CoMotion is the premier entrepreneurship center and innovation hub at the University of Washington, dedicated to empowering the UW community—including students, alumni, faculty, researchers, and staff—to transform groundbreaking ideas into real-world economic and societal impact. As the collaborative innovation partner for UW innovators, CoMotion in Seattle provides comprehensive tools, expert guidance, connections, and resources to navigate the entrepreneurial journey from concept to commercialization. Whether you’re a college student exploring your first startup idea, an alumnus scaling a venture, or a researcher licensing a discovery, CoMotion serves as the central resource for entrepreneurship support in Seattle, WA.
With roots in the University of Washington’s long-standing commitment to innovation, CoMotion has evolved from its earlier incarnation as the UW Center for Commercialization into a dynamic, expanded hub that encompasses researcher services, startups and incubation, innovation training, and funding partnerships. For over a decade, CoMotion has been instrumental in fostering UW’s position as one of the most innovative public universities globally, consistently ranked at the top by Reuters for its groundbreaking contributions in fields like biotech, environmental solutions, health technologies, and more. The University of Washington receives substantial federal research funding, leading to innovations that address global challenges—from advanced treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s to sustainable purification technologies and AI-driven advancements.
CoMotion’s mission is clear: to partner with the UW community on their innovation journey, providing the acumen, tools, and networks needed to maximize the impact of discoveries. Core values include collaboration, accessibility, and a focus on public benefit, ensuring that UW innovations reach the widest possible audience through licensing, startups, or direct-to-user models. Unique selling points set CoMotion apart as a leading entrepreneurship center in Seattle: its deep integration with a top-tier research university, preference for UW spinoffs in incubation programs, an online Licensing Marketplace for easy access to innovations, and interconnected programs that lower barriers to entrepreneurship. CoMotion simplifies processes, offers data-driven insights, and continuously innovates its offerings to meet evolving needs.
CoMotion primarily serves the greater Seattle area and the Pacific Northwest, but its impact extends globally through partnerships, licensing deals, and alumni networks. The hub has supported numerous award-winning spinoffs and contributed to UW’s top-tier national rankings in technology transfer metrics. Certifications and accolades include associations with prestigious programs like NSF I-Corps and partnerships with organizations such as the Washington Research Foundation.
Customers—whether students, alumni, faculty, or external collaborators—benefit immensely from CoMotion’s support. Participants gain access to expert mentoring, funding opportunities that bridge research to market, professional training that builds entrepreneurial skills, incubation spaces for growth, and intellectual property protection that secures ideas. Many have launched successful startups, secured investments, or licensed technologies that improve lives worldwide. For college students and alumni seeking entrepreneurial support in Seattle, CoMotion offers tailored programs like internships, fellowships, competitions, and hands-on training, helping turn academic ideas into viable businesses while providing networking in one of the nation’s most vibrant innovation ecosystems.
Services Offered
Innovation training and education programs for skill-building
Startup incubation through CoMotion Labs for early-stage companies
Intellectual property advising, protection, and licensing support
Gap funding and assistance with grants, competitions, and investments
Mentoring and networking connections with industry experts
Postdoctoral entrepreneurship fellowships and internships
Commercialization guidance for researchers and inventors
Access to events, workshops, and the Licensing Marketplace
Frequently Asked Questions What is CoMotion and who can use its services? CoMotion is the University of Washington’s innovation hub, open to UW students, alumni, faculty, staff, researchers, and affiliated innovators seeking entrepreneurship support in Seattle.
How does CoMotion help college students and alumni with entrepreneurship? CoMotion offers training programs, competitions, internships, fellowships, mentoring, and funding opportunities tailored for students and alumni to develop and launch ideas.
What is the CoMotion Innovation Gap Fund? It’s a grant program providing up to $75K for UW projects to advance commercialization, in partnership with the Washington Research Foundation.
How can I incubate my startup at CoMotion Labs? CoMotion Labs provides space and resources for early-stage startups, with priority for UW spinoffs; apply through their website for multi-industry incubation support.
What types of innovations does CoMotion support? CoMotion assists with a wide range, including biotech, environmental tech, health innovations, software, and more from UW research.
Is CoMotion only for UW-affiliated people? While focused on the UW community, some programs like CoMotion Labs welcome external startups, and licensing is open broadly.
How do I disclose an invention or get IP help from CoMotion? Contact CoMotion to disclose innovations; they provide free advising on patents, copyrights, and commercialization paths.
What success stories come from CoMotion-supported entrepreneurs? Many UW spinoffs have launched impactful companies in health, sustainability, and tech, contributing to UW’s top innovation rankings.
