UM Ventures

UM Ventures functions as a joint initiative bridging the University of Maryland, Baltimore and University of Maryland, College Park, dedicated to commercializing university technologies and fostering industry collaboration. It systematically integrates entrepreneurial programs from both institutions, offering a structured pathway for intellectual property to transition from academic research into viable ventures. This involves identifying promising discoveries, protecting intellectual assets, and facilitating their development through strategic partnerships and new company formation.

The program was formally launched in 2012 by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and the Governor of Maryland. This foundational insight recognized the immense potential within university research for broader societal and economic impact, driving the need for a unified platform to streamline technology transfer and expand industry engagement beyond traditional academic boundaries.

The initiative serves a dual constituency: university inventors seeking to see their research applied in real-world scenarios, and industry partners looking to license cutting-edge technologies or engage in collaborative research. By cultivating a robust ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, UM Ventures aims to translate groundbreaking discoveries into practical applications, ultimately contributing to economic growth and addressing critical challenges through advanced technologies and new business creation.