Hanover Research Institutions Push to Commercialize Lab Discoveries

Research institutions in Hanover have expanded technology transfer programs designed to help faculty researchers commercialize discoveries locally rather than licensing them to out-of-state companies or relocating to launch startups elsewhere, a pattern administrators say has historically cost the region economic benefit from research it funded and produced.

Program administrators describe a deliberate effort to provide early-stage founders with the kind of business development support, from patent guidance to introductions to regional investors, that has traditionally been more available in established tech hubs. Several spinout companies founded in the past two years have chosen to remain in the Upper Valley specifically because of this support infrastructure.

Regional economic development officials say the strategy fits into a broader effort to diversify the Upper Valley's economy beyond healthcare and higher education, though they caution that meaningful job creation from research commercialization typically takes years to materialize even under the best circumstances.