The impact of innovation at the UW
Throughout more than 150 years of history, the UW has demonstrated an extraordinary track record of inventions and discoveries with impact across the globe. Consistently ranked the most innovative public university in the world, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Fundamentals for Startups lecture series
For anyone interested in startup creation, join us Fridays at noon to hear from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship Competitions
College students from across the Cascade Corridor (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia) and Alaska are invited to apply for student innovation and new venture competitions hosted by UW Foster School of Business’ Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship.
Startup making sensors out of paper unveils eye-tracking sleep mask
Seattle-area sensor company Somalytics showcased a wearable mask that detects eye movement during sleep at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The SomaSleep mask can track the eye movements associated with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a sleep stage associated with dreaming that is key for learning and memory.
UW Entrepreneurship Ranked #1 in West Region
The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine ranked the University of Washington as the top college in the West for entrepreneurship in the 2023 undergraduate rankings. UW was also ranked number two overall in the West region in the 2023 rankings of graduate programs.
Historic fusion energy achievement will boost Pacific Northwest’s burgeoning startups
U.S. physicists have accomplished a feat the world has pursued for more than 60 years: producing more energy from fusion than required to create the reaction. Called energy’s “holy grail,” fusion has the potential to provide unlimited carbon-free power.
Startups and spinoffs
Every UW college and school has launched startups and created spinoffs. Since 1991, UW has spun out 271 companies. These spinoffs have raised over $8.6 billion in funding with $5.2 billion secured over the past five years alone.
26 innovations that changed the world
Explore a selection of innovations developed wholly or in part at the University of Washington. We invite you to share in the UW’s rich history through these fundamental and groundbreaking innovations.
Innovation happens everywhere at the UW
Getting started: Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, investor, or other community member, these Frequently Asked Questions will guide you in the right direction.
“Insights I developed at UW are what carried me forward towards running my own businesses.”
– Keisha Credit, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship ’18
The innovation ecosystem
The UW Innovation Imperative empowers students and researchers to learn, discover and build solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. It encourages innovation by providing the space and opportunity for people from all backgrounds — from the humanities to the sciences, the poetic and the pragmatic — to connect, imagine and discover.
Learn the skills
The UW offers a wide variety of educational and learning opportunities to build students’ skills in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Get hands-on experience
Innovation happens in every corner of the UW — and there’s no better way to expand your skill set than to participate in a hands-on kind of way.
Bring ideas to life
A strong community is critical for entrepreneurs to bring new ideas to life. Important milestones along the journey include mentorship, lessons from industry leaders and alumni, and pursuing funding opportunities.
Build your network
Join us for events that will open your eyes, push your boundaries, and grow your network. Some are open to the public.