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Discovery to Impact

RESEARCHERS AND 
UT COMMUNITY

We meet you where you are — then take your vision beyond limits.

IMPACT STARTS HERE

Discovery to Impact connects researchers and innovators with the resources they need to bring world-changing ideas to life. From intellectual property to partnerships and funding, we simplify the path from research to the world. Wherever you and your idea are going, we help you get there.

TURNING IDEAS INTO IMPACT

There’s no single path for bringing world-changing ideas to market. That’s why Discovery to Impact has created an ecosystem of resources to meet you wherever you are, so you can get to where you want to go next — and then even further.

Disclose your technology

By filling out our disclosure form, you can take the first step towards protecting your discoveries. From there, we’ll guide you through the patent process, helping turn your ideas into products and services ready for market — and the world.

YOUR PATH FORWARD

Once you’ve disclosed your discovery, the path to real-world impact is yours to create, whether it’s licensing your technology to a company, founding a startup, or exploring your options.

Explore Resources

With unmatched research and entrepreneurial support, dedicated funding and facilities for innovation, over 100 programs, and a network of more than 500,000 alumni, we are equipped with all the resources you need to make your mark on the world — from initial discovery to lasting impact.

Find Funding

From Texas Proof of Concept Awards to America’s Seed Fund, we help you find the right funding opportunities to bring your vision to life — and to market.

Get Support

Whether you’re a UT researcher, staff member, or student, if you have an idea that you think has potential, we can help. From advising resources to mentorships and one-on-one assistance, Discovery to Impact gives you the support you need to pursue your best ideas — and bring them to market.

Ready to Change the World?

Wherever your idea is going, start your journey here.

Ready to Change the World?

Wherever your idea is going, start your journey here.

Donglei Emma Fan

Researcher Spotlight

Dr. Donglei Emma Fan

Dr. Fan, a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering and co-founder of Materials Nova, a technology company that creates materials solutions from water filters to medical diagnostic devices, received a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institute of Health.

INNOVATION
SPACES

From Innovation Tower to the UT Impact Labs opening at Parmer Austin in spring 2025, our facilities empower you to redefine what’s possible. With access to state-of-the-art labs, cutting-edge technology, and specialized services, you have everything you need to transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions.

Interior of UT Cockrell Engineering Building
Freshman Research Initiative 2015 in the DIY diagnostics lab of Tim Riedel and Moriah Sandy, clinical assistant professor (gray t-shirt and glasses) in the College of Natural Sciences.
Outside photograph of Innovation Tower in Austin, TX with city and The Texas State Capitol in background

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DISCOVERY TO IMPACT

News & Events

Discovery to Impact partners with researchers, inventors, investors, and entrepreneurs at every step of their journey in relentless pursuit of changing the world.