Spotlight on Georgetown University’s Office of Technology Commercialization and the Recent Research & Innovation Showcase
Georgetown Entrepreneurship was thrilled to co-host and collaborate with the Office of Technology Commercialization on its first Research and Innovation Showcase event. The event included discoveries, innovations, ventures, and provided space to connect academia with industry leaders and investors.
Georgetown University’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) continues to drive innovation and entrepreneurship by bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. As the university’s tech transfer and licensing arm, OTC is dedicated to advancing groundbreaking discoveries into impactful ventures that contribute to societal progress. This mission was recently exemplified during the 2025 Research & Innovation Showcase, held on April 1, 2025, at Georgetown’s Fisher Colloquium and Lohrfink Auditorium.
About the Office of Technology Commercialization
OTC plays a pivotal role in translating Georgetown’s research breakthroughs into commercial solutions. Through initiatives like Georgetown Tech Ventures (GTV)—a program funded by the Economic Development Administration’s Build to Scale program—OTC empowers technology-based startups by providing mentorship, training, and access to industry networks. The office also fosters collaborations with industry partners, investors, and accelerators, ensuring that innovations developed by faculty and students can thrive in the marketplace.
The 2025 Research & Innovation Showcase
The recent showcase was a testament to Georgetown’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Drawing nearly 450 participants from academia, industry, and the entrepreneurial community, this half-day event celebrated the university’s commitment to research translation and innovation. The program featured:
- Research Presentations: Cutting-edge advancements in fields such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, medtech, and physical sciences were highlighted.
- Industry Panel Discussion: Representatives from leading companies like Google, AstraZeneca, Siemens, and Lockheed Martin discussed strategies for aligning academic research with market needs.
- Georgetown Venture Fair: Faculty, students, and alumni-led startups pitched their ventures to potential investors and collaborators.
- Networking Reception: Attendees had the opportunity to connect with researchers, industry leaders, and investors to explore partnerships.
Recognizing Excellence in Innovation
The event also included the Innovation Awards Luncheon, where outstanding inventors were honored for their contributions to scientific advancement and commercialization. The awards celebrated faculty members who secured patents in fiscal year 2024 and those who successfully translated their research into impactful solutions.
Georgetown Tech Ventures: A Catalyst for Change
A key highlight of OTC’s efforts is its Georgetown Tech Ventures (GTV) initiative. Launched in partnership with BioHealth Innovation (BHI), GTV focuses on enabling technology-based startups to contribute effectively to the economic ecosystem of the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. By offering mentorship programs, customer discovery training, startup support services, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the university, GTV has become a cornerstone of Georgetown’s innovation strategy.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Research & Innovation Showcase underscores Georgetown University’s dedication to fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Through OTC’s efforts, faculty and student entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools to transform their ideas into impactful ventures. As Georgetown continues to cultivate partnerships with industry leaders and expand its entrepreneurial initiatives, it is poised to remain at the forefront of research translation and societal impact.
For those eager to engage with Georgetown’s innovation ecosystem or learn more about OTC’s programs, opportunities abound for collaboration in advancing groundbreaking research into real-world solutions.