An eight-step, stage-gated methodology organized into four phases: Evaluate, Protect, Execute, Manage. Developed over 25 years and refined across 2,000+ technology evaluations. No other fractional T2 provider has a published, named methodology.
MSFC 2022 Small Business Prime Contractor of the YearTurning Visions into Value
Trusted IP Commercialization Since 2000
Acuity Edge has guided 100+ universities, federal labs, and corporations from invention to license. Our methodology doubled NASA's licensing output and generated $16M+ in revenue at Michigan State.
Talk to a team that has commercialized technology across 10 NASA centers and 100+ institutions.
Why change
Your research is producing inventions. Your infrastructure is not producing licenses.
Emerging research universities face a gap between faculty output and commercial outcomes. Acuity Edge closes it.
Without a real TTO
- ×Inventions are lost or mishandled because no formal disclosure process exists
- ×Patent dollars are spent on filings that never license - $15K to $30K per application with no market assessment
- ×A full-time TTO director costs $250K+ annually and carries hiring risk that can cost 18 months to recover
- ×Federal grants requiring commercialization plans are functionally inaccessible without T2 infrastructure
- ×Faculty recruiting suffers because research-active faculty expect commercialization support as table stakes
With Launch & Run
- +A fully operational TTO in weeks, not months, at a fraction of a full-time hire
- +The IMS evaluation gate cuts patent spend 40-50% while growing licensing output
- +A team with 100+ institutions of experience, not one person with one perspective
- +IP policy, disclosure process, and Bayh-Dole compliance built from day one
- +A clear transition path to in-house operation when research volume justifies it
Trusted by institutions and organizations including
NASAMichigan State UniversityUniversity of IllinoisDuke UniversityAymiumPPC EnterprisesSandton Capital Partners
The flow
The Invention Management System in four phases
A clear path from first step to measurable outcome.
1. Evaluate
Triage applies commercialization factors to identify fatal flaws. Screen interviews the inventor and adds market and patent research. Assess engages industry experts directly to validate demand. Each step ends in a Release, Monitor, or Pursue decision.
2. Protect
Patent decisions are driven by evidence of licensee demand, not inventor enthusiasm. Patenting is a milestone, not a goal. Only inventions that pass all three evaluation gates proceed to patent investment.
3. Execute
Prepare compelling marketing messaging and collateral. Market to identified licensees and decision makers. Negotiate license agreements that protect institutional interests while closing deals.
4. Manage
Track every invention through the Active/Passive x Patented/Unpatented framework. Monitor passive inventions for trigger conditions. Report quarterly to university leadership on portfolio state and outcomes.
Results
Results from institutions and companies that trusted Acuity Edge
Good to know
Common questions about Acuity Edge and Launch & Run
What does Acuity Edge do?+
Acuity Edge is a management consulting firm established in 2000 that specializes in intellectual property commercialization. We help clients extract maximum value from technology assets by marketing inventions to target industry partners, generating licensing deals, and building strategic partnerships.
Who are Acuity Edge's typical clients?+
We serve three primary segments: Technology Transfer Offices at universities, government labs, and corporations monetizing IP; Product Development Teams exploring new market opportunities; and Investors and Acquirers needing due diligence and deal management support. Launch & Run is specifically built for emerging research universities without an established TTO.
What is the Invention Management System?+
The IMS is our eight-step commercialization methodology organized into four phases: Evaluation (Triage, Screen, Assess), Protection (Patent), Execution (Prepare, Market, License), and Management (Manage). It is stage-gated, market-centric, and has been refined across 2,000+ technology evaluations over 25 years.
How does Launch & Run work for emerging universities?+
Launch & Run has two components. First, we build your T2 function: IP policy, disclosure process, procedures, compliance infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. Second, we operate the TTO on a monthly retainer: harvesting inventions, evaluating them through the IMS, managing patent decisions, marketing to industry, negotiating licenses, and reporting quarterly to leadership.
What results has Acuity Edge achieved?+
At NASA, we doubled licensing output while halving patent filings over six consecutive years, achieving the most licenses in agency history. At Michigan State, we produced 220+ licenses and $16M+ in revenue while clearing a 700-invention backlog. At the University of Illinois, we licensed 200 technologies, launched 34 startups, and grew disclosures 70% in three years.
How much does Launch & Run cost?+
Pricing is customized based on your institution's needs and portfolio volume. The monthly retainer is a fraction of the $250K+ annual cost of a full-time TTO director. Book a call to discuss your specific requirements.
Take the next step
Stop losing inventions. Start closing licenses.
Book a call to see how Launch & Run gives your institution a fully operational TTO in weeks.
Book a call