Researchers at the University of Minnesota have a new resource on campus to help them bring their discoveries beyond the lab and into the marketplace.

The Discovery Launchpad is an incubator program developed by the U’s Venture Center to provide expert coaching and support for researchers — including those from the Medical School — who are interested in forming a startup company to commercialize new technology. 

The program connects researchers with advisers who coach them through the process of creating business, marketing, and sales plans, as well as working on financial management and developing a business pitch. 

“By offering individualized advising from experienced executives and entrepreneurs, we can improve the success of new startup companies based on U of M research, bring new technologies into the market, and increase the overall return on investment for research,” says Russ Straate, associate director of the Venture Center.  

Learn more about the Discovery Launchpad at z.umn.edu/discovery-launchpad.