Your guide to understanding and using the Husky FAST Start license
Fiona Wills
For researchers launching a startup, licensing is a key step—it gives the new company access to valuable intellectual property and helps move university discoveries toward impactful products and services. But for both first-time founders and experienced teams, it can be tough to navigate.
In my role leading CoMotion’s innovation development team, I’ve seen firsthand how negotiating complex licensing agreements can be frustrating to startup teams. Legal language and unfamiliar terms can make it hard to know what’s reasonable. When you understand which terms matter most to your startup—and which are essential for the university—you can better guide your legal counsel, negotiate more effectively, and keep legal costs in check. Understanding your licensing agreement is an essential part of setting your company up for success.
That’s why our team created the Startup Licensing Handbook, a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help researchers understand the Husky FAST Start license agreement. First launched in 2020, the FAST Start process offers a Fair, Aligned, Standardized, and Transparent approach, with a pre-negotiated agreement that simplifies licensing for UW startups. The handbook builds on this by walking you through each part of the agreement in plain language, explaining key terms and FAQs, and helping you take an informed, active role in the process.
Whether you’re just beginning to work with CoMotion or are already approaching the licensing phase, this guide can help you feel more confident and better prepared. It’s designed to save time, reduce surprises, and give your startup a solid foundation. Take a look and reach out with any questions or feedback—we’re here to help.
The CoMotion team is excited to work with you on your innovation journey!