About UKCED

What we do: We commercialize technologies and spinout new companies

The mission of the University of Kentucky Office for Commercialization & Economic Development is to accelerate the Kentucky economy by commercializing UK research, facilitating university-industry collaboration, and assisting entrepreneurs and small business in creating jobs. We work with faculty, clinician, staff and student innovators on technology transfer and help them create spinoff companies. Our programs and services help startups and small businesses in Lexington and throughout Kentucky to grow and prosper. We develop UK’s 735-acre Coldstream Research Campus and manage the ASTeCC campus business incubator. The income generated from royalties and equity investments is reinvested in our technologies and startup companies. As Kentucky’s flagship institution, we take a leadership role in statewide economic development initiatives working with a large network of local, regional, state, federal, and private partners. Our work impacts the University of Kentucky, the Lexington-Bluegrass Region, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.

Who we are: We advance the university's role as a catalyst for economic growth

UKCED professionals are dedicated to advancing the University of Kentucky as a catalyst for statewide economic growth. We have a proven track record of success in managing intellectual property assets, commercializing technology, and creating and growing technology-based spinoff companies. Our experience includes the development of our nearby research park and the management of our campus incubators. Our expertise includes market research, technology assessment, patenting, licensing, business planning, marketing and funding strategies, debt financing, angel and venture capital investing, real estate development, and public-private partnerships.

How we achieve our objectives:

Also see our departments

• Manage the university’s intellectual property portfolio and pursue patent protection
• Assess the commercial potential of promising technologies and clinician innovations
• Work with researchers and clinicians on the disclosure process and technology transfer
• Assist faculty, staff and student innovators, and local entrepreneurs create spinoff companies and jobs
• Serve as UK's commercialization agent with business & industry and university spinoff companies
• Manage ASTeCC, the Advanced Science & Technology Commercialization Center, UK's primary campus business incubator
• Develop Coldstream Research Campus, where business and research connect
• Generate income from royalties and equity investments to reinvest in technologies, spinoff companies and infrastructure
• Provide programs and services to startups and small businesses throughout Kentucky
• Increase public awareness and support for UK's economic development mission, services, value and impact