Faculty Startups

At UNT, innovation is not confined to the lab — it’s driving real-world change through entrepreneurship. From advanced materials and biotechnology to artificial intelligence and sustainable solutions, five UNT faculty members have transformed their research into startup companies, not only expanding the frontiers of knowledge but also creating tangible impact beyond the university and into their respective industries. Motivated by a desire to solve complex problems and bring their research to life, they have stepped into the role of entrepreneur — navigating patent processes, securing early-stage funding and building ventures from the ground up. Their journeys have included challenges and breakthroughs, as well as failure and learning, as they balance academics with business demands, all the while staying focused on the promise their innovations hold. Through their stories, we explore how UNT’s culture of research, discovery and innovation can cultivate business-minded thinking and why these faculty members chose to extend their work beyond the lab into business — a venture they encourage all faculty researchers to explore.