The University of Connecticut has reached new heights in technology commercialization and startup development, achieving record-breaking results in the 2025 fiscal year despite a challenging national environment for entrepreneurship. These accomplishments reflect years of strategic planning, expanded outreach, and a growing culture of innovation across the university.
UConn’s Technology Commercialization Services, known as TCS, reported 117 new invention disclosures in 2025, a 30% increase from the previous year. This surge in new ideas is the result of a deliberate shift in approach that began in 2022, when TCS launched a five-year plan to engage faculty, staff, and students more actively. Rather than functioning solely as a resource center, TCS began offering educational programs, building stronger relationships across all schools and colleges, and encouraging innovation in areas beyond traditional science and engineering. While UConn’s STEM faculty have long been leaders in patenting new technologies, TCS has also been working with faculty in other disciplines to explore creative works, social innovations, and other forms of intellectual property.
In 2025, UConn filed 150 patent applications and was granted 22 patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The university also signed 27 option or licensing agreements, 16 of which were with startup companies. These agreements help move discoveries from the lab into the marketplace, where they can have a real-world impact.
UConn has also increased its equity holdings in startups by 50%, now holding stakes in 36 companies compared to 24 the year before. This growth reflects the university’s expanding role in the state’s innovation economy and its long-term commitment to supporting entrepreneurs.
The Technology Incubation Program, or TIP, also had a standout year. TIP is Connecticut’s most prominent technology incubator, with locations in Storrs and Farmington, and it provides startups with lab and office space, business support, and access to UConn’s research expertise. About half of the companies in TIP are founded by UConn faculty, staff, or students, while the rest are external startups with strong university connections. In 2025, TIP companies raised nearly $98 million in new funding, a 39% increase from the previous year, and generated $9.9 million in revenue—double the amount from two years ago.
The program’s companies employed 286 people, including 193 in Connecticut, and its internship pipeline continues to prepare UConn students for careers in innovation. Ten interns moved into full-time positions with TIP companies this year, and nearly 30 have been hired over the past three years. Many of these companies are reaching new levels of investment maturity, with almost 80% securing more than $100,000 in funding and nine surpassing the $1 million mark. Collectively, TIP companies contributed an estimated $3.1 million in direct state tax revenue, even as many reinvested heavily in research and development to position themselves for future growth.
TIP’s portfolio now includes 32 active companies, a smaller but more focused group that reflects a strategy of prioritizing well-capitalized startups with strong growth potential. Demand for space remains high, with the Storrs location at full capacity and Farmington nearly full, creating a pressing need for expansion to accommodate new ventures.
Together, the achievements of TCS and TIP in 2025 demonstrate how UConn is building a stronger, more diverse innovation ecosystem. By combining cutting-edge research, targeted support for entrepreneurs, and a commitment to fostering ideas across all disciplines, the university is not only breaking records but also laying the groundwork for sustained economic and technological impact in Connecticut and beyond.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’ve achieved remarkable growth at a time when financial markets have been unpredictable and we’ve had to really rethink our approach to innovation at UConn. Our TCS team has done incredible work to booster intellectual property and build our tech incubator. It speaks well to the present and future of invention at UConn, with positive impact on research and workforce development.”
Pamir Alpay, UConn Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
“Our effort to engage faculty on a regular basis is paying off and is helping to build a trust-based relationship and behind every disclosure our brilliant researchers are pushing the boundaries of discovery. And together with the tech transfer office, those bold ideas are being transformed into real-world impact.”
“This year’s results highlight the unique strength of UConn’s innovation ecosystem. TIP is where faculty, students, and entrepreneurs come together to turn bold ideas into thriving companies — and the impact we’re seeing across jobs, funding, and research translation is a direct reflection of that collaborative spirit.”
Abhijit Banerjee, Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
“These results show the resilience and maturity of our portfolio. Our startups are raising more capital, generating more revenue, and creating high-quality jobs that directly benefit Connecticut’s economy.”
“This past year wasn’t without challenges. But through focus and determination, we’ve supported companies that are stronger than ever. We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact for UConn and the state.”
Ryan McMillian, director of Venture Development for TCS
