The Innovation Imperative

The impact of innovation at the UW

Throughout more than 150 years of history, the UW has demonstrated an extraordinary track record of inventions and discoveries with impact across the globe. Consistently ranked the most innovative public university in the world, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

The Spark of Intention

In a marketplace transformed by emerging technology and plagued by systemic underrepresentation, three academic entrepreneurs share how personal experiences and perspectives guide their work to build better businesses and a better world.

A New Carbon Removal Startup Is Powered by Sunlight and Seawater

Cutting energy use is a key carbon cleanup challenge. Two University of Washington professors think they’ve cracked it.

From biotech to 3D printing, here are 7 startups that recently spun out of the Univ. of Washington

The startup spinout machine at the University of Washington keeps on humming. According to CoMotion, seven startups have emerged from UW-related research since July of last year.

Univ. of Washington set to break ground on 69-acre redevelopment to create Seattle innovation hub

The University of Washington this year expects to break ground on a new building that will anchor an ambitious, innovation-focused redevelopment called Portage Bay Crossing.

AstraZeneca will pay up to $1.1B to acquire Icosavax, a Univ. of Washington biotech spinout

Seattle-based Icosavax, a spinout from the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design, will be acquired by biotech giant AstraZeneca for up to $1.1 billion.

‘Forever chemicals’ are eternal no more thanks to a pollution destroying device from Tacoma startup

UW spinoff Aquagga and a handful of others are slashing the lifespan of forever chemicals.

Startups and spinoffs

Every UW college and school has launched startups and created spinoffs. Since 1984, the UW has spun out over 280 companies. Since 1992, UW spinoffs have raised over $8.7 billion in funding with $4.1 billion secured over the past five years alone.

Startup portfolio

Archived photograph of a Medic One ambulance and EMTs

26 innovations that changed the world

Explore a selection of innovations developed wholly or in part at the University of Washington. We invite you to share in the UW’s rich history through these fundamental and groundbreaking innovations.

Learn more


Innovation happens everywhere at the UW

Getting started: Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, investor, or other community member, these Frequently Asked Questions will guide you in the right direction.

FAQ

“Insights I developed at UW are what carried me forward towards running my own businesses.”
– Keisha Credit, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship ’18

Keisha Forbes

The innovation ecosystem

The UW Innovation Imperative empowers students and researchers to learn, discover and build solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. It encourages innovation by providing the space and opportunity for people from all backgrounds — from the humanities to the sciences, the poetic and the pragmatic — to connect, imagine and discover.

UW student Ewurama Karikari helps fellow students

Learn the skills

The UW offers a wide variety of educational and learning opportunities to build students’ skills in innovation and entrepreneurship.


University of Washington Foundation Board (UWFB) members attending the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) deep dive at the CoMotion's Makerspace in Fluke Hall

Get hands-on experience

Innovation happens in every corner of the UW — and there’s no better way to expand your skill set than to participate in a hands-on kind of way.


Students learn in their classrooms on UW Bothell campus in October 2019.

Bring ideas to life

A strong community is critical for entrepreneurs to bring new ideas to life. Important milestones along the journey include mentorship, lessons from industry leaders and alumni, and pursuing funding opportunities.


Nueroscience Hackathon

Build your network

Join us for events that will open your eyes, push your boundaries, and grow your network. Some are open to the public.