Despite an unpredictable landscape, tech entrepreneurship is thriving at TIP. UConn startups and entrepreneurs set several records and milestones in the 2025 fiscal year, bucking a challenging national landscape.
“We’ve achieved remarkable growth at a time when financial markets have been unpredictable and we’ve had to really rethink our approach to innovation at UConn,” says Pamir Alpay, UConn Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. “Our TCS team has done incredible work to booster intellectual property and build our tech incubator. It speaks well to the present and future of invention at UConn, with positive impact on research and workforce development.”
FY25 Highlights
- Record fiscal performance: TIP doubled program revenues over the past two years.
- Capital raised: TIP companies secured $97.8 million in new funding (+39% vs. FY24).
- Commercial traction: Companies reported $9.9 million in revenue—2× FY23 and +40% year-over-year.
- Jobs & talent: TIP-supported companies employed 286 people (193 in CT, up 7 vs. 2024). The internship pipeline remains strong, with 10 interns converting to full-time roles this year and nearly 30 over the past three years.
Investment Maturity & Impact
Nearly 80% of portfolio companies raised more than $100,000, and nine surpassed the $1 million mark—evidence of greater investor confidence and readiness for scale. Collectively, TIP companies generated an estimated $3.1 million in direct state tax impact. While that figure dipped slightly from last year due to reinvestment in R&D, program leaders view the trend as a sign of disciplined, long-term growth.
“These results show the resilience and maturity of our portfolio,” says Ryan McMillian, director of venture development in UConn’s Technology Commercialization Services. “Our startups are raising more capital, generating more revenue, and creating high-quality jobs that directly benefit Connecticut’s economy.”
Abhijit Banerjee, Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, emphasized the collaboration with startup founders has yielded success for TIP, and by association, UConn’s entrepreneurial footprint.
“This year’s results highlight the unique strength of UConn’s innovation ecosystem “TIP is where faculty, students, and entrepreneurs come together to turn bold ideas into thriving companies — and the impact we’re seeing across jobs, funding, and research translation is a direct reflection of that collaborative spirit.”
Portfolio Focus & Facility Demand
TIP’s portfolio now stands at 32 active companies, reflecting a more focused approach that prioritizes stronger, better-capitalized startups. TIP remains the largest tech incubator in Connecticut, with physical locations in Storrs and Farmington. About half of the companies are founded by UConn faculty, staff, or students, while the other half are external startups with strong alumni or faculty ties. The community continues to notch standout achievements—from research aboard the International Space Station to deeper intercompany collaboration.
Demand for space remains high: Storrs is at full capacity and Farmington is ~85% occupied, underscoring a critical need for expansion in Storrs to accommodate new startups.
“This past year wasn’t without challenges,” McMillian said. “But through focus and determination, we’ve supported companies that are stronger than ever. We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact for UConn and the state.”
