About IC² Institute

The IC² Institute was established at The University of Texas at Austin in 1977, as a think-and-do tank to explore the broad economic, technological, and human factors that drive economic development in regions.

Our mission is to better understand and catalyze communities outside major urban areas to become more collaborative and resilient through a human-centered approach.

We deliver impact with research and programs that look at eco-system of business, government, and education that drive regional economies in smaller communities. As a research Institute, we lead and catalyze cutting-edge research that serves society on behalf of the University of Texas at Austin. We actively engage with community leaders, government, industry, philanthropies, and other researchers to address the cross-cutting issues and opportunities for smaller, remote communities.

Affiliated Groups

• Austin Technology Incubator

  The Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) is the deep technology incubator of The University of Texas at Austin working with university and community entrepreneurs to commercialize their breakthrough innovations. Founded in 1989 at the IC² Institute by Dr. George Kozmetsky, ATI has used a customized approach to support entrepreneurs addressing the world’s most pressing problems by connecting startups with the expertise, relationships, and funding sources they need to succeed in the marketplace. ATI is home to a number of specialized incubators which include – circular economy, energy, food & agtech, healthcare, mobility, and water.

• Blackstone LaunchPad

  Blackstone LaunchPad at The University of Texas at Austin believes that entrepreneurship is for everyone. The LaunchPad is a centralized, cross-curricular, accessible hub for entrepreneurship on campus. They offer students, faculty, and staff a variety of resources at all stages of ideas and venture development

• Human Dimensions of Organizations

  The University of Texas at Austin is proud to offer Human Dimensions of Organizations (HDO), which offers an Executive MA degree, Professional Training, and an Undergraduate Major. Drawing on an innovative combination of the humanities, behavioral sciences, and social sciences, HDO meets a need not addressed by existing education options: a deep understanding of people, the key components of any organization.

• Master of Science in Technology Commercialization

  In 1996, the IC² Institute developed and launched the Master of Science in Science and Technology Commercialization degree program—the first ever technology commercialization degree program and the first UT Austin degree program with an option to take entirely online. Now at the UT Austin McCombs School of Business, the renamed Master of Science in Technology Commercialization (MSTC) program combines cutting-edge technology and hands-on entrepreneurship, resulting in the creation of innovative ventures and products.

• Global Innovation Lab

  To meet the needs of international partners and sponsors, IC² started the Global Commercialization Group in 2001, creating and delivering technology commercialization training and international business development programs around the world.  Now renamed the Global Innovation Lab, the team reports to the Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement.  Global Innovation Lab trains and supports entrepreneurs in their communities to overcome local challenges, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic development.