The Opportunity Continuum: University-Industry Partnerships for Cleantech Investment

Research universities have tremendous potential to contribute to clean technology development but traditional university practices rarely prioritize commercialization. CU-Boulder is pioneering an approach to move clean technologies along the "Opportunity Continuum" from research idea to commercial venture. CU's strategy highlights four key intervention points: (1) Early research; (2) Entrepreneurial skill-building; (3) Proof of concept; and (4) Valley of Death. At each point, the university identifies interventions and partners for strategic investment, and finds ways to actively engage these partners.