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The Innovation Imperative

The impact of innovation at the UW

Throughout more than 150 years of history, the UW has demonstrated an extraordinary track record of inventions and discoveries with impact across the globe. Consistently ranked the most innovative public university in the world, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

UW Innovations in the News

UW ranked top 5 for entrepreneurship nationally

New Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine Collegiate Rankings released for 2025.

Startups and spinoffs

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Every UW college and school has launched startups and created spinoffs. Since 1984, the UW has spun out over 280 companies. Since 1992, UW spinoffs have raised over $8.7 billion in funding with $4.1 billion secured over the past five years alone.

26 innovations that changed the world

Archived photograph of a Medic One ambulance and EMTs

Explore a selection of innovations developed wholly or in part at the University of SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½. We invite you to share in the UW’s rich history through these fundamental and groundbreaking innovations.

Learn more

Innovation happens everywhere at the UW

Getting started: Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, investor, or other community member, these Frequently Asked Questions will guide you in the right direction.

“Insights I developed at UW are what carried me forward towards running my own businesses.”
– Keisha Credit, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship ’18

Keisha Forbes

The innovation ecosystem

The UW Innovation Imperative empowers students and researchers to learn, discover and build solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. It encourages innovation by providing the space and opportunity for people from all backgrounds — from the humanities to the sciences, the poetic and the pragmatic — to connect, imagine and discover.

Learn the skills

The UW offers a wide variety of educational and learning opportunities to build students’ skills in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Get hands-on experience

Innovation happens in every corner of the UW — and there’s no better way to expand your skill set than to participate in a hands-on kind of way.

Bring ideas to life

A strong community is critical for entrepreneurs to bring new ideas to life. Important milestones along the journey include mentorship, lessons from industry leaders and alumni, and pursuing funding opportunities.

Build your network

Join us for events that will open your eyes, push your boundaries, and grow your network. Some are open to the public.