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Tech TransferIndirect supportEquity takenVerified

Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation (CTTEC)

Also known as: CTTEC

Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, PA

CMU's technology transfer office. Facilitates movement of research to marketplace through IP protection, licensing, startup formation, and industry partnerships. 2021-2025 metrics: 47 spin-off companies, 941 licenses/options/agreements, $109.14M licensing income. ~220 technologies available for licensing on Flintbox. Dedicated licensing managers for each CMU college/school.

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Quick fit check

  • Indirect support only
  • Takes equity
  • Currently active
  • Verified by research

Key numbers

Funding range

—

Equity

Equity taken

Application

Ongoing

Campus Wide

Last activity

2026-06-24

High confidence

Application and Timing

Participants

CMU faculty, researchers, and graduate students across all colleges: Engineering, Fine Arts, Dietrich, Heinz, Mellon College of Science, SCS, Tepper, SEI, CMU global campuses.

Funding and Equity

Equity and royalty arrangements in licensee spinouts. Standard licensing fees for technologies.

Recent Activity

  • 2021-2025: 47 spin-off companies created.
  • 2021-2025: 941 licenses and agreements executed.
  • 2021-2025: $109.14M licensing income.
  • Notable spinouts: Duolingo (IPO $4B), Gecko Robotics (unicorn), Abridge, Efficient Computer ($60M), NovoLINC ($10.2M).

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

See every startup

Abridge

Carnegie Mellon University

Faculty spinout

Clinical AI documentation startup spun out of CMU research with major healthcare partnerships.

Duolingo

Carnegie Mellon University

Faculty spinout

Language-learning platform spun out of CMU research; IPO at roughly $4B valuation.

Efficient Computer

Carnegie Mellon University

Faculty spinout

Energy-efficient processor design startup; CMU faculty spinout that raised $60M.

Gecko Robotics

Carnegie Mellon University

Faculty spinout

Industrial inspection robotics company; CMU spinout that reached unicorn status.

NovoLINC

Carnegie Mellon University

Faculty spinout

Minimally invasive spinal surgery medtech; CMU spinout that raised $10.2M.

Historical winners (research notes)
  • Duolingo — Language learning platform, IPO valuation ~$4B.
  • Gecko Robotics — Industrial robotics, unicorn status.
  • Abridge — Clinical AI documentation, major healthcare partnerships.
  • Efficient Computer — Energy-efficient processor design, $60M raised.
  • NovoLINC — Minimally invasive spinal surgery, $10.2M raised.

Verification Gaps

  • Individual startup outcomes and survival rates not tracked publicly.
  • Total patent portfolio size not fully disclosed.
  • Licensing deal terms and revenue sharing specifics not available.

Programming

  • IP protection and patent filing.
  • Licensing and options agreements.
  • Startup formation support.
  • Industry partnership facilitation.
  • Flintbox technology catalog (~220 technologies).
Additional research notesShow