CoMotion Connect, held at the newly opened Burke Museum on Wednesday, November 20, gave University of Washington faculty and researchers the opportunity to learn more about how we partner to help move their innovations from idea to impact. Attendees heard from two UW researchers who have successfully navigated the commercialization journey, met a number of peers who have licensed their innovation or spunout a startup, and connected with mentors and investors.

UW Provost Mark Richards welcomed attendees and shared some impressive statistics about the economic impact the UW has on Washington State and beyond. He then introduced François Baneyx, Director of CoMotion and Interim Vice Provost for Innovation, who described CoMotion’s four key program and service areas, and outlined paths to commercialization including licensing, startups, acquisition, and company formation.

Beth Etscheid of the Washington Research Foundation then took the stage to explain their significant role in supporting UW researchers with funding and programs. The attendees then learned about successful commercialization projects first-hand from UW faculty Valerie Daggett and Josh Smith.