Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
OTIE Announces the Launch of Sophia by Wellspring
Revolutionizing Innovation Management at WPI
The Office of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OTIE) is thrilled to announce that Sophia by Wellspring is now live and available for the entire WPI community! This cutting-edge intellectual property (IP) management system is set to streamline innovation processes, making it easier than ever for faculty, staff, and students to manage their ideas and collaborations.
With Sophia, all invention disclosures, as well as requests such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and IP Management Plans for collaborative projects and grant applications, must now be submitted through the system. This centralized platform ensures that every stage of the innovation process—from initial idea to commercialization—is handled efficiently and securely.
Access Your IP Records Like Never Before
Sophia introduces a new level of transparency and convenience for users. You will now have direct access to all IP-related records to which you are connected. This means you can easily view the details of your submissions and agreements, as well as any updates or information OTIE has on file. Say goodbye to lengthy email exchanges for status updates—Sophia keeps you in the loop every step of the way.
Why We Chose Sophia
Sophia by Wellspring offers a user-friendly interface designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. There's no need to worry about creating a separate account—your WPI Single Sign-On credentials automatically grant you access to the system. Just log in, and you’re ready to go!
Short Training Videos Available
To help you get started quickly and confidently, OTIE has created a series of short training videos. These resources provide step-by-step guidance on how to:
- Log in to Sophia using your WPI Single Sign-On credentials
- Submit invention disclosures
- Request NDAs, MTAs, and IP Management Plans
These videos are accessible anytime and ensure that you can easily navigate Sophia's features and processes.
Key Features of Sophia:
- Streamlined Submissions: Submit invention disclosures, NDAs, MTAs, and more in just a few clicks.
- Comprehensive IP Management: Track the progress of your intellectual property, collaborations, and agreements all in one place.
- Direct Access to Records: View your IP records, agreements, and OTIE's information without needing to email for updates.
- Accessibility: Accessible anywhere, anytime, through WPI's secure Single Sign-On system.
- Enhanced Support: OTIE staff are here to help you make the most of Sophia and guide you through the process.
By adopting Sophia, WPI takes another step forward in empowering its innovators to focus on what they do best—creating impactful technologies and solutions for the world.
Ready to Get Started?
Simply visit Sophia's login page and sign in using your WPI credentials. Whether you’re submitting a new invention disclosure, requesting an NDA, or planning an IP strategy for a grant proposal, Sophia has you covered. For step-by-step guidance, check out our training videos below:
Sophia Logging In and Dashhoard
Invention Disclosure Submission
Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) Request
Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) Request
For any questions or assistance, the OTIE team is here to help. Contact us at [OTIE@WPI.EDU].
Let’s innovate together with Sophia!
The Office of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OTIE) at WPI identifies, evaluates, values, protects, classifies, markets, and licenses the intellectual property assets developed by WPI researchers and other significant users of WPI resources. The office maintains close working relationships with faculty and staff researchers, manages the patented technologies database, and facilitates the transfer of WPI-owned intellectual property.
WPI researchers collaborate across disciplines on state-of the-art solutions to critical industrial, medical, and environmental problems. The resulting commercial relevance of their ideas is one of the ways we measure success in our research programs. Our resources help them maximize their marketability and market potential.
The OTIE acts as the point of contact for faculty expertise, and partners with the Office of Sponsored Programs to negotiate intellectual property conditions in sponsored research agreements.
WPI technologies and active patents that are available to license are posted on In-Part. Search available technologies.
Get in Touch with Us
Do you have questions about how OTIE can help you? Reach out to us at otie@wpi.edu.
Do A Quick Prior Art Search of Patents Using A Few Key Words
Granted Patents in FY24
Explore the innovative spirit at WPI through our newly granted patents for FY24. These patents represent the dedication and creativity of our faculty, researchers, and students, who are pushing the boundaries of technology and scientific discovery. Each patent showcases breakthroughs across various fields, highlighting WPI’s commitment to advancing knowledge and creating solutions that impact industries and improve lives. Discover how WPI’s intellectual property portfolio supports our mission to foster innovation and drive progress in engineering, science, and technology.
Atomizing Device for Use in a Spray Dryer
Method and Apparatus for Recycling Lithium Ion Batteries
Downward Absorbing and Upward Accommodating Footwear Heel
Impact Absorbing Footwear Protrusion
Cold Sprayed Radiation Shielding
Sprayed Formation of Batteries
Facile Etching for Single Crystal Cathode Materials
Direct Carbon Fuel Cell with Molten Metal
Ethanol Derived Petrochemicals
Method and Apparatus for Efficient Metal Distillation
A Novel Way to Recycle Lithium-ion Batteries
WPI Professor Yan Wang has invented a way to recycle old lithium-ion batteries and keep them out of landfills. An entrepreneur, Wang also co-founded Ascend Elements to commercialize his recycling process. Wang and his lab continue to show that recycled battery materials can outperform new materials, which will lead to a more sustainable battery industry.
Tech Transfer Resources and Publications
Download these articles and reports for more information about Technology Commercialization.
WPI Commercialization Fund
OTIE has resources to provide early investments in promising technologies and ventures, including the Accelerate WPI program. The WPI Commercialization Fund can provide investments of up to $50,000 into ideas with a clear commercial pathway, and is open to faculty, students, or alumni. To see the Operating Principles of the Commercialization Fund, click here.
National Academy of Inventors — WPI Chapter
The WPI chapter of the National Academy of Inventors honors academic invention, recognizes and encourages inventors, and enhances the visibility of WPI research and innovation. To apply, students must have applied for at least a provisional patent while an undergraduate; faculty must have an issued patent; and alumni must have an issued patent, either as an individual or through an employer.
Sustainability of the Built Environment
Researchers seek solutions for a source of 40 percent of carbon emissions worldwide—human-made infrastructure.