Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Private University

Founded 1861

MIT is a world leader in science and technology commercialization, with a strong entrepreneurial culture and extensive industry partnerships.

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Startups (5yr)

425

Patents Filed

310

Patents Issued

Licenses (5yr)

$45.2M

License Revenue

180

Partnerships

$1.0B

Research $

Commercialization Approach

MIT believes in rapid translation of research into real-world impact through both licensing and startup formation, with a focus on maintaining inventor equity and fostering long-term relationships.

5-Year Performance Trends

Startups Spun Out

5-Year Change: 10.3%

Avg: 71.8

Patents Filed

5-Year Change: 11.8%

Avg: 406.0

Licensing Revenue

5-Year Change: 17.4%

Avg: 42.0

Licenses Executed

5-Year Change: 11.8%

Avg: 90.8

Research Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

World-leading AI research spanning computer vision, NLP, robotics, and theoretical foundations

CSAILBrain and Cognitive SciencesEECS

Biotechnology & Life Sciences

Pioneering work in synthetic biology, drug development, and bioengineering

Department of BiologyKoch InstituteMcGovern Institute

Clean Energy & Sustainability

Advanced research in renewable energy, battery technology, and climate solutions

MIT Energy InitiativeDepartment of Mechanical Engineering

Related Market Maps

Explore market opportunities in deep tech categories relevant to MIT's research focus.

Quantum Computing

35% CAGR

Revolutionary computing technology leveraging quantum mechanics for exponential speedups in specific problem domains

Market Size$65B

Photonics & Optics

14% CAGR

Technologies based on light and photonic systems

Market Size$800B

Biotechnology

15% CAGR

Application of biological systems and organisms to develop products and technologies

Market Size$1.2T

Advanced Energy

10% CAGR

Next-generation energy technologies for clean and efficient power

Market Size$1.5T

Robotics & Automation

18% CAGR

Automated systems and robots for industrial and commercial applications

Market Size$200B

View all market maps →

Notable Spinouts

Moderna

Founded 2010 • Biotechnology

IPO

Biotechnology company pioneering mRNA therapeutics and vaccines

$45.0B valuation

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Boston Dynamics

Founded 1992 • Robotics

ACQUIRED

Robotics company known for advanced mobile robots

$1100M exitby Hyundai Motor Group

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HubSpot

Founded 2006 • Software

IPO

Marketing, sales, and service software platform

$28.0B valuation

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Ginkgo Bioworks

Founded 2008 • Biotechnology

IPO

Synthetic biology company engineering organisms for various applications

$4.2B valuation

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Programs & Resources

MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund

fund

Provides up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding to MIT students and recent alumni

Funding: Up to $25,000

Learn more

The Engine

accelerator

Tough tech accelerator and venture firm supporting breakthrough technologies

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MIT Innovation Initiative

program

Coordinates entrepreneurship and innovation activities across MIT

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Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship

center

Hub for entrepreneurship education and startup support

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Rankings & Recognition

#3AUTM - Startups Launched

2023

#5AUTM - Licenses & Options Executed

2023

Tech Transfer Office

MIT Technology Licensing Office

Director: Michael Cima

TTO Website tlo@mit.edu

Services Offered

•Patent prosecution and maintenance
•Marketing and licensing
•Startup formation support
•Industry partnership facilitation

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