Doug Johnson

The Office for Technology Commercialization (OTC) takes the ideas and technology that stem from University of Minnesota research, prepares this intellectual property for the market, and in some cases spins it out into new businesses. The Venture Center is the business unit within OTC that works with entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors to create start-up companies based on University research. The Venture Center also monitors and guides these start-ups until the occurrence of a liquidity event. The Center is capable of making an 'Ignition Investment,' which is an early stage loan made of $10,000 to $50,000 to a University start-up company to help enable a successful launch. The Ignition Investment will go directly to the company as a loan before the first outside money is raised for the company. Only new University of Minnesota start-ups are eligible to apply for Ignition Investments.