Abstract
Technology transfer serves as a crucial bridge between scientific research and commercial application, with start-ups playing a central role in this transition. This study delves into how start-ups act as dynamic conduits for bringing lab-based innovations to market, particularly in fast-evolving sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and Genentech. Start-ups offer unique strengths agility, a higher tolerance for risk, and a focus on disruptive innovation that make them well-suited to commercialize emerging technologies. The paper reviews key models of technology transfer and examines global innovation ecosystems, using case studies from countries such as the United States, China, Israel, and India. It further explores the funding mechanisms and policy environments that enable start-up success in this space. While start-ups are powerful engines of innovation, the study also cautions against overreliance on them, noting challenges like intellectual property issues, regulatory barriers, and capital constraints. A balanced, collaborative approach integrating academia, public institutions, and industry is recommended for building a resilient tech-transfer ecosystem. Ultimately, the research underscores that with the right institutional support and partnerships, start-ups can significantly accelerate technological innovation and contribute to broader economic and societal progress in the digital age.
Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, innovation alone is not sufficient; its successful transfer from research laboratories to marketable applications is crucial for socio-economic development. Technology transfer, defined as the systematic movement of knowledge, techniques, and processes between entities, plays a vital role in this transformation. Among the key players in this domain, start-ups have emerged as dynamic agents capable of translating complex research outputs into commercially viable products and services. Unlike large corporations or government agencies, start-ups operate with high agility, risk appetite, and a strong orientation toward innovation, allowing them to exploit emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and Genentech more efficiently. This paper explores how startups function as essential intermediaries in the technology transfer process, leveraging their unique structural advantages and strategic collaborations with research institutions, universities, and venture capitalists. It also analyses the policy environments, funding structures, and regional ecosystems that either support or hinder their growth. Using global and regional perspectives, the paper investigates the mechanisms of knowledge spillover, commercialization, and ecosystem development that empower start-ups to bridge the lab-to-market divide. In doing so, it sheds light on the factors that determine the success of start-up-led technology transfer and their broader impact on innovation-driven economies.