UI Office of Innovation

The University of Iowa's Office of Innovation is available to provide guidance for investigators considering starting a company to commercialize intellectual property, inventions, etc.

The IOWA Office of Innovation combines entrepreneurial success with services essential to moving research inspired innovations and technologies forward. The Office of Innovation aligns promising UI faculty, graduate students and staff ideas with tools, funding, and expertise to bring their ideas to life.

Services include the Iowa Research Park and UI Ventures.

Some important conditions to note

Separation of Company Research from University Research

University resources may not be used for the activities of a company, including the company portion of a research collaboration in which the University is engaged, except under specific documented agreements, between the startup and the University governing the use of space, equipment, personnel, etc.

Use of University Logos and Wordmarks 

UI researchers must follow the Policy Manual on the Use of the University of Iowa Name. 

Generally, the use of the University name and wordmark for any purpose in any non-University endeavor not previously sanctioned by the Office of Strategic Communication is prohibited. 

University faculty or staff may use their name in conjunction with the name of the University for self-identification purposes in connection with products or services when they are the subject of a pending U.S. patent, a valid in-force U.S. patent, or a U.S. copyright, in which a pecuniary interest is held by the University, and which arose out of University research or scholarship, or in other manner arose out of activity connected with the University. Prior written authorization shall be required from the Vice President for Research, based on a finding that the foregoing facts regarding patent, copyright, and interest in the University apply in a given case.

Reach out to the Office of Strategic Communication with any questions about the UI name or wordmark as it relates to a startup company. 

Financial Separation and Procurement of Goods and Services 

Startup company financials must maintain their financial records independently from University financials. It is advisable to utilize private funds for acquiring software such as QuickBooks to effectively track and manage startup financial records. Startup companies must establish dedicated bank accounts under the companies Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or employee Social Security Number (SSN). These accounts should be separate from any UI related accounts.

University accounts and funds should not be used to financially support or sponsor any activities of such companies. Any University investment in startup companies should be managed through the UI Research Foundation (UIRF).

University funds, which includes resources such as faculty startup funds, grants, contracts, donations, etc., shall not be used for the procurement of goods or services for startup companies. UI funds may not be used to support the activities, expenses, or payroll of a startup company. Furthermore, goods or services purchased by the University should not be used by startup companies. UI resources are to be used to further the University’s mission, and all expenditures made from UI accounts must strictly align with official University business. Should any costs be inadvertently paid for by the University through its accounts or transactions, the employee or company is obligated to promptly reimburse such costs.

Use of University Facilities and Resources 

In accordance with the UI Policy Manual University employees may not use University resources, including University personnel, working time, supplies, equipment, or communications in support of the activities of an external entity.  This includes refraining from the use of University computers, printers, phones, email accounts, supplies, administrative staff, and other office resources. In addition, startup companies and their employees should not use University office or laboratory space for the conduct of their business, absent an approved agreement with the University to address such use.

The Bioventures Center and Translation Research Incubator have been established for companies to lease office and lab space for commercial use at reasonable rates.  Company lease of University space outside of these areas requires approval from the University Business Manager.

Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student, Professional Student, and Postdoctoral Participation in Faculty/Staff Startups or Startup funded research

Participation in startup companies can be an exciting and valuable opportunity for students and postdocs, offering unique experiences and insights into entrepreneurship, technology transfer and the real-world application of research discoveries. However, it is crucial to establish policies to ensure ethical conduct, protect intellectual property, and maintain transparency. The following guidelines prioritize the protection of students and postdocs, their academic development, and their voluntary participation in research conducted or funded by University startups.

Use of UI Facilities – The guidelines governing the use of University facilities and resources by startup companies also apply to students and postdoctoral researchers involved with a startup.

Academic Prioritization and Oversight –Participation in startup activities should not distract from a student’s progress toward completing graduation requirements or a postdoc’s career goals. Advisors and mentors should provide guidance and support to ensure that participation in the startup aligns with the individuals’ educational and career objectives.

Voluntary Participation – Students and postdocs are in an inherently vulnerable position and care should be taken to ensure they are engaged in startup activities voluntarily. They should never be coerced, pressured, or compelled to work for or on projects funded by the startup. The decision to participate should be based on their own interests and career goals. 

Transparency and Compensation - Students and postdocs should have access to information about goals, expectations and potential conflicts of interest associated with the startup. Compensation and/or equity in the startup should be fair and transparent.

Considerations - Before involving students and postdocs in university startup activities, consider whether the activities could:

• interfere with the student’s progress toward degree completion or the postdoc’s training timeline
• negatively impact the student’s requirements for graduation or impact the student’s ability to maintain full-time enrollment 
• place restrictions on the publication or presentation of research results that may impact a student’s thesis, dissertation, oral presentations, or other requirements for degree completion
• conflict with the conditions of the individuals’ funding e.g.,  fellowship or training grant, which restricts related work for additional  compensation
• conflict with the individual’s visa status. e.g., most international postdocs have visas that would not allow work outside the University of Iowa. Those with F-1 visas with an option for practical training (OPT) should check with the College or University who issued their I-20 before initiating work with a startup 

Approvals – Engaging students and postdocs in activities related to a startup company requires approval from local and senior leadership. For those approved, appropriate management plans for conflicts of commitment and interest must be developed as appropriate. These approvals ensure that all parties are informed and supportive of the student’s or postdoc’s engagement with the startup while safeguarding their academic interests and maintaining compliance with institutional policies. 

• Undergraduate Student Approval. Undergraduate student involvement in startup companies requires approval from the academic advisor or mentor, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, or another administrator responsible for their academic program, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education/Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (or equivalent)in  the student’s college.
• Graduate or Professional Student Approval. Graduate or professional student involvement in startup companies requires approval from the academic advisor or mentor, the Departmental Executive Officer responsible for their academic program, and the Associate Dean for Graduate or Professional Education in the student’s college.