?
Terms vary by sector and stage. We balance fees, milestones, royalties, and/or equity to support sustainable growth.
How do conflicts of interest work for faculty or students?
We’ll guide you through disclosures and management plans so you can build compliantly.
Can I talk to founders who have been through this?
Yes. Ask us to connect you with alumni founders and mentors in our network.