LAUNCH
Welcome to LAUNCH
Game-changing technologies are emerging at NMSU, where researchers and creative problem solvers are working in disciplines with real world impacts. Historically, it has been difficult to transition early-stage research into marketable products. Arrowhead Center’s LAUNCH program is based on a simple concept that yields great results: by exploring a technology’s commercial potential very early in development and providing funding and resources for that work, we stand a much better chance of moving a viable product to market.
LAUNCH has been identifying and providing commercialization support to promising early-stage technologies since 2011. We recently introduced a new format for the program to expedite rapid growth in technology commercialization. This will involve more intensive product development and direct mentorship, which will assess and validate technologies, explore customer development, and identify investment opportunities
LAUNCH is ruthless. The pace is ruthless – the idea of a pitch and marketing plan was new to me as a researcher.The program taught me ruthless creativity: I could not afford to not be creative. It taught me ruthless courage, as sometimes the process was slow. It also taught me ruthless open-mindedness: I had to be open-minded to honest criticism from the technology commercialization associates, which has helped me with receiving subsequent National Science Foundation criticism.
LAUNCH is a 10-week licensing studio, built to springboard NMSU intellectual property into the private sector.
LAUNCH partners leading NMSU inventors with a team of legal, corporate, and marketing experts to license NMSU technologies. Using the power of the inventor’s technical expertise and industry network, and the studio resources of Arrowhead Center, LAUNCH accelerates licensing deals – resulting in revenue to the inventor and NMSU.
Accleration
Expertise
Project managers, lawyers, negotiators, corporate executives and marketers provide the critical services needed to license IP
Market Intelligence
Arrowhead staff will provide market insights that help shape strategic licensing plans
Frequently Asked Questions
When are applications due? February 7, 2020.
Who is eligible? NMSU faculty, staff, and students with licensable know-how and inventions (un-disclosed, disclosed or patented) at NMSU (main campus or at our community colleges).
What is covered during the 10-week program? What is the time commitment? Rotating online or in-person meetings will take place with Arrowhead Center staff to develop a robust plan for furthering the commercial potential of the invention. Cohort meetings are supplemented with mentorship, and professional service provider, user group and industry meetings. Additional customized assignments and milestones are required for individual development.
Do you take equity? We do not take equity.
What happens at the end of LAUNCH, am I on my own? Support does not end with LAUNCH. The NMSU Office of Intellectual Property and the Arrowhead Center continue to work with faculty on licensing opportunities for the life of the patent.