In a bustling lab on BYU’s Provo campus, engineering student Maria Chen watches her prototype come to life. She’s one of many students whose ideas become real products through BYU’s Technology Transfer Office.
“I never thought I’d be filing a patent before graduation,” Chen says, adjusting her safety goggles. “But BYU made it possible.”
The university has carved a unique path in higher education by helping students own their inventions. This approach stands out from most colleges, where schools typically claim ownership of student innovations.
BYU’s program has yielded impressive results. Students have secured over 1,800 patents since 2000, with many being licensed to major companies or launching startups.
The process starts with an idea and BYU’s substantial support. Students get access to mentors, labs, and legal help that would cost thousands elsewhere.
James Wilson, director of BYU’s Technology Transfer Office, explains their philosophy. “We believe innovation belongs to the creator. When students own their work, they invest more deeply in it.”
This mindset creates a cycle of success. Recent graduate Tyler Hammond developed water filtration technology that’s now used in three countries. “My professors encouraged me to think beyond the classroom,” he says.
The university covers patent application costs, which typically run $15,000 to $30,000. Students who successfully license their patents share royalties with BYU, creating revenue that fuels more innovation.
Not all projects succeed commercially, but that’s part of the learning. Computer science professor Dr. Sarah Jenkins views failure as valuable. “Students learn to adapt their thinking through setbacks,” she says.
The program extends beyond engineering and science. Art student Devon Park patented a digital paintbrush technology now used in animation studios. “They didn’t dismiss my idea because I wasn’t in a technical field,” Park notes.
BYU’s approach bridges classroom theory and market realities. Students must consider manufacturing costs, market needs, and competitive advantages—skills rarely taught in textbooks.
This model is catching attention. Representatives from fifteen universities visited BYU last year to study the program, which has become a recruitment tool for the school.
What makes this program work is its balance of guidance and freedom. Faculty mentors provide expertise while students make key decisions. This creates confidence that extends beyond graduation.
The impact reaches far beyond campus. Student-created medical devices help patients globally, while agricultural innovations assist farmers facing climate challenges.
As technology advances, BYU’s program continues to evolve. They’ve recently added resources for artificial intelligence projects and sustainable technology.
For students considering college options, programs like BYU’s offer more than degrees. They provide pathways to become innovators and entrepreneurs before graduation.
The question facing other universities is whether they’ll follow BYU’s lead. As innovation becomes crucial for economic growth, giving students ownership of their ideas might become the new standard in higher education.
For now, BYU students continue creating tomorrow’s technologies today, proving that with the right support, undergraduates can solve real-world problems through technological innovation.
