October 2026 has been officially designated Intellectual Property Month in Arkansas following a proclamation signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on October 1. The statewide recognition highlights the importance of intellectual property in fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth.
The proclamation recognizes the contributions of inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and institutions across the state, emphasizing the role of intellectual property protection in transforming new ideas into products, services, and technologies.
As the technology transfer office of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), BioVentures joins this celebration by highlighting the institution’s continued contributions to research innovation and commercialization.
UAMS Innovation by the Numbers
During fiscal year 2026, UAMS researchers and innovators achieved significant intellectual property milestones:
- 60 invention disclosures, representing new discoveries submitted for evaluation and potential commercialization.
- 41 patent applications filed, supporting the protection of promising technologies.
- 10 issued patents, securing intellectual property rights for UAMS innovations.
- 9 option and license agreements.
These achievements reflect the ongoing efforts of UAMS researchers, clinicians, and innovators to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications with the potential to improve human health.
Advancing Discoveries from Research to Real-World Impact
Protecting intellectual property is a critical step in moving academic research beyond the laboratory and toward real-world applications.
Through BioVentures, UAMS innovators receive support in evaluating inventions, securing intellectual property protection, identifying commercial opportunities, and establishing partnerships with industry.
This process helps promising discoveries move toward licensing, further development, and potential commercialization, creating opportunities for new healthcare technologies, startup companies, and economic growth in Arkansas.
Beyond managing intellectual property, BioVentures also works to strengthen the university’s innovation culture. Initiatives such as the recently launched Research Innovation Ambassadors Program help connect UAMS faculty and staff with the resources and knowledge needed to explore commercialization opportunities.
Arkansas Intellectual Property Month offers an opportunity to recognize the researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and commercialization partners whose work helps transform scientific knowledge into meaningful impact.
BioVentures is proud to support these innovators and their contributions to advancing healthcare, strengthening the state’s life sciences ecosystem, and creating new opportunities for innovation.
Have an idea or discovery with commercial potential?
Take the first step toward protecting and commercializing your innovation. UAMS researchers are encouraged to submit an invention disclosure through BioVentures’ online portal.
For questions or additional guidance, contact the BioVentures team at bioventures@uams.edu.
