At the University of Pittsburgh, we believe in translating groundbreaking discoveries into real-world impact through commercializing university research. As a major public research university, we strive to make a positive impact through the cultivation of new knowledge and creative works. Here, you’ll discover why you should commercialize research at Pitt, turning laboratory breakthroughs into new or improved products and services that make a difference in people’s lives and generate economic opportunity for academic inventors, the university, and the wider community.

What is commercialization?

Commercialization is the process by which a new product or service is introduced into the general market. Commercialization of university research is typically broken into phases, from the initial introduction of the product through its mass production and adoption. It takes into account the production, distribution, marketing, sales, and customer support required to achieve commercial success. As a strategy, commercialization requires that a business develop a marketing plan, determine how the product will be supplied to the market, and anticipate barriers to success.

Inventor's Guide

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