In FY25, CTTC experienced growth in technology disclosures, licensing transactions, industry-sponsored research, and startups launched—demonstrating the university's commitment to expanding the innovation ecosystem.
Key Achievements:
- Processed a record 231 new invention disclosures, representing 519 total inventors, 197 of whom disclosed for the first time.
- Supported Vanderbilt investigators in securing $32.8M in industry-sponsored research, highlighted by collaborations with major pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
- Assisted in launching a record-breaking number of 16 startups, demonstrating remarkable growth in new ventures based on Vanderbilt technologies.
- Executed 104 licensing transactions, which included 89 license agreements and 15 option agreements.
Tech Transfer 101: Licenses vs. Options
| LICENSE AGREEMENTS | OPTION AGREEMENTS |
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Licenses are the contractual way that Vanderbilt grants rights to a company to develop and commercialize a university invention. The university keeps ownership of the intellectual property, while granting the company (licensee) specific rights, such as to make, use, or sell the technology. In return, the company agrees to financial and development terms, which may include equity, fees, royalties, and milestones, among other terms and conditions. In FY25, the 89 license agreements included:
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Options are temporary agreements between Vanderbilt and a prospective company that allow time for due diligence and/or securing development funding before committing to a full license. Options typically provide a 6–12 month exclusive evaluation period during which Vanderbilt agrees not to license the technology to others, while the company decides whether it wants to take the next step, usually an exclusive license. Though not used exclusively with startups, option agreements are a common first step for startups who may need time to explore the market or to raise initial funding before committing to the license. In FY25, 12 of Vanderbilt’s 15 option agreements were signed with startups. EXAMPLE: SJC BIO A startup formed to develop biodegradable dental bone grafts invented by Dr. Scott Guelcher, Vanderbilt Professor of Chemical, Molecular, and Biomedical Engineering. SCJ Bio first signed an option in 2024 and, after promising fundraising efforts, signed an exclusive license in 2025. |
Did you Know? Vanderbilt's E-Commerce Platform
VU e-Innovations is CTTC’s online licensing platform for Vanderbilt-developed software, surveys, training materials, datasets, courseware, and specialized products.
VU e-Innovations automates licensing of intellectual property assets through standard click through end-user agreements—covering both digital products and physical products—and enables free access to select product offerings for academic and nonprofit users.
Since the platform's launch in 2008, 26 product families have generated more than $2.2M in licensing revenue. In FY25, VU e-Innovations generated about $170,000 and processed 550+ product/license orders.
VU e-Innovations products include:
- MFA SuiteTM: A metabolic flux analysis software suite for bioprocess manufacturing from Jamey Young, professor of chemical and bimolecular engineering.
- STATTM: A screening tool kit for early detection of autism developed at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.
- LeachXSTM: A data management and visualization tool to help scientists analyze results of leaching tests, developed by David Kosson, professor of civil and environmental engineering, and colleagues from School of Engineering.
- LAPOPTM: Annual license subscription to public opinion polling datasets, from the Department of Political Sciences.