The Power of IP: Why It Matters to MTEC and Our Mission

As we work together to accelerate innovative medical technologies that benefit our nation’s warfighters and veterans, I want to take a moment to emphasize a core pillar of our mission: intellectual property.

At MTEC, IP is more than just a legal term — it’s the engine that drives innovation, enables collaboration, and ultimately turns great ideas into life-changing solutions. Whether you’re a university researcher, a startup founder, or part of a large R&D team, your IP is the foundation of your value, and the key to long-term impact.

Why is IP so critical to MTEC’s mission?

1. Protecting Innovation. The discoveries and technologies developed through our collaborative efforts are often groundbreaking. Protecting these innovations through IP ensures they can be developed, licensed, and commercialized without compromise or undue risk.
2. Attracting Investment. Strong IP positions attract both public and private investment — a crucial factor in transitioning promising prototypes into market-ready products. Investors need confidence that the ideas they fund are secure and scalable.
3. Fostering Strategic Collaboration. Our public-private partnership thrives on trust and clarity. Defined IP rights allow our members — from academia to industry — to work together transparently and with shared expectations.
4. Ensuring Impact Beyond the Lab. IP is the bridge between research and real-world use. With the right protections in place, our members can license or spin out technologies that reach those who need them most: soldiers in the field, veterans in recovery, and civilians benefiting from military medical innovation.

Our Commitment to You

MTEC supports our members in navigating the IP landscape. From clear policies to commercialization support, we are committed to creating an environment where your ideas are safe, your contributions are valued, and your impact is amplified.

To this end, we’ve expanded our partnership with one of our member companies, Berkeley Fit. Their Patenter.io platform will enable MTEC to offer tools and services to help you discover, manage, and commercialize your breakthrough technologies. Please explore our new Patents service to learn more about these services.

As we continue to drive forward high-risk, high-reward medical solutions, I encourage every member of our consortium to consider IP early and often. It’s not just about protection — it’s about potential.

Together, let’s ensure that the breakthroughs we create are not only visionary but viable, enduring, and transformative.

Best Regards,

Shawn J. Green, PhD

MTEC, President

Washington, D.C.

Publications | Patents