Technology Commercialization (TC) is responsible for the identification, protection, marketing and licensing of intellectual property (e.g., patents, unique biological or other materials, and certain copyrights) developed by WSU faculty, staff and students. The TC Office promotes an entrepreneurial culture and supports start-up ventures and regional economic development. TC also negotiates Material Transfer Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements and reviews the Intellectual Property terms of Sponsored Research Agreements.

TC manages all aspects of the technology transfer process including the encouragement, assessment, intellectual property protection and licensing of inventions; the post-licensing oversight of agreement compliance; distribution of royalties and fees; and record keeping for all aspects of WSU intellectual property technology transfer. In addition, TC is engaged in entrepreneurship training and local economic development and interfaces with Tech Town, the WSU incubator, supporting startup companies founded on WSU technologies.

The goal of the Office for Technology Commercialization is to provide high level, quality assistance and services to WSU researchers and our industry partners, to maximize the availability of next generation technologies that will benefit society worldwide.

As part of continuing improvement, TC offers five programs to support technology validation, venture development and entrepreneurial education:

• Wayne State's, MTRAC program, provides resources to support translational Wayne State research with high commercial potential. The program includes research funding for proof-of-concept and late-stage translational studies, regulatory guidance, business plan development and mentorship from industry and investment experts outside the University. Wayne State is home to the MTRAC Innovation Hub for Advanced Computing Technologies, a statewide program that funds translational research applications in Cognitive Computing, Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Industry X.0, and Blockchain.
• WSU Mentors-in-Residence program employs experienced entrepreneurs with specialized industry and venture expertise to assist the faculty and TC in the creation of high growth potential start-ups.
• The Office for Technology Commercialization sponsors a seminar series aimed to spark insightful discussions on a variety of topics related to entrepreneurship, research and commercialization. Guest speakers with extensive entrepreneurial experience are invited to lead the discussions and share some of their wisdom related to bringing innovative technologies to market.