University of Wisconsin-Madison

Advancing technologies to benefit humankind

About the University

WARF invests in the university by partnering with UW–Madison to steward the cycle of research, discovery, commercialization and investment. Founded in 1925 by visionary alumni, WARF is among the oldest and most successful technology transfer offices in the nation. As the designated patent and licensing organization for UW–Madison, WARF advances transformative discoveries to the marketplace to benefit humankind across Wisconsin and the world.  In recognition of our decades of service, WARF was awarded the National Medal of Technology — the nation's highest honor for technology innovation — from President George W. Bush in 2005. WARF is the only technology transfer organization to ever receive this honor.