What MIT Seeks in a Licensee

Discover the key criteria MIT’s Technology Licensing Office uses to evaluate potential licensees, from commercialization readiness to mission alignment and technical expertise.

Licensing MIT intellectual property is more than a legal agreement—it marks the start of a collaborative relationship rooted in shared purpose and impact. We look for licensees who are not only equipped to develop and bring to market groundbreaking technologies but also motivated to improve lives and address pressing global challenges.

At the MIT Technology Licensing Office (TLO), our mission is to move MIT innovations from the lab into society, where they can deliver meaningful real-world impact. A crucial step in this process is identifying the right party (licensees) to make the technology available to the public. The ideal licensee will have the vision, resources, and expertise to successfully bring these innovations to market.  

Key Criteria for Becoming an MIT Licensee 

 

What the TLO looks for in a licensee

Marketing:
Proposed solution addresses Market Need
Model to Market
Potential for Sustainable Profitability
Channel/Access to Market

Resources/ Assets:
Capital
Production Capability
Supply Chain
Intellectual Property
Certifications

Talent:
Business
Technical
Experience
Realism

 

  1. A Clear and Viable Commercialization Plan 

    We seek potential licensees who can articulate a compelling vision for bringing the technology to market. A strong business plan should include:

    1. Well-defined product or service objectives
    2. Identified target markets and customer segments
    3. A clear go-to-market strategy
    4. Realistic development and commercialization milestones and timelines

  2. Technical and Business Expertise 

    Because MIT technologies are often complex, licensees should be able to demonstrate:

    1. Relevant technical and business expertise
    2. A capable leadership team
    3. A proven track record of innovation, commercialization, or successful ventures or demonstration of potential to execute well on a business plan.

  3. Adequate Resources 

    Successful commercialization requires sufficient access to needed resources. We evaluate a licensee’s:

    1. Current financial resources and potential to obtain resources, including but not limited to, access to the supply chain and infrastructure that support manufacturing and regulatory requirements, that will enable execution of the business plan
    2. Fundraising strategy and investor relationships

  4. Strong Commitment to Development 

    MIT values licensees who are fully dedicated to advancing the technology toward successful commercialization. Indicators of commitment include:

    1. Planned development, manufacturing, and commercialization investments
    2. A clearly defined product development roadmap
    3. Willingness to meet agreed-upon performance milestones

  5. Alignment with MIT’s Mission and Values

     

    We prioritize partnerships that reflect MIT’s commitment to global impact and ethical responsibility. Ideal licensees:

    1. Operate with integrity and transparency
    2. Maintain a clear focus on positive societal outcomes
    3. Respect and support the academic and research community 

 

If you’re ready to take the next step, we encourage you to view MIT technologies that are available for license via our Browse Technologies page.