The University of Miami is a private research university in Coral Gables whose commercialization path runs through life sciences, ocean and atmospheric science, and a structured startup network built for faculty spinouts.
Research and development spending reached $559 million in fiscal year 2024, ranking 61st nationally in the NSF HERD survey, up 9.6% from the prior year. Life sciences account for $438.7 million, or 78.5% of that total. Geosciences, atmospheric sciences, and ocean sciences add $66.2 million, ranking 16th nationally in that field.
Commercialization is organized under U Innovation, which combines the Office of Technology Transfer, the Wallace H. Coulter Center for Translational Research, The Launch Pad, the 'Cane Angel Network, and Converge Miami.
- Office of Technology Transfer
Assesses, protects, and licenses university-owned innovations to startups and established companies. Inventors disclose through the inventor portal, ideally before public disclosure, and the office handles exclusive and non-exclusive licenses, assignments, and related agreements. - Wallace H. Coulter Center for Translational Research
Based at the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. An annual request for proposals selects biomedical and bioengineering projects that address an unmet clinical need and have commercial potential. A Coulter Oversight Committee of venture capitalists, angel investors, entrepreneurs, corporate experts, and clinicians reviews the path to market. Awarded projects receive funding and business-development support. - The Launch Pad
Consulting, mentorship, workshops, and co-working space for students, alumni, and faculty. - 'Cane Angel Network
Connects early-stage investors who have a University of Miami tie with related startups. - Startup support
A founder’s guide for academic spinouts, free legal help through the UM Startup Practicum at the School of Law, and SBIR/STTR guidance for faculty-affiliated companies.
Investors and founders can reach Whitney Hough, Ph.D., MBA, director of the Office of Technology Transfer, through U Innovation. Norma Sue Kenyon, Ph.D., chief innovation officer of the Miller School of Medicine, is executive director of the Coulter Center.
Learn more about U Innovation
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