UF announces record-breaking year

UF reached new heights in both technology licensing and donations this year, receiving $402 million in donations and submitting 122 licenses.

Last year, UF received $315 million in donations (which increased about 28 percent) and submitted 85 licenses (which increased about 44 percent), according to two press releases.

When David Day first started at the university’s Office of Technology Licensing 15 years ago, there were only 25 licenses issued, he said. Day is now the office’s assistant vice president.

Day said the school has developed medicines, software and other products, including perhaps the most recognizable invention: Gatorade.

“It’s not important how many deals are made or how many make it to market place,” he said. “What matters is helping people’s lives for the Gator good.”

As for donations, the increase resulted from strong leadership and UF’s drive for research, said Joe Mandernach, the senior associate vice president and chief development officer of the office.

He said some of the money will be used to support faculty and students, making sure qualified people are offered a salary or scholarships.

The money will also be used for new projects, Mandernach said, including the recent $10 million donation UF alumnus Joseph Hernandez gave to the chemistry department.

“People will invest where they see a vision and believe there’s a leadership that’s going to be able to drive and impact and do what you say you’re going to be able to do,” he said.