Chapter 5: Commercialization Spotlight

CHAPTER 5 Commercialization Story

LICENSES FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: 12

Sometimes the function of Research Commercialization Agreements is seen as just contracting, or it is just the unit that spins out technologies. But the two functions act together to bring a strategic advantage to UNT. When the contracting and commercialization are synchronized and able to move at the speed of business, it allows for transformative transactions that, once accomplished, open a floodgate of more opportunities for UNT to engage with industry, which then increases funding of research and has a lasting impact on the value of UNT’s degrees.

A great example of such a transformative opportunity is the 2019 transaction with LaCore Nutraceuticals, a private company that develops over-the-counter vitamins, nutraceuticals and other health additives and chemicals. In a ground-breaking transaction with UNT through chemistry professor Guido Verbeck, LaCore executed a multi-phase, long-term project that included a $1 million gift to UNT (one of the largest single corporate gifts to UNT); a five year, $500,000 sponsored research contract; a five year lease to labs in Inspire Park; over $60,000 of value in converting the labs into wet-lab space; internships for UNT students working as chemists in industry; and an option to license UNT intellectual property. This holistic package of interactions with a company demonstrates UNT’s ability to leverage research, advancement, facilities and both our industry renowned researchers and their students as vehicles for engaging with industry and delivering Tier One Our Way.