Tech transfer fails to translate into startups

In 2005, US research institutions brought in <$2 billion in license income. In its annual survey, the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) estimates tech transfer resulted in 527 new products and 628 new firms in 2005, about one-sixth of which were life-science based. Although AUTM estimates life sciences were responsible for about one-sixth of all licenses or license income, they accounted for only 8% of US startups. Other data indicate startup activity was poor across the globe.

New biotech company formation

US research institution R&D spend and license income

Tech transfer at top US research institutions in 2005

NIH technology transfer activities

Type of company obtaining licenses

Box 1: New biotech company formation

Source: Critical I, Japan Bioindustry Association, BIO, BioCOM/biotechnology.de

Box 2: US research institution R&D spend and license income

Research institutions include universities, hospitals and research institutes. Source: Association of University Technology Managers

Box 3: Tech transfer at top US research institutions in 2005

^aTotal sponsored research expenditures; ^bAdjusted gross license income; ^cLicenses & options executed; ^dUS patents issued; ^eUS patent applications filed. Source: Association of University Technology Managers

Box 4: NIH technology transfer activities

Source: National Institutes of Health

Box 5: Type of company obtaining licenses

Source: Association of University Technology Managers