WARF’s role is to steward the cycle of research, discovery, commercialization and investment for UW–Madison and the Morgridge Institute for Research. WARF’s purpose is to promote, encourage and aid scientific…
What is WARF’s relationship with UW-Madison?
WARF is a separate, independent 501(c)3 foundation which serves as the dedicated patenting and licensing organization for UW-Madison. WARF partners with UW-Madison to generate new knowledge and support long-term research…
What support does WARF provide to UW-Madison?
In 2016-17, WARF provided more than $131 million of direct and in-kind support to the university. In-kind support includes the cost of the patenting, licensing and commercialization that WARF undertakes…
How does WARF help UW-Madison bring in outside funds?
WARF’s decades of partnership have been critical to the university’s ability to attract federal research dollars and maintain its high stature as a research university. WARF’s support is one reason…
How does WARF support entrepreneurial activity?
Through direct investments and local partnerships, WARF is committed to contributing to an ecosystem that helps move technologies from the university to the marketplace. WARF has licensed over 125 faculty startup…
Why does WARF maintain an investment portfolio?
WARF’s investment portfolio was created in the 1920s not only to support research for current and future generations but also to fund the patenting, licensing and commercialization expenses of the…
Does WARF have any relationship with other UW campuses?
WARF works only with UW-Madison. However, in 2000 WARF formed WiSys, which is an independent technology transfer organization that supports all University of Wisconsin System schools, except for UW-Madison and…
Are faculty, staff and students required to assign inventions to WARF?
UW-Madison faculty, staff and students are not obligated to assign their intellectual property to WARF, unless required to do so by federal law or the terms of a sponsored research…
How does WARF generate its revenue?
WARF generates revenue from licensing royalties and investment management. WARF distributes 35 percent of its licensing revenue before expenses to stakeholders. For those inventors who partner with WARF, 20 percent…
How has WARF been recognized for its efforts?
In 2005, WARF received the National Medal of Technology from President G.W. Bush. This is the highest honor the President can bestow on an individual or organization who has made…