Program Details

An interdisciplinary approach that starts with teamwork

Better Prepared Teams Earn More Wins

TI:GER draws law (JD) students from Emory and business (MBA) students and doctoral (PhD) candidates in engineering and science from Emory and other institutions to comprise the teams. Classes are held on both campuses, led by faculty in economics, science, business, law, and entrepreneurship.

Emory Law School students apply in the spring of their first year of law school by submitting a statement of interest, resume, academic records, and an overview of undergraduate experience. A science and engineering background is helpful but it is especially recommended for the patent law track.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of Emory University School of Law faculty in a rigorous selection process. Once selected for the program, TI:GER students meet in the fall of their second year, visit the PhDs’ labs, learn about the various technologies and research, and get to know the other students. Teams are then formed consisting of four students – one Emory Law student from the technology/business track, one Emory Law student from the patent law track, one Georgia Tech MBA student, and one PhD candidate.

One Emory: Engaged for Impact

Emory is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future.

Faculty Excellence: Foster a culture of eminence that attracts and inspires scholars of the highest order.

Academic Community of Choice: Cultivate a thriving campus and a compelling student experience.

Innovation through Scholarship and Creative Expression: Harness imagination and discovery to address 21st-century challenges.

Atlanta as a Gateway to the World: Unleash Emory and Atlanta’s shared future to mobilize change for the world.

Join a Network of over 1000 alumni, instructors, and mentors

While some TI:GER research is too early stage for participants to commercialize immediately after graduation, many alumni say they’ve gained an entrepreneurial mindset that benefits them in a wide range of careers. Meanwhile, the list of TI:GER projects evolving into successful companies keeps growing.

Gain Experience in Startup Development

Emory Law students apply the spring semester of their first year. Approximately twelve to twenty students are selected to participate each year.

Some students continue to work with their teams well into company development while other students use the knowledge gained in their professional careers.

How We Partner with Other Programs

Technology students must apply and be accepted into the MBA or the PhD Program of a participating institution. Applying is a competitive process.

Students research emerging technologies and use innovation to solve problems. These technologies go on to become new business ideas or may be transformed into corporate innovation.

Our Team

Nicole Morris, Esq.

Nicole Morris, Esq.

Director of TI:GER and Professor in Practice

Curriculum Vitae

Areas of Expertise

Intellectual Property Licensing, Intellectual Property Strategy, Patent Law, Patent Litigation & Prosecution

Emory Profile

 

Ronnie Price

TI:GER Program Coordinator

Meet the Director, Nicole Morris

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TI:GER?

TI:GER, which stands for Technological Innovation: Generating Economic Results, is an Emory University School of Law program that provides opportunities for students to take technologies from the lab to the marketplace.

For example, students help assess legal considerations such as whether or not a young business should file a patent application. In addition, students perform market research, looking at factors such as product/market fit and value.

The goal of the program is to help participants develop better business plans, reduce legal risk, and position themselves to seek funding for their new ventures.

What do TIG:ER students learn?

The TI:GER program provides students with an understanding of the strategies needed for technology commercialization. Students will work through real life cases studies, learn from startup founders and CEOs, and simulate the process of taking new technologies to market. In addition, students have opportunities to compete in business plan competitions with their student teams, receiving feedback and critiques on their business plans. At the end of the program, students leave with the skills required to start their own business or make meaningful contributions to mature businesses.

Is TI:GER a legal clinic?

No, participants in the TI:GER program do not engage clients and do not form attorney/client relationships with our partners. TI:GER is strictly an academic program. Although law students are on teams assisting with various legal matters, all research is performed under the supervision of a program coordinator and licensed legal professional.

Is TI:GER an incubator program?

TI:GER is an academic program, not an incubator. Students that participate in TI:GER earn course credit for their work and will receive a certificate upon successful program completion. Emory Law does not support student projects in terms of funding, management, or the placement of a senior leadership team. Rather, TI:GER students learn about the processes and tools required for building a startup and apply those lessons to real world examples.

Are there community partnership opportunities available?

Yes, there are partnership opportunities available through the TI:GER program. The structure of the TI:GER program provides opportunities for our students to respond to community needs, whether those needs come from non-profits or other schools. While TI:GER is not a legal clinic, our students are sometimes asked to serve as resources for legal issues related to marketing, immigration, city ordinances, employment law, and COVID-19 relief.

Are there corporate partnerships available?

Yes. In previous years, TI:GER students have worked with corporate entities such as AECOM to help research business opportunities while assessing legal, compliance, and regulatory issues.

Are TI:GER events available to non-students?

While classes, coursework, and projects are open to students only, TI:GER hosts an Annual Innovation Conference that provides an open forum for discussion about emerging technologies and the impact of those technologies on legal education.

Who is invited to speak at TI:GER events?

TI:GER is excited to offer an array of guest speakers to present to program participants. In the past, guest speakers have included TI:GER program alumni, startup founders, CEOs, consultants and other attorneys.

Partner Outreach

We strategically work with our partners to enhance their programs and provide more opportunities for Emory University School of Law Students.