The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) serves to power invention and ignite progress by creating, supporting, and sustaining a culture of innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurship and collaboration both on and off-campus for the benefit of the University community, its partners, the region, and society.
The OIE is comprised of the following four units:
- Innovation Institute (II) - The Innovation Institute (II) works closely with Pitt innovators (faculty, staff, and students) to explore and develop the commercial potential for their research and ideas, helping to transform them into products and processes for the innovators’ benefit, as well as for the benefit of the University and mankind.
- Big Idea Center (BIC) - The Big Idea Center (BIC) is where any Pitt student – undergrad to postdoc - can develop their innovative and entrepreneurial skills and mindset through mentoring, networking, workshops, pitch competitions, acceleration, incubation, and more.
- Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships (OIEP) - The Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships (OIEP) serves as a one-stop shop for industry and venture capital firms seeking to partner with Pitt. OIEP facilitates the process of engaging in sponsored research, technology licensing, and new venture creation.
- Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) - The Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) provides education, consulting, and networking to all types of small businesses and entrepreneurs, from well-established family and closely-held businesses to aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to start a business.
Do you believe you have a potential invention as a result of your research? Before you disclose your newly created intellectual property to the public through publication, presentation at a conference, or otherwise share your ideas with outside parties, submit an Intellectual Property Disclosure Form (IPDF) to the Innovation Institute by going to https://www.innovation.pitt.edu/pitt-invention-disclosure/.
For questions about the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and how they can help you, please contact OIEHELP@pitt.edu.