Benefits of university seed cap programs

When universities engage in technology transfer, the process of commercializing the innovations and inventions of academic faculty members, “seed capital” to fund start-up companies often comes from entrepreneurs and venture capitalists from outside of the university system. These necessary funds have far-reaching effects and benefits; however, additional benefits, both for the community and the institution, can be realized when the seed capital comes from the innovation and invention-founding academic institutions. “University Seed Capital Programs: Benefits Beyond the Loan,” a paper outlining these benefits, has been published in the current issue of Technology and Innovation, Journal of the National Academy of Inventors.