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Our Mission

UF Innovate is building business on innovation. It is the umbrella organization uniting the four entities that drive the innovation ecosystem at UF. Based at one of the nation’s leading research institutions, UF Innovate comprises Tech Licensing, Ventures, Pathways, and an Accelerate program, which includes two business incubators, The Hub and Sid Martin Biotech. Together, those organizations move research discoveries from the laboratory to the market. UF Innovate connects innovators with entrepreneurs, investors and industry, incubates startups and growth companies, and fosters a resilient economy — all in an effort to make the world a better place.

For UF Innovators

Explore the licensing process, common questions and available resources, and learn what it’s like to work with Tech Licensing.

For Entrepreneurs

Interested in starting a company? See our startups, learn about funding and don’t underestimate the power of a business incubator.

Search Technologies

Drill down in our database for the technologies that interest you most & sign up for tech alerts so you’ll be first to know.

UF Innovate By The Numbers

Snapshot of Our Innovation Ecosystem

$10.4B+

Generated in Private Investment

300+

Startups Launched by Tech Licensing

7,900+

Jobs Created with Startups

Startup News

Tech Tuesday: University of Florida Student-Led Group Designs and Constructs Competition Bridges

In this week’s Tech Tuesday, UF Innovate's host Bethany Gaffey introduces Damian Blanco from the UF Steel Bridge team. This student-led group designs and constructs competition bridges, focusing on speed, strength, and efficiency.

Big Data Allows Researchers To Analyze Income Inequality Gap

UF researchers will conduct a study to explore the root causes of income inequality, supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Florida Museum Curator Helps Team Score 1st-Place and $5 Million in International Biodiversity Competition

UF researcher Robert Guralnick, curator of bioinformatics at the Florida Museum of Natural History, is a member of an international team that won first place in the five-year XPRIZE Rainforest competition.

ufinnovate

🚀 This #TechTuesday, we’re thrilled to spotli

🚀 This #TechTuesday, we’re thrilled to spotlight the @uf_steelbridge team and their 2024-2025 Project Manager, Damian Blanco! As part of @ufwertheim and @essie_uf, this program exemplifies the pursuit of engineering excellence.

🚧 Every year, @aisc challenges teams to build a bridge that can hold 2,500 pounds, be assembled quickly, and experience minimal deflection. The @uflorida team has consistently excelled in this challenge, securing national victories for four straight years since 2021.

⭐ The team’s achievements showcase not only technical skill but the power of collaboration and creative problem-solving. For Damian, being a member of the Steel Bridge team is about more than just engineering. Instead, it’s an opportunity to build professional expertise, make lifelong friends, and be part of a high-performing team.

🎥 Watch the segment above or on our YouTube channel! Special thanks to @scad.media and @wcjb20 for producing this feature!

#UFEngineering #UFResearch

We're back with another Fireside Chat, and this ti

We're back with another Fireside Chat, and this time, we're sitting down with Allen Morgan, the Facilities Operations Manager at UF Innovate Accelerate. 🔥

Allen joined the team in December 2020, and from day one, he’s been all about making a difference! His commitment to purpose-driven work has made him an essential part of the UF Innovate family. Not only is Allen our very own MacGyver, but he also contributes to UF Innovate's mission by providing crucial resources and mentorship to start-ups!

Proud of his contributions, Allen feels deeply connected to each company’s success, viewing their achievements as his own. Tune in to hear more about his inspiring role and his dedication to nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem at UF Innovate! ✨

#FiresideChats #UFInnovate

Congratulations to Dr. Aladdin Alwisy and his team

Congratulations to Dr. Aladdin Alwisy and his team at @ufdcp and @ufrinkerschool for winning an #InventionoftheYear award at #StandingInnOvation2024! 🏆 Their revolutionary #robotics project is transforming the construction industry by making building faster, smarter, and more efficient. 🛠️🤖

Dr. Alwisy joined @uflorida in 2019, bringing with him over 10 years of experience working with home builders and model construction companies. After seeing the industry's challenges with delays, costs, and quality control, he set out to change the game by creating robots that work seamlessly with custom designs and materials.🌟

His team's invention features a two-robot system and software that breaks down construction plans, guiding the robots to build unique components with ease. Unlike current systems, this flexible setup cuts costs dramatically by handling multiple tasks at a single workstation. Soon, this "golden goose of construction manufacturing" will be on the ground, bringing prefabricated, high-quality buildings to life. 🚧

With #AI, 3D cameras, and advanced planning software, the invention adapts to different designs and materials, paving the way for a future where custom construction is the standard. By 2025, this system is expected to be fully deployed, setting a new benchmark in construction technology. 🏗️🌐

This team is leading the way in construction innovation! 💡

#IAmAUFInnovator

One week later and we’re still raving about #Gat

One week later and we’re still raving about #GatorPitch Miami! 🐊

The inaugural startup pitch event with @manatechmiami was a huge hit. As one of the fastest-growing markets in the country, with a significant flow of capital, it's no surprise Miami was our top choice to host the inaugural event.

While twenty startups applied for an opportunity to participate in #Gatorpitch, only six stood out as having great potential to disrupt their markets. The six talented @uflorida startups got the opportunity to showcase their companies to over 150 attendees from South Florida’s dynamic investor and entrepreneurial community!

The founders each pitched to our panel of experts, A.R.I.’s Zack Ellison (@zackellisonvc), @emergeamericas' Tony Jimenez, and @onesixoneventures Pablo Casilimas (@donpabllo), receiving valuable feedback. Ultimately, Clockout (@joinclockout) received the “Panelists’ Choice” award, highlighting the potential of their earned wage access solution. 💡

“Events like GatorPitch are important to foster collaboration and encourage talent and resources to remain in the state of Florida,” said Melissa Kuchma, assistant director of corporate engagement and tech licensing at UF Innovate.

We’re grateful to our #GatorPitch Miami sponsors for helping make this event a reality: DeepWork Capital, @bilzinlaw, @mhshospital, @1parkfinancial, and @jpmorganprivatebank.

Read all about the inaugural #GatorPitch event, at the link in our bio! ⤴

We’re counting down until the next #GatorPitch. ⌛ The only question is: Which #Florida city should we go to next?

🚀 This #TechTuesday, we’re excited to spotlig

🚀 This #TechTuesday, we’re excited to spotlight the #StandingInnOvation2024 #InnovatoroftheYear, Dr. Elias Sayour!

As a researcher at @ufmedicine, @ufhealthcancer, and the McKnight Brain Institute, Dr. Sayour’s work is transforming the landscape of childhood cancer treatment. This award honors outstanding contributions to science and technology, recognizing the dedication of his team in developing innovative therapies that aim to make life-saving treatments more accessible.

💡 A pivotal moment in Dr. Sayour’s research journey came when he and his team transitioned from years of preclinical studies to clinical trials, moving from promising results in animal models to real-world patient applications. This shift highlights their unwavering commitment to turning research into meaningful treatments for children with cancer.

Dr. Sayour also highlights the critical role of @uflorida’s infrastructure in supporting the shift from “bench to bedside,” which helps accelerate the path from discovery to impact.

Congratulations to Dr. Sayour and his team on this well-deserved recognition! For more information on this year’s awardees and their groundbreaking research, visit the UF Innovate website.

🎥 Watch the segment above or on our YouTube channel!
 Special thanks to @scad.media and @wcjb20 for producing this feature!
 #UFResearch #ImAUFInnovator

@ufbmes’s Dr. Jamal Lewis and his team at @uflor

@ufbmes’s Dr. Jamal Lewis and his team at @uflorida received an Invention of the Year award at Standing InnOvation! 🏆🔬 Dr. Lewis, an associate professor, focuses his research on how cells “eat” particles, or phagocytosis. Partnering with Ph.D. candidate Clinton Smith, an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, he developed a groundbreaking way to deliver drugs directly to the brain – a critical advance for treating brain disorders with limited therapeutic options. 🧠💊

The team’s invention in @ufwertheim harnesses the unique properties of a fungus called *Cryptococcus* 🦠, which has the rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a natural shield that often prevents drugs from reaching the brain in high enough levels. Currently, most therapies are delivered through the veins, limiting their effectiveness for brain disorders as they struggle to bypass this barrier. This often results in lower drug concentrations reaching the brain, reducing their impact and leaving many disorders under-treated or without effective therapies.

By attaching drug-loaded particles to this fungus, Dr. Lewis and his team can bypass these challenges, delivering treatments directly to affected areas in the brain where current therapies fall short. This innovation opens up new possibilities for people battling brain disorders, particularly where traditional drug delivery methods have been insufficient. 💉➡️🧠

The team aims to start animal trials soon and work toward human trials within the next decade, pushing forward the future of brain health and treatment! 🚀👩‍🔬

Congratulations to Jamal Lewis and his team for receiving this honor! 💡

#IamaUFInnovator #StandInnOvation2024 #InventionoftheYear2024

🍫 Things got whimsical at our #InnovationHour a

🍫 Things got whimsical at our #InnovationHour as the Accelerate team brought the Willy Wonka-themed networking event to life!

🍭 From Oompa-Loompas and Willy Wonka himself to all our favorite characters from the Chocolate Factory, our team went all out to create the perfect candy wonderland. Our #HubSweetHome was filled with a flowing chocolate fountain, mountains of sweets, and plenty of treats for everyone to enjoy!

🎟️ Much like the golden ticket, this event opened doors to new connections and exciting opportunities. We’re so grateful for these fun moments that remind us just how sweet it is to be part of such an amazing team!

✨ A big thank you to our sponsors, @conceptcompanies, GrayRobinson, and @segwayre for making this event possible!

#Networking #UFInnovate

🚀 A major milestone for Florida’s space indus

🚀 A major milestone for Florida’s space industry!

🌟 Today, @officialspaceflorida’s Board of Directors announced the launch of the Florida University Space Research Consortium, officially designating it as the state’s official space research entity. This powerful partnership between @uflorida, @ucf.edu, and @embryriddle will enhance Florida’s position as a national leader in space research and technology.

🌌 As the only state with a university consortium affiliated with a @nasa center, Florida is uniquely positioned to attract major investments and cutting-edge space technologies.

🛸 By partnering with NASA’s @kennedyspacecenter, this consortium will elevate Florida’s global standing in space technology, empowering the next generation of space researchers. As it grows to include other universities, it will continue to fuel Florida’s innovation, strengthening ties in the space science ecosystem.

#SpaceFlorida #NASA #SpaceResearch

Dr. Elias Sayour, MD, PhD, from @ufmedicine, @ufhe

Dr. Elias Sayour, MD, PhD, from @ufmedicine, @ufhealthcancer, and a McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida researcher, is the #StandingInnOvation2024 Innovator of the Year! 💫 He received this honor for his groundbreaking work on universal cancer vaccines. His pioneering research is transforming how we think about cancer treatment, using mRNA technology to train the immune system to recognize and fight cancer for life. 🧬🔬

Dr. Sayour's innovative approach goes beyond traditional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, which often come with harsh side effects and limited effectiveness. His team developed a unique "onion-like" mRNA delivery system that tricks the body into thinking cancer is an infection. This prompts a stronger, more targeted immune response with the potential to eliminate not just tumors but their microscopic spread throughout the body. 🎯💊

This mRNA platform is already showing promise in some of the most challenging cancers, like glioblastomas and bone cancer, with trials underway. Thanks to Dr. Sayour’s dedication, his research could lead to a universal vaccine that not only treats cancer but prevents its return, offering new hope for patients around the world. ✨🎉

Congratulations to Dr. Elias Sayour and his team!

#IAmAUFInnovator #StandInnOvation #InnovatoroftheYear

This #TechTuesday, we’re unlocking the gateway b

This #TechTuesday, we’re unlocking the gateway between Florida’s rising tech scene and the global innovation market. On Thursday, UF Innovate heads to Miami for #GatorPitch Miami! 🐊

#GatorPitch is bringing six of the best @uflorida startups to Miami, all of whom have workshopped their pitches with Etienne Gillard, @manatechmiami's Head of Ventures, and giving Miami investors a front-row seat to the university’s incredible talent. This collaboration between UF Innovate and Mana Tech bridges the gap between all the great entrepreneurial talent at UF and the emerging market of Miami.

Pablo Casilimas (@donpabllo), co-founder and managing partner of @onesixoneventures, sits on #GatorPitch’s panel of experts and will provide feedback to the presenting startups. With OneSixOne powering Gator-led startups with over $1.5M in investments and bridging the local ecosystem to major opportunities in Miami and beyond, Pablo is a key player in helping connect these founders and investors. 🌍

As Miami becomes a central hub between Silicon Valley, South America, and New York, this event marks an exciting opportunity for UF talent to reach new heights. If you’re interested in attending, it’s not too late! Register using the link in our bio. ⤴

Stay tuned as UF’s brightest showcase their ideas and drive Florida innovation forward. We’ll see you in the #305!

🎥 Watch the segment above or on our YouTube channel!

Thank you to @scad.media and @wcjb20 for producing this segment!

#FloridaInnovation #UFInnovate

#GatorPitch Miami is less than a week away! 🎉

#GatorPitch Miami is less than a week away! 🎉

We are thrilled to present our six #innovative @uflorida startup finalists. Each of these talented teams has worked tirelessly, receiving personalized mentorship from @manatechmiami’s Etienne Gillard, and now they have the chance to wow our panel of experts and Miami’s investors.

Meet our Finalists 🐊: AnekaBio, Biomine, Clockout (@joinclockout), @firebirddrone, Hadrona Inc., and Jex (@jex.global).

They are ready to bring the heat to the #305! 🌴 The only thing missing? YOU!

Join us to support our talented finalists, network with industry leaders, and be part of a game-changing experience. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers—let’s make some noise in Miami! 🎊💼

#Entrepreneurship #UFInnovate #GatorNation

#StandingInnOvation2024 has officially come and go

#StandingInnOvation2024 has officially come and gone. We had an incredible evening (our biggest one yet!) honoring nearly 700 current @uflorida innovators for their accomplishments in fiscal year 2024. 🤯 Six technologies were recognized as #InventionoftheYear and Dr. Elias Sayour, an associate professor of neurosurgery, and pediatrics, at @ufmedicine, was honored as our #InnovatoroftheYear! 💡

Dr. Sayour is a tireless and driven clinician-scientist, combining cutting-edge therapy and immunology techniques to create personalized and targeted treatments for patients with tumors. His leadership in translational medicine bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, improving outcomes for cancer patients globally. In a not-so-distant future, we may live in an era where vaccines not only treat cancer but can prevent it. Stay tuned for our #InnovatoroftheYear highlight on Monday! 📽️

Our six licensing teams each selected an #InventionoftheYear from their portfolios. These technologies stood out as having great potential. Congratulations to the innovators from @ufdcp, @ufmedicine, @uf_cise, @uflche, @ufdentistry, UF BME, @ufpharmacy.

In addition to honoring our #InventionsoftheYear and #InnovatoroftheYear, 14 of 16 UF colleges participated in the second #InnOvationShowcase! This included @vetmedflorida, @ufifas_solutions, @ufnursing, @ufphhp, @ufhhp, @ufwertheim, @ufcota, @uf_clas, @ufjschool, and @uf_coe. @ufscripps also made the trip up from Jupiter.

David S. Rose (@davidsrose) provided our entrepreneurs with lessons during his morning keynote session, Insights and Innovation. Thank you to @santafecollege for partnering with us to host this kick-off to #StandingInnOvation. We appreciate our sponsors: @thekookaburra, Villaveces Law, and @audigainesville.

Our final standing ovation goes to our sponsors Wolf Greenfield, Thomas Horstemeyer LLP (@thip.law), Alston & Bird LLP, and @fmbrewing.

As always, your support helps make this event a reality. Read all about this year’s celebration and our winners at the link in our bio. ⤴️

The countdown for #StandingInnOvation2025 is officially on! ⏲️

#IAmAUFInnovator @uf.research

It’s #StandingInnOvation2024 Day! 🎉 We’re t

It’s #StandingInnOvation2024 Day! 🎉 We’re thrilled to welcome everyone as we celebrate our uf #Innovators with a well-deserved standing ovation and showcase the latest groundbreaking inventions at our #InnOvationShowcase.

It all kicks off with the David S. Rose keynote, Insights & Innovation, at @santafecollege’s Blount Center. This event will feature two keynotes, along with a book signing. We cannot wait to see those of you who RSVP’d.

A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors for #StandingInnOvation2024: @wolfgreenfield, @thip.law, & Alston & Bird.

Plus, another huge thank you to Wolf Greenfield, @audigainesville, @thekookaburra, and Villaveces Law for making this event possible.

#StandingInnOvation #UFresearch #InventionoftheYear #InnovatoroftheYear #UFInnovate #InnOvationShowcase2024

We’re counting down the hours – #StandingInnOv

We’re counting down the hours – #StandingInnOvation2024 is almost here! ⏳🎉 Tomorrow, we’ll be celebrating the incredible achievements of our top UF #innovators from fiscal year 2024. 🏆

Make sure you start the day right by attending the @davidsrose keynote, Insights & Innovation, at @santafecollege’s Blount Center. The two workshops are sure to be filled with inspiration and insights. This is your last chance to sign up. Visit the link in our bio. 🔗⤴️

See you tomorrow, innovators! 💡

#StandingInnOvation #InnOvationShowcase #UFresearch #InnovatoroftheYear

Just THREE days until #StandingInnOvation2024! 🎉✨ We’re gearing up to honor @uflorida's top innovators with a full day of inspiration and insights.

Kick off the day with @davidsrose's keynote at @santafecollege’s Blount Center, and stay for workshops that will help take your entrepreneurship journey to the next level!

Don’t miss your chance — register now! Seats are limited, go to the link in our bio. 🔗⤴️

See you on Wednesday! 💡

#StandingInnOvation #InnovationCelebration #UFInnovators #Entrepreneurship #UFresearch

Congratulations to our Employee of the Quarter, Al

Congratulations to our Employee of the Quarter, Allen Morgan! 🎉

As a Maintenance Specialist, Allen plays a key role in ensuring our UF Innovate Accelerate facilities, The Hub and Sid Martin Biotech, are in top shape to support our innovation ecosystem.

From preparing labs for new startups to coordinating with @uflorida Facilities Services and contractors, Allen handles it all with a smile! He’s our very own MacGyver, always stepping up to help and keeping everything running smoothly.

We are incredibly grateful for his hard work and dedication. His contributions are invaluable, and this recognition is well deserved!

#EmployeeOfTheQuarter #UFInnovate

🚀 This #TechTuesday, we highlight an incredible

🚀 This #TechTuesday, we highlight an incredible innovation from @ufwertheim and @ufdentistry. This invention is a saliva test that has the potential to revolutionize cancer detection! 🌍

Dr. Josephine Esquivel-Upshaw and Dr. Fan Ren, both inspired by personal connections to cancer, are working on a groundbreaking biosensor with their research teams that detects protein biomarkers in saliva. These biomarkers have the potential to help identify diseases like breast and oral cancer, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.

This research is especially important for rural communities with limited access to advanced medical imaging, such as mammograms or MRIs. By introducing this simple saliva test, individuals can be screened more easily and receive results faster, helping determine if further evaluation is necessary.

Stay tuned for more about how @uflorida is pushing the boundaries of life-saving research! ✨

🎥 Watch the segment above or on our YouTube channel! Thank you to @scad.media and @wcjb20 for producing this segment. We’ll catch you next week!

#UFResearch #CancerDetection

Get ready! We're just ONE week away from #Standing

Get ready! We're just ONE week away from #StandingInnOvation2024, UF Innovate Tech Licensing's annual celebration of innovation, spotlighting the best of @uflorida researchers. Our team is working hard to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet, honoring the incredible achievements of our #innovators from FY24! 💡

🚨 Reminder: Standing InnOvation is a FULL-DAY event this year! Start your day with an inspiring keynote, Insights & Innovation, from serial entrepreneur and industry leader @davidsrose at @santafecollege’s Blount Center. Whether you're looking to enhance your financial skills or perfect your pitch, these workshops will elevate your entrepreneurship game.

Seats are limited; register now using the link in our bio. 🔗⤴️

This year our event is bigger than ever and we want to thank our sponsors for their continued support: Wolf Greenfield, Thomas Horstemeyer LLP (@thip.law), and Alston & Bird LLP.

#StandingInnOvation #IAmAUFInnovator #UFresearch #InsightsAndInnovation @uf.research

Get ready for these upcoming events at UF Innovate

Get ready for these upcoming events at UF Innovate!

Calling all entrepreneurs! 🍫✨ Step into a world of pure imagination at our Willy Wonka-themed Innovation Hour on Wednesday, November 6th, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at UF Innovate | The Hub. Enjoy sweet treats, drinks, and great conversations with fellow innovators in a whimsical, Chocolate Factory-inspired setting.🎟️

Join us on Tuesday, November 12th, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM at UF Innovate | The Hub for the @Stratasys Road Show! 🚛💡 Explore the latest cutting-edge tech innovations, discover how 3D printing is transforming industries, and connect with like-minded innovators. Mark your calendars!

Then, join us on Wednesday, November 20th, from 10 to 11 AM at UF Innovate | The Hub for an exciting Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Aleksander Levental, Co-Founder and CEO of @Feathr.co, one of Gainesville’s most successful startups.🌟

Finally, join us on Thursday, November 21st, from 12 to 1 PM at UF Innovate | Sid Martin for an informative session on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems. If you’re looking to manage engineering data like part numbers, CAD models, BOMs, and specifications in disconnected file folders and spreadsheets, this event is for you! 📊

We hope to see you soon!

Pablo Casilimas (@donpabllo), our third and final

Pablo Casilimas (@donpabllo), our third and final panelist, closes out our #MeetThePanel series ahead of #GatorPitch! Pablo is the co-founder and managing partner at @onesixoneventures, a leading pre-seed capital firm.

OneSixOne Ventures launched in 2017 to help startup founders in #Florida connect to mentors and investors through curated events. OneSixOne has since launched an accelerator, which has helped 40 startups raise $13M+ within two years. They also have a venture capital fund focused on backing pre-seed and seed-stage startups in dual-use tech and infrastructure for AI and the cloud. They’ve deployed $2.5M+ and have 15 portfolio companies across the U.S.

Also a #Gator alumnus, Pablo is a seasoned investor with an eye for innovation. His expertise will give founders great insight into what investors seek in early-stage startups. We are thrilled to present the startup finalists to this panel of experts in just two weeks!

It's not too late to secure your spot for #GatorPitch! 🐊 RSVP at the link in our bio. ⤴️

#VentureCapital #GatorNation #Miami #UF

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