Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC) provides professional commercialization services to the VU and VUMC community, driving innovations to the marketplace and generating revenue that supports future research activities and makes a positive societal impact.
The CTTC transfers intellectual property to industry, contributing to regional economic development by licensing locally, supporting new venture creation, and encouraging greater translational research collaborations between academia and industry.
Over the last decade, the CTTC has:
- Evaluated 1,887 inventions disclosures
- Issued 611 U.S. patents
- Executed 929 license agreements
- Generated $305.1M revenue
- Launched 66 startups
Internal Teams & Functions
The CTTC team, led by Alan Bentley, includes 39 employees who support these functions, along with Operations, Corporate Contracts, and Medical Product Support Services; and three main divisions lead CTTC’s revenue-generating activities: Licensing, New Venture Development, and Industry Collaborations.
Licensing
Led by Chris Harris, the Licensing team focuses on evaluating new technologies and protecting intellectual property. Its role is crucial in marketing these technologies to industry, drafting and negotiating license and confidentiality agreements, and ensuring compliance with license terms.
A specialized subgroup within Licensing, the Corporate Contracts team, led by Karen Rufus, drafts and negotiates Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) with academia and industry. Moreover, it supports agreements related to industry-sponsored research, clinical trials, foundation funding, and confidentiality.
New Venture Development
Led by Stephen Miller, the New Venture Development team nurtures start-ups originating from Vanderbilt research. It assesses concepts for new ventures, reviews business plans and financial models, assists in company formation, and builds relationships with investors, offering pathways to capital and leadership. The team also manages licensing equity, serves on boards, and oversees the Innovation Catalyst Fund.
Industry Collaborations
Led by Chris Rowe, the Industry Collaborations team conducts outreach to secure research funding, manages relations with corporate partners, and facilitates master research agreements. It plays a vital role in coordinating industry campus visits and organizing research showcase events.
Let’s Collaborate!
Whether you are preparing to submit a paper or abstract, have an exciting invention on the horizon, are developing software, materials or devices, or exploring industry funding opportunities, don’t hesitate to contact the CTTC team for expert guidance.