CoMotion, the office that handles technology transfer at the University of Washington, has laid off three employees amid broader financial challenges at the Seattle-based institution.
A university spokesperson confirmed the layoffs in a statement to GeekWire. CoMotion initially tried to reduce expenses through spending reductions, according to the university, but it was not enough.
“When looking at staff reductions, CoMotion tried to keep the infrastructure in place to support research translation and commercialization while minimizing operational impacts and services it provides to the UW community,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Among the roles cut were the director of marketing and communications; one writer; and an IT project manager role. There are now 52 employees at CoMotion.
CoMotion last year moved into a new building on the UW campus in Seattle. The office helps researchers launch startups and secure patents for their discoveries. It also offers co-working space and runs several incubators, including a new fintech program.
The UW is facing a budget crisis due in part to funding cuts from the state and federal government. Former President Ana Mari Cauce, who stepped down this summer, said in May that she expected the university to make layoffs due to the budget hole.
Along with government funding cuts, the UW is also grappling with rising benefits costs and international students turning to other countries, the Seattle Times reported last month. The Times reported that federal cuts and “other actions” have led to 178 layoffs at the UW.
