No, making a start-up is not the only way to transfer technology. There are a several other ways to transfer technology, depending on the type/stage of technology and resources available. Here are some ways to transfer technology:
Licensing: One option is to license the technology to an existing company. This is usually done through a patent or trade secret process, where the message of technology rights are assigned to the licensee.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Another option is to acquire or merge with an existing company. This is often the most cost effective way to transfer the technology, as the associated costs are spread out between the two companies.
Strategic Alliances: You can also create strategic alliances with potential partners to transfer the technology. This involves sharing research, resources and expertise to achieve mutually beneficial goals.
Open Sharing: Open sharing of technology through open source and public platforms has also become a popular way to transfer technology. This involves publicly releasing the technology and allowing third parties to use, modify and downstream their own versions of the technology.
Ultimately, the best method of transferring technology depends on the resources and costs available and the goals of the project. It's important to evaluate the pros and cons of each option for the particular project before deciding on the most suitable transfer method.