Vanderbilt's Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC) had an exceptional 2025 fiscal year, setting all-time records across multiple metrics while expanding the university's innovation impact. CTTC experienced growth in technology disclosures, licensing transactions, industry-sponsored research, and startups launched—demonstrating the university's commitment to expanding the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.
Provost C. Cybele Raver states, “Vanderbilt’s record-breaking year underscores our commitment to getting innovative solutions into the world faster. Commercialization and tech transfer provide critical pathways to translate faculty discoveries into real-world impact. These achievements reflect the ingenuity of our faculty, the strength of our industry partnerships, and the CTTC team’s dedication to driving innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Key FY25 achievements include:
- Processed a record 231 new invention disclosures, representing 521 total inventors, 197 of whom disclosed for the first time.
- Executed 104 licensing agreements with major pharmaceutical companies, startups, and others in a wide range of fields including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and postpartum hemorrhage treatments.
- Secured $32.8M in industry-sponsored research, highlighted by collaborations with major pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
- Assisted in launching 16 startup companies, demonstrating remarkable growth in new ventures based on Vanderbilt technologies. These sixteen new ventures span diverse sectors including biotechnology, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and digital health.
Alan Bentley, associate vice chancellor for technology transfer, states, “There is a nationwide trend toward focusing more effort on academia to support entrepreneurship and commercialization of valuable institutional assets through startup creation. Our team is working hard to ensure that Vanderbilt remains at the forefront of those efforts.”
CTTC has built out a comprehensive startup support program, the Venture Studio, to help faculty launch and grow Vanderbilt-affiliated ventures. The Venture Studio provides expert analysis of business opportunities, business plan development and validation assistance, formation services, coaching and mentorship, and access to talent, space, and capital. Currently, CTTC has more than 47 potential startups at various stages in the pipeline.
Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem
Other notable CTTC activities in FY25 included the launch of the inaugural Southeast Venture Showcase (SVS), attracting more than 100 investors to Nashville and featuring over 40 investment-ready startups from various technology sectors.
With 29 startups launched in the past three years and 47 projects in the startup pipeline, Vanderbilt's innovation ecosystem continues to gain forward momentum. Additionally, since 2023, the Innovation Catalyst Fund have made 39 awards for a total of $1.4M in translational research investments. Of the 15 initial projects that have been reported to date, five led to invention disclosures, five generated new licensing deals, and eight facilitated new or existing startups powered by Vanderbilt technology. This investment has already multiplied into more than $4M in follow-on external funding in the form of grants and capital investments.
Innovation growth across the region remains a key university priority. This year's achievements demonstrate the value of connecting faculty expertise with commercialization resources.
About the CTTC Team
Whether you're considering disclosing an invention, seeking guidance on intellectual property protection, or contemplating a startup venture, CTTC offers personalized support at every step. Contact the team to discuss your research and potential pathways to impact.