In 2022, University of Missouri researchers generated a myriad of inventions, including imaging technologies and a biosensor to diagnose and detect disease; an enzyme delivery system for agriculture, bioremediation and other applications; new soybean varieties; an antibody that amplifies a patient’s immune system; semiconductors for LEDs, lasers and radar; and methods for tissue engineering and preservation.
The Technology Advancement team works with faculty and staff who think they have an innovation with commercial potential. Last year, researchers disclosed 102 inventions, which the team evaluated for novelty, utility and market potential.
Technical expertise from MU inventors and an analysis of scientific and patent literature, possible competitors and other factors guide the team’s marketing and intellectual property strategies.
Often, an invention protected by a patent, copyright or trademark is an incentive for a company to invest in commercializing it. This intellectual property also can lead to successful grant proposals, new funding opportunities and partnerships that increase the odds that the research will result in a product or service.
The university was granted 13 U.S. patents in 2022 for devices, tools, therapeutics and other inventions. Thirty commercial partners licensed and optioned the rights to 69 different innovations. In addition, three startup companies were created with MU-licensed technologies, and 11 products using university technology had first sales. All of this activity assisted in generating $4.5 million in income for Mizzou.