Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Office of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OTIE) at WPI identifies, evaluates, values, protects, classifies, markets, and licenses the intellectual property assets developed by WPI researchers and other significant users of WPI resources. The office maintains close working relationships with faculty and staff researchers, manages the patented technologies database, and facilitates the transfer of WPI-owned intellectual property.

WPI researchers collaborate across disciplines on state-of-the-art solutions to critical industrial, medical, and environmental problems. The resulting commercial relevance of their ideas is one of the ways we measure success in our research programs. Our resources help them maximize their marketability and market potential.

The OTIE acts as the point of contact for faculty expertise, and partners with the Office of Sponsored Programs to negotiate intellectual property conditions in sponsored research agreements.

Entrepreneurship and Startups

Good ideas lead to new products, services, businesses, and industries. OTIE can connect WPI entrepreneurs to seed funding, lawyers, advisors, and other resources that are critical to launching a startup. Contact OTIE to learn how we help WPI entrepreneurs.

Contact OTIE

Submit an Idea, Connect with Us

WPI inventors can disclose their inventions to OTIE, seek help with technology agreements, and manage their intellectual property through Sophia, an all-in-one platform. Learn about Sophia, explore our training videos, and get started.

Training videos Sign in to Sophia

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Browse WPI Technologies

WPI researchers are constantly making breakthroughs in advanced manufacturing, new materials, data science, robotics, the life sciences, biotechnology, and many more fields. Inventions that are available for licensing can be viewed by opportunity, IP status, and more.

Browse WPI technologies

Technology Commercialization

A Novel Way to Recycle Lithium-ion Batteries

Yan Wang, the William B. Smith Professor of Mechanical Engineering, invented a way to recycle old lithium-ion batteries and keep them out of landfills. Wang also co-founded Ascend Elements to commercialize his recycling process.

WPI Inventors Push Boundaries with New Patents

Explore the innovative spirit at WPI through videos about patents recently granted. These patents represent the dedication and creativity of our faculty, researchers, and students, who are pushing the boundaries of technology and scientific discovery. They showcase breakthroughs across various fields, highlighting WPI’s commitment to advancing knowledge and creating solutions that impact industries and improve lives. Discover how WPI’s intellectual property portfolio supports our mission to foster innovation and drive progress in engineering, science, and technology.

Explore WPI patents

A photo shows framed certificates for WPI inventors admitted to the National Academy of Inventors

National Academy of Inventors - WPI Chapter

The WPI chapter of the National Academy of Inventors honors academic invention, recognizes and encourages inventors, and enhances the visibility of WPI research and innovation. To apply, students must have applied for at least a provisional patent while an undergraduate; faculty must have an issued patent; and alumni must have an issued patent, either as an individual or through an employer.

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