University of Minnesota leads the way in technology commercialization from apples to AI computing

University of Minnesota apple breeder and researcher David Bedford worked with the University's Office of Technology Commercialization to launch Superior Fruit Innovations, a new licensing model that gives growers direct access to cold hardy apples and grapes developed by the University. (Photo: University of Minnesota) From cold-hardy apples to next-generation AI computing technologies, the University of Minnesota is helping turn research discoveries into products, companies and partnerships that strengthen Minnesota’s economy and improve lives. The University launched a record breaking 27 startups in fiscal year 2026, according to the newly released 2026 Technology Commercialization Annual Report . The University ranks second among public universities for startup creation, according to AUTM. Over the past 20 years, the University has launched more than 300 spin-offs, attracting more than $3.7 billion in investment, acquisitions and public offerings while creating more than 2,000 jobs. “These milestones demonstrate the power of a public research university to turn discovery into impact,” said Cynthia Carnes , University of Minnesota vice president for research and innovation. “Every startup launched, technology licensed and industry partnership created expands the reach of University research beyond our campuses, helping drive economic growth, create jobs and deliver solutions that improve lives in Minnesota and around the world.” The milestones highlighted in this year’s report reflect years of work to connect research discoveries with real-world needs. From supporting entrepreneurs and startups to building new industry partnerships and licensing models, the University continues to find new ways to move innovation beyond campus. As part of National Entrepreneurship Month in November, here are three examples: Taking innovation directly to growers A prime example is the University of Minnesota’s historic apple breeding program. After more than a century of developing and commercializing award-winning fruit varieties, researchers recognized that bringing those innovations to growers required rethinking the traditional licensing process. “As social and economic conditions change with time, we realized wholesale producers are less willing to adopt new fruit varieties,” said David Bedford , a University of Minnesota researcher and apple breeder. “But smaller and mid-size growers are more open to trying new varieties.” To make it easier for small and mid-size farmers, the University of Minnesota launched Superior Fruit Innovations in 2025, giving growers direct access to cold hardy apples and grapes developed through decades of University research. This new licensing model illustrates how the University is finding new ways to move discoveries beyond campus and into communities, businesses and industries. More than 200 growers are already part of the program, which will soon be expanding to Canada. “It gives growers the flexibility to try innovative cold hardy crops by working directly with the University. It gives the small orchards, the midsize growers an opportunity to access our premier fruit,” said Rick Huebsch , associate vice president for research and innovation in the University of Minnesota’s Technology Commercialization office. Minnesota apple grower Sam Birkholz credits the program with making it easier to offer customers a wide variety of apples to choose from when they visit his family’s business Pleasant Valley Orchard in Shafer, Minn. It also provides an opportunity to plant some of the newest apple varieties, including Big Flirt® and SuperSnap®. “The University has produced some of the best apple varieties in the country,” Birkholz said. “Being a part of the program allows us to continue to grow those varieties while also supporting their program and future apple breeding.” Supporting the next generation of startups Getting discoveries into the hands of growers, patients, consumers and businesses starts with supporting the researchers behind them. The University has expanded programs designed to help inventors navigate the often-complex path from breakthrough idea to commercial success. Today, the University ranks sixth among U.S. public universities for inventions disclosed, according to AUTM . Key programs include a faculty-to-faculty mentorship program to take the mystery out of technology transfer. That includes MIN-Corps , a program that provides resources to STEM innovators to help get their research out of the lab and into the market. Inventors can also tap into the Business Advisory Group, which includes industry experts, entrepreneurs and inventors who offer candid feedback on startup pitches. University of Minnesota researcher Vlad Pribiag credits support from the University for helping him and co-founder Katelyn Espe launch D-Rez this year. The startup is developing superconducting computer chips designed to dramatically improve the speed and energy efficiency of AI computing. “The University’s Technology Commercialization office has been instrumental in helping us navigate intellectual property, company formation, business strategy and connections to the startup and investment ecosystem,” Pribiag said. Connecting researchers to industry needs Helping innovators launch new companies is only one piece of the commercialization puzzle. Strong partnerships with industry also play a critical role in bringing research discoveries to market. To foster those connections, the University launched Minnesota Research, Innovation, Solutions Engagement (MN-RISE), which connects businesses with University expertise to solve technical and strategic challenges. Minnesota Innovation Partnerships (MN-IP) also helps companies more easily partner with University researchers through its industry-friendly contracting approach. “We have world-class research and world-class technology transfer,” Huebsch said. “Those combined help ensure the University of Minnesota’s discoveries continue changing lives and fueling our economy.” University of Minnesota release