AUTM on the Air

In November 2025, Bangkok, Thailand became the epicenter of a global conversation about the future of innovation. Leaders from around the world gathered for the WIPO-AUTM Knowledge and Technology Transfer Summit, creating a rare space for open discussion about what is working, what is strained, and what needs to evolve in the tech transfer profession.

With participants representing 27 countries, the summit surfaced a striking reality. Whether operating within long-established innovation ecosystems or building tech transfer capacity from the ground up, institutions are wrestling with many of the same core issues. Conversations repeatedly returned to questions of impact, sustainability...

This is the second episode in our special series on mental health and Tech Transfer.

If you missed our first conversation with Jane Wainwright, I encourage you to go back and listen. It’s a candid look at why this topic matters and why it deserves real attention, not to be pushed to the side. Today, we’re continuing that discussion because the pressures inside tech transfer offices haven’t let up with constant policy shifts, funding uncertainty, tight deadlines, and the feeling of being stretched thinner every month. 

We’re joined today by two researche...

Every now and then, someone inside a Tech Transfer office tries something small, something meant for their own team, and it ends up resonating far beyond their campus. That’s the path our guest followed, and it’s a great reminder of how ideas in this profession can ripple outward in ways we don’t always expect.

My guest today is Chadwig “Chad” Riggs, former marketing associate at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Office of Technology Licensing and the creator of Technology Transfer Professionals Day, which is celebrated each year on December 12, the anniversary of the Bayh–Dole...

There’s a fundamental shift happening in the world of American research universities, and people across higher education are feeling it. Funding that once seemed dependable is now uncertain, and the pressure coming from political and economic changes is hard to overlook. More and more, leaders and researchers are asking tough questions about how the current system can keep up, and what needs to evolve to protect the future of discovery and innovation.

Today’s guest, Dr. Yasheng Huang, brings a thoughtful and deeply informed perspective to that conversation. He is the Epic Foundation Professor of Global Econ...

Mental health is increasingly a focus in Tech Transfer as people try to keep pace with heavy workloads, fast-moving deadlines, and the pressure to make the right call with limited time and information. To bring more attention to what professionals are experiencing, we’re opening a new series on wellbeing and resilience with a conversation featuring today’s guest, Jane Wainwright. This series will look at the challenges many carry quietly and highlight approaches that support healthier, more sustainable workplaces across research commercialization.

Jane has spent more than twenty years at Potter Clarkson and led the firm’s biot...

Few studies have explored the global state of university intellectual property commercialization as deeply as this brief, Unlocking University IP: Global Insights into Commercialization Challenges and Opportunities. In this episode, we take a close look at that landmark UIIN Insights Brief with its lead authors, Dr. Todd Davey and Medisa Focic, to better understand how universities around the world are managing and monetizing their research. Together, they offer a rare global perspective on the systems, people, and policies that shape how ideas move from campus labs to the marketplace.

Dr. Todd Davey, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at...

Few people bridge the worlds of engineering, venture capital, and biotech entrepreneurship the way Sam Tetlow does. After early years at General Electric and a successful run in venture capital, Sam founded The Grant Engine out of frustration with a broken system with too many brilliant innovators failing to secure the funding they needed to move lifesaving research forward. What began as a personal mission to write better grants for his own portfolio companies has evolved into a thriving 75-person firm that now submits more than five percent of all NIH SBIR applications in the United States, with win...

It’s often the connections between people that keep innovation burning bright. My guest today is Joe Runge. He’s spent more than two decades exploring that truth from several angles, including as a practicing patent lawyer, published scientist, educator, and veteran of the innovation economy. Joe holds the rare distinction of being the only student in history to earn both a law degree and a master’s degree in biology simultaneously from the University of Iowa, a combination that uniquely shaped his perspective on how science and law intersect to move discoveries into the world.

Today, Joe se...

Some people talk about innovation. Others live it. Michael Lyon has built a career that bridges worlds most of us only dream about, from helping launch the first space tourists to diving miles beneath the ocean surface, and now mentoring the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. A Harvard Law graduate with experience spanning government, finance, and frontier industries, Michael has spent over 40 years helping bold ideas find their place in the real world. Today, he serves as a longtime mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab, guiding hundreds of founders in fields like space, ocean technology, and AI.

...

Fighting blindness requires science, strategy, and a great deal of heart. Today’s guest is Jason Menzo, CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the world’s largest private funder of retinal disease research. Since assuming the role in 2022, after serving as President and COO, Jason has helped raise nearly a billion dollars and is backing over 100 projects across 86 labs and clinical centers worldwide. With more than two decades in ophthalmology at Sun Ophthalmologics, Nycox SA, Bausch & Lomb, and Bayer, he brings sharp business instincts and a deep commitment to restoring sight.

Before joining the Foundation, Jason co-founded and...

Not every university has the resources to build and maintain a Tech Transfer office, and for many smaller institutions, that has long meant sitting on the sidelines. In Kentucky, leaders decided to try something different. Instead of each campus building its own program from scratch, they pooled efforts into a single statewide network. That collaboration became Kentucky Commercialization Ventures, or KCV, a model that’s now showing what inclusive innovation can look like in practice.

At the center of this work is Kayla Meisner, Executive Director of KCV, who has guided the initiative from an early concept in...

A proposed shift in U.S. patent policy is sparking debate about the future of intellectual property. The idea on the table is a value-based tax that would replace, or sit on top of, the USPTO’s traditional flat-fee system. Instead of paying predictable maintenance fees, patent owners could face annual charges tied to the assessed value of their inventions. This move would dramatically change how portfolios are managed and funded.

To walk us through the implications, we’re joined by Erin M. Daly, Ph.D., Esq., founder of Daly Law & Strategy. Erin started out in organic chem...

How do discoveries in a university lab make their way into everyday life? That question sits at the heart of AUTM’s Better World Project. When it first launched almost 20 years ago, it was just a small booklet with a handful of stories. Today, it’s grown into a global showcase with more than 600 examples of how technology transfer changes lives. In this episode, we’re taking another look at the project, what’s new, and why it continues to matter.

I’m joined by RK Narayanan, Senior Director of Business Development and Technology Transfer at Cold Spring Har...

Most people hear the phrase “research misconduct” and think it’s an issue reserved for academia. But the truth is, it can rock the entire innovation ecosystem. One altered image in a dissertation might sound small, but it can snowball into collapsed companies, hundreds of millions in losses, and a deep erosion of trust in science itself.

Joining me to dig into this reality is Michael R. Samardzija, Senior Counsel at Womble Bond Dickinson. Michael’s career is unique because he’s lived on both sides of the technology transfer world. He earned his PhD in Physiology and a Mast...

What does it take to safeguard innovation while making sure the patent system truly serves inventors and society? That’s the heart of today’s conversation, and few people are better positioned to answer than Dr. Julie Burke.

Today, she brings a unique perspective to the world of intellectual property and patent prosecution. Dr. Burke spent more than two decades in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, eventually stepping into the role of Quality Assurance Specialist in Technology Center 1600. Her path there was built on a strong scientific foundation: a degree in molecular biology, a Ph.D. i...

Biotechnology law has evolved from a niche specialty into one of the most complex and debated areas of intellectual property, and Dr. Jorge Goldstein has been at the center of that journey. A founding partner of Stern, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, Jorge has spent more than four decades helping define the legal boundaries of the life sciences while working alongside scientists, startups, and global institutions at the very front edge of discovery. His career path, shaped by mentors who saw the future in biology and patents, offers a rare window into how law and science grew together during the biotechnology...

Federal funding shakeups and new cost caps are hitting Tech Transfer offices from multiple angles. Jodie Richardson, Director of Customer Success at TechPipeline and Chair of AUTM’s Annual Meeting Planning Committee, has been right in the middle of these conversations. With a background in strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and compliance, she’s been gathering insights from leaders across the country on how they’re coping along with what might come next.

Her recent article, Weathering the Storm: How TTOs are Navigating Overhead Rate Caps and Federal Funding Challenges, dives into the real-world effects of these changes. In thi...

America's leadership in global innovation depends on the critical link between federal policy and scientific funding. Cuts to research budgets, restrictions on international visas, and the rollback of diversity programs are converging to create uncertainty that threaten labs, universities, and communities that depend on them. What happens in the next budget cycle will determine whether the U.S. continues to set the pace for global discovery or risks ceding that ground to competitors eager to recruit American-trained talent.

I’m thrilled to welcome back Kate Zernike, Pulitzer Prize–winning national correspondent for The New York Times. Kate brin...

The McGill Innovation Fund was created to fill a big gap in early-stage research funding and help promising ideas make the leap from the lab into the real world. In this episode, Senior Communications Advisor Junji Nishihata shares the story of how the fund came about in 2021, just as McGill University was marking its 200th anniversary, and why it’s different from other campus competitions. 

Instead of focusing on general entrepreneurship, the MIF is tied directly to research through a formal report of invention. With three funding tiers ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 and a yearly budget of up to...

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, or WARF, was created 100 years ago. It was a daring idea to turn scientific discoveries into real-world applications. Today marks the 100th anniversary. Since 1925, WARF has played a pioneering role in encouraging innovation, supporting scientific discovery, and ensuring that research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison benefits society.

To commemorate a century of influence, we're joined by four members of the WARF team, each with their own take on the past and future. Holly Adams, Contract Manager; Lesli Mark, Accelerator Manager; Michael Falk, Chief Intellectual Property and Licensing Officer; and Maureen Miner, Director...

The blue economy is rapidly evolving. There’s a growing demand for innovation that’s both sustainable and scalable. Leading this work is Millicent Pitts, CEO and Executive Director of Ocean Exchange. Over the last ten years, she has helped the organization identify and support cutting-edge solutions that protect ocean health and strengthen coastal systems.

Millicent spent three decades in the chemical and materials industry, holding senior roles at BASF, Engelhard, Arco Chemical, and more. She also earned her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. This background gives her a practical, business-minded approach to s...

Clarity can come from lived experience, and Dr. Kirk Adams brings that clarity into every conversation about inclusion. After losing his vision at age five, he began a journey that would shape his life, and the lives of countless others. What started as a personal challenge became a lifelong mission to him. He wanted to create a world where people with disabilities are seen, valued, and included. This is a wonderful story of persistence, purpose, and real leadership.

Dr. Adams has led some of the most influential organizations in the blindness and disability inclusion space. As the...

This month we are honoring the history, achievements, culture, and ongoing advocacy of people with disabilities. This is our third episode celebrating Disability Pride Month. Today, we're privileged to speak with Dr. Jutta Treviranus, a true pioneer in inclusive design. As the director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) at OCAD University in Toronto, Dr. Treviranus has been instrumental in shaping global accessibility laws and influencing the tech standards that major companies use. 

She has been constantly pushing the limits of what genuinely inclusive digital environments can be. Among her many achievements, she's been honored with t...

In honor of Disability Pride Month, I'd like to talk about a simple image that's quietly making a big difference around the globe. You might've seen it, a sunflower printed on a lanyard or pinned to someone's jacket, but maybe you weren't exactly sure what it meant. Well, that little sunflower is a lifeline, a subtle sign helping millions of people with invisible disabilities feel less alone, better understood, and genuinely welcome.

Paul White, who’s joining me today, is the CEO and co-founder of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Back in 2016, Paul set out to change how we se...

Have you ever tried to picture the natural world without relying on sight? It’s a wild thought, but for Dr. Geerat J. Vermeij, it’s just how he experiences life. Blind since the age of three, Dr. Vermeij built an extraordinary career as an evolutionary biologist. He’s a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, a celebrated author, and Professor Emeritus of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis.

In our conversation, Dr. Vermeij walks us through the hidden stories that mollusk shells can tell us about evolution. Think underwater battles, survival strategies, and long-forgotten extinction events. He also introduces...

What if one of the most important medical breakthroughs of the 20th century began with a dead cow and a desperate young farmer? That’s exactly what happened in 1933, when 21-year-old Ed Carlson arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, carrying a bucket of blood and a mystery that would eventually lead to the discovery of warfarin. This unlikely starting point sparked years of relentless research by biochemist Karl Paul Link and his team, fueled by scientific curiosity, institutional support, and an unshakable belief in the power of perseverance.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Fo...

What happens when climate innovation isn’t just a buzzword but a blueprint for real change? In this episode, we explore how climate-focused technologies are being developed, commercialized, and scaled in ways that go far beyond traditional models. 

My guest, Josh Dorfman, brings a rare mix of experience in both business and policy, with a track record of building ventures that reduce emissions while delivering everyday value. Josh is the co-founder and CEO of Plantd, a company creating carbon-negative building materials that was recently named one of the world’s most innovative by Fast Company. 

He als...

What if universities had a smarter way to surface the innovation already happening across their campuses? In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Lehmann, Managing Director of Stargaze at Portal Innovations, and Ashish Uppala, Head of Engineering and Product for Stargaze. 

Steven brings over a decade of experience in venture building and university innovation ecosystems, including leading the University of Chicago’s $20 million pre-seed fund and authoring the Innovation Ecology Substack. Ashish, a former CTO of scite.ai and an expert in AI and machine learning, combines deep technical knowledge with a passion for mapping biotech innov...

The world of software innovation is evolving faster than ever, and Tech Transfer professionals are being asked to make critical decisions around open source, copyright, patents, and AI. In this episode, we take a deep dive into this complex landscape with Dan Dardani, Director of Physical Sciences and Digital Innovations Licensing and Corporate Alliances at Duke University. Dan brings over two decades of experience to the conversation, including nearly 20 years at MIT and his long standing leadership in AUTM’s Software Course Committee.

Dan shares his practical insights into how Tech Transfer offices can navigate the tricky de...

AI is no longer just a concept in IP. It’s part of how teams work, make decisions and create value. In this episode I talk to Dr. Marcia Chang, VP of IP Operations and Client Success at Tradespace. Dr. Chang has over 20 years of experience in IP strategy, operations and commercialization and has a unique blend of engineering and legal expertise. 

She has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University and a J.D. from Santa Clara University she’s held leadership roles at companies like Applied Materials, Metawave Corporation and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. She w...

When you start a biotech company, equity isn't just a line on a spreadsheet. It can literally determine who gets to keep pursuing their dream and who has to step aside. In this episode, we're digging into equity distribution, an aspect of launching a startup that's easy to overlook but critically important. It shapes whose ideas ultimately make it from the lab bench to the real world.

My guest today is Dr. Jahanara Ali, founder of Longitude Ventures Consulting. Dr. Ali has spent years working with universities, biotech startups, and investors, helping them transform research into successful...

When cutting‑edge science collides with the realities of commercialization, tech transfer stops being paperwork and starts shaping the future of innovation. That intersection is exactly where European patent attorney and IPKat writer Rose Hughes has built her career, and today she’s here to break down what the latest headline decisions mean for anyone navigating patents on this side of the Atlantic. 

Dr. Hughes traces her journey from a PhD in infection‑immunity at University College London to training with Marks & Clerk, six years in‑house at AstraZeneca’s Cambridge R&D hub, and now a role at boutique fi...

This episode will illustrate how scientific research and tech commercialization can create a powerful impact. I'm excited to have Dr. Valwynne Faulkner on the show today. She is a postdoctoral researcher at the Francis Crick Institute and a LifeArc Knowledge Transfer Innovations Fellow. Her fascinating work spans cutting-edge molecular biology research and technology transfer.

Val walked me through the work her team is doing with CRISPR to expose new ways of tackling tuberculosis, even the stubborn drug‑resistant strains. She also opened up about how the LifeArc fellowship is pulling her deeper into tech transfer, what she is learnin...

Building inclusive workplaces is not just good ethics, it is a major catalyst for innovation, creativity, and long term success. In this episode we take a closer look at how tech transfer offices can harness the untapped potential of neurodivergent talent and why doing so could transform not just individual careers but entire organizations.

My guest is Andy Williamson, founder of Welcome Brain Consulting a UK-based consultancy pioneering neurodiversity inclusion in workplaces worldwide. Andy has spent over a decade helping organizations rethink how they hire, train, and support neurodivergent individuals from private companies to public institutions. His...

Innovation isn’t just evolving—it’s accelerating, fragmenting, and reshaping everything in its path. In this episode, we dive into what that means for the world of technology transfer, where traditional systems are being pushed to adapt or risk falling behind. If you’ve ever wondered how Tech Transfer Offices can keep up with the chaos of rapid innovation, this conversation will give you both clarity and direction.

Our guest is Nick Webb, a bestselling author, futurist, and innovation strategist who has worked with some of the world’s top brands and holds more than 40 patents. He’s writt...

Could worms be the missing piece to treating allergies and autoimmune diseases? That’s the exciting idea that’s driving today’s guest, Dr. Andrea Choe, a scientist, doctor and biotech founder on a mission to change the way we think about human health.

Dr. Andrea Choe is the CEO and co-founder of Holoclara, a biotech company that’s changing how we treat allergies and autoimmune disorders. While working on her PhD at Caltech, Andrea discovered a unique pheromone language shared by roundworms which led to insights in evolutionary biology and immunology. Today her research is the foundati...

What if STEM education wasn’t just about formulas and lab reports—but about solving real problems, transforming lives, and reshaping entire communities?

In this episode, we’re talking about how hands-on, project-based STEM education is making that vision a reality through Project Lead The Way, a nonprofit that’s helping millions of students across the U.S. become tomorrow’s changemakers.

From building bionic arms to redesigning city infrastructure, PLTW students and educators are showing us what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity.

We’re joined by four awesome guests:

Dr. David Dimm...

I'm thrilled to welcome Kathi Vidal to the show today. Kathi has been at the forefront of IP policy, working to expand patent accessibility, and tackle some of innovation’s most pressing issues. As the former Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Kathi has spearheaded significant changes that reshaped how America approaches innovation. 

At the USPTO, she opened up patent accessibility by expanding the patent bar to include a broader and more diverse range of professionals. She also launched the Council for Inclusive Innovation and fundamentally transformed how...

There aren’t many people in the world who can say they’ve changed the way we understand time itself, but today’s guest is one of them.

In this episode, I'm honored to welcome Dr. Anne L’Huillier, professor of atomic physics at Lund University and recipient of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics. She’s one of only five women in history to receive the Nobel in this category, and her groundbreaking work in attosecond physics is reshaping what’s possible in the study of electron dynamics.

But what makes Dr. L'Huillier truly remarkable isn’t just h...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

The future of research and innovation is on the line. Right now, universities across the country are facing significant funding cuts that could reshape the way groundbreaking discoveries move from the lab to the real world. These cuts threaten not just the researchers and students who rely on them, but the very foundation of our innovation economy. If you have ever wondered how new medicines, cutting-edge technologies, or even life-saving treatments come to exist, the answer often lies in Tech Transfer. Without proper funding, that process is at risk.

To unpack what is happening and what can...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

Research doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It needs a foundation of stable funding, institutional support and policies that empower researchers to innovate. But today that foundation is under threat.

In this episode we dive into one of the biggest problems facing American research: the NIH funding crisis. On February 7th the National Institutes of Health (NIH) slashed indirect cost reimbursements from 50-60% to 15%. This has sent shockwaves through the academic and research communities. With this policy change universities across the country are facing an unprecedented financial squeeze and are having to re-budget, slow hiring and even re...

Engineering is more than just numbers and equations—it’s about people, innovation, and solving real-world problems. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tahira Reid Smith, an engineer, educator, and entrepreneur who is shaping the future of engineering through human-centered design. From childhood inspiration to groundbreaking research, she has dedicated her career to making technology more inclusive, effective, and meaningful.

Dr. Reid Smith is the Arthur L. Glenn Professor of Engineering Education and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University. She is also the founder of Jump Dreams, Inc. and leads the Research in Engi...

Science isn’t just about discovery; it’s about transformation. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, an award-winning scientist, author, and science advocate who wants science to be for everyone. From her childhood of taking things apart to her work in materials science, Dr. Ramirez shares how curiosity and representation shaped her journey.

Her book The Alchemy of Us explores how materials like clocks, steel rails, and copper cables advanced technology and changed human behavior in unexpected ways. We’ll talk about the unintended consequences of innovation, from how artificial light affects our health to how...

In the fast-paced world of Tech Transfer, we work to close the gap between great research and real-world impact. But behind the scenes, many of us face high pressure, high expectations, and a profession that’s often misunderstood. Today we’re breaking the silence on a critical but often overlooked issue—mental health in tech transfer.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the unique challenges we face, from imposter syndrome and burnout to the stigma around mental health in the workplace. Most importantly we’ll discuss how to create a culture of well-being in Tech Transfer offices (T...

What does it take to turn a great idea into a market ready product? This week on AUTM on the Air we have Carmine Denisco, president of the United Inventors Association (UIA) to talk about the journey of independent inventors. With over 100,000 members worldwide the UIA is a non-profit dedicated to providing resources, education and advocacy to inventors and ethical partnerships.

In this episode, Carmine shares valuable advice for tech transfer professionals and inventors. From overcoming intellectual property challenges to manufacturing and commercialization he offers practical tips and real-world examples. He also talks about the importance of...

The process of transforming cutting-edge academic research into life-changing therapies is often described as moving from bench to market. Joining us today is Elizabeth Douville, President and CEO of Iricor, a cancerology and immunology research valorization center based at the University of Montreal.

Elizabeth is a leader who connects academic, industry and government ecosystems. She has a passion for scientific research and a track record of turning university innovations into biotech companies. She’s a force to be reckoned with in the life sciences.

In this episode we’ll talk about how Iricor is tackling drug...

At the beginning of this new year and a new administration, we wanted to examine what trends, challenges, and opportunities lie ahead for technology transfer professionals and IP practitioners.

My guest is Eli Mazour, an intellectual property attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP and host of the Clause 8 podcast. Eli is known for his intricate understanding of the patent system and his unique ability to help clients build valuable, litigation-ready patent portfolios that drive business goals. He’s also a trusted voice on patent policy and legislative developments.

Eli and I discuss predictions for how the ne...

CSUS Sacramento or Sacramento State is part of the California State University system, the largest public university system in the US with over 450,000 students across 23 campuses in California. We all know that the journey of invention and innovation starts with education and Sacramento State is leading the way with their Invention Education Program.

This class is based on the Lemelson-MIT program. It’s designed to have students tackle real-world challenges. This transdisciplinary program is all about inclusivity, diversity, and the power of invention to create meaningful change. Joining us today are four amazing guests who each play a...

Getting groundbreaking technology from the lab to the market is no easy task, and it’s a challenge that every Tech Transfer professional understands well. While university Tech Transfer offices are often measured by the number of licenses executed, success isn't just about numbers; it's about ensuring the technologies developed truly meet market needs.

Kate Havey, the Assistant Director of Licensing at Venture Partners at CU Boulder, Is here to help us explore this topic. She brings a wealth of experience in research, teaching, and intellectual property management. She’s worked on everything from biomedical innovations to elec...

In 2024, the European patent system is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. The introduction of the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court is reshaping how intellectual property is protected and enforced across Europe. For innovators and businesses alike, this marks a pivotal moment—one that promises streamlined processes but also introduces new complexities. Today, we’re exploring what these changes mean and how they might impact the future of innovation.  

Joining me for this fascinating discussion are two renowned experts in intellectual property law, Robert Alderson and Mariella Massaro, partners at Berggren, a leadin...

The role of Chief Innovation Officer is transforming the way universities approach innovation and entrepreneurship. Once confined to the corporate world, this position is now becoming a cornerstone of academic leadership, enabling institutions to centralize their efforts around economic growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact. Universities like MIT, Penn State, and Tulane are embracing this change, appointing CIOs to streamline activities across departments and amplify their influence on both campus and community.

Today, I’m joined by Kimberly Gramm, Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer at Tulane University, and Glenn Gardner, President of Gardner Innovation Search Partners. Kimberly is...

Did you know that the restaurant and construction industries have among the highest suicide rates in the country? That's where Wichita State University's Suspenders4Hope initiative comes in, combining ingenuity and compassion to address mental health issues head-on. This breakthrough endeavor began as a campus-based campaign for suicide prevention and mental wellness training and has since spread to companies across the country.

We’re joined by three incredible guests who helped make it happen. Rob Gerlach, Wichita State’s Associate Vice President of Tech Commercialization, shares how tech transfer played a key role in scaling this initiative. Zees...

Are we ready for the ethical challenges AI brings to Tech Transfer? Today’s episode dives into artificial intelligence's rapidly evolving role in tech transfer, examining the frameworks that help us navigate its legal, societal, and ethical complexities. Our guest, Charles Halloran, brings deep expertise in technology licensing and intellectual property, with a career that spans some of the most significant patent and trademark cases. His perspective on managing AI responsibly is invaluable for anyone looking to understand the delicate balance between innovation and integrity.

We’re exploring questions around the ethical use of AI, particularly in the...

What if artificial intelligence could do more than just automate tasks? What if it could open doors to partnerships and markets we have never considered? In today’s episode, we’re exploring how AI is reshaping outbound marketing strategies in Technology Transfer, turning complex innovations into viable, real-world solutions. 

This isn’t just about tech—it’s about discovering new ways to connect groundbreaking ideas with the industries and people who can bring them to life. To guide us on this journey, we’re joined by Andrew Rankin, the Intellectual Asset Marketing Lead at Idaho National Laboratory. 

Andrew ha...

For decades, rural areas have faced a steady decline—losing economic opportunities, grappling with the "brain drain" as creatives and young people migrate to urban centers, and watching local industries falter. But what if university Tech Transfer offices (TTOs) could reverse this trend and be the spark for rural revitalization? Today’s episode explores this potential with Dr. Richard Cahoon, an expert in the field who has over 30 years of experience in invention, intellectual property (IP) management, technology commercialization, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Richard Cahoon, an Adjunct Professor in Global Development and former Director of Cornell’s Tech Transf...

In recent years, CRISPR technology has emerged as a game-changer in the world of gene editing, unlocking remarkable possibilities across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science.

But what is CRISPR? CRISPR stands for "Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats" and is based on an ancient function of prokaryotes—single-celled organisms such as bacteria and archaea. These organisms use a specialized CRISPR-associated molecule, Cas, to cut and destroy the DNA of invading viruses called bacteriophages. 

The CRISPR-Cas system has been engineered to work in eukaryotes, like animals and plants. Its ability to make precise, tar...

What if the next technology or scientific breakthrough is hidden in ancient tribal knowledge? Today, we'll look at Indigenous knowledge and intellectual property, and how Tech Transfer Offices deal with the specific issues of protecting and honoring these cultural assets.  

We're delighted to welcome Graham Strong, Otago Innovation's commercialization manager with over 25 years of business expertise. Graham is an expert in both intellectual property and Indigenous rights, with a PhD in Botany and a Master of Laws focusing on the monetization of Māori medicinal knowledge.  

As Otago Innovation's expert in natural product commercialization and Indig...

The bourbon industry is a major economic driver for the Kentucky region, with 95% of the world's bourbon supply made and aged in the Bluegrass State. There’s more behind those barrels than aging whisky. 

I’m joined by Dr. Greg Tucker , a licensing manager and commercialization specialist III at the University of Louisville. His extensive experience includes negotiating business terms for license agreements, managing university technologies, and establishing partnerships between innovators and companies. He holds a doctorate in chemistry from Arizona State University and has multiple U.S. patents in renewable energy.

We talk about the r...

AI is transforming the tech transfer industry, but how can we stay ahead of this rapidly evolving technology and fully leverage its capabilities? In this episode, we explore how AI is becoming an essential tool, helping accelerate licensing deals, identify the right industry partners, and market innovations more effectively.

To dive deeper into these advancements, we offer a sneak peek into our upcoming 4-week virtual course, The Future of Tech Transfer: Leveraging AI to Find & Secure Licensing Deals. This course is designed to equip you with practical AI skills that can revolutionize your approach to tech transfer.<...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries across the board, from healthcare to finance, bringing with it new challenges for inventors, universities, and the IP community. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently issued new guidance on subject matter eligibility for AI inventions, providing much-needed clarity on how AI-related innovations can be patented. This update is vital for those working at the intersection of technology and intellectual property, especially in tech transfer offices and research institutions.

My guest today is someone deeply involved in shaping these policies: Derrick Brent, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for...

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a public-private partnership with centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This episode dives into MEP and the MEP National Network—an initiative that has been a pillar of U.S. manufacturing, offering comprehensive solutions to manufacturers across the country and fueling growth and innovation in the sector.

Joining us for this discussion are two distinguished experts. First, we have Nagesh Rao, the acting director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at NIST. With over 25 years of experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Nagesh brings a wealth of knowledge to th...

In a world where groundbreaking discoveries often struggle to leave the laboratory, we explore how to transform scientific insights into real-world solutions. We’re focusing on bridging the gap between academic research and community impact.

My guest today is Dr. Kendra Stenzel, the Director of Innovation Talent at the University of Kentucky's Office of Technology Commercialization. With her unique blend of scientific expertise and business acumen, Dr. Stenzel is at the forefront of training the next generation of entrepreneurs and commercialization professionals.

Armed with a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and an MBA with a focus on...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

Tech Transfer professionals have a lot to stay on top of, including the legislative and legal landscape in Washington, DC. My guest today is Jeffrey Depp, who shares his expert knowledge on the current cases we should be aware of.

Jeffrey is a registered patent attorney with extensive experience in intellectual property and innovation policy. His diverse background spans university Tech Transfer, the pharmaceutical industry, law, and the federal courts. Currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Pittsburgh, Jeffrey applies an Austrian economics lens to U.S. innovation, bringing a unique perspective to our discussion.

Innovation is at the heart of both Tech Transfer and human progress. It's in our nature to seek better ways of implementing ideas, but historically, innovation hasn't always received the scholarly attention it deserves, despite technology being integral to our lives—think of the 250,000 patents in a single smartphone. 

I’m thrilled to have Joy Goswami, Senior Director of Corporate Engagement at Johns Hopkins University, here to talk about the role of Technology Transfer in fostering innovation, distinguishing between invention and innovation, and exploring how tech transfer professionals categorize, assess, and commercialize new inventions.

We'll discu...

Let’s take a deep dive into innovation in the health sector and the role that university research plays in this sector. Joining us today is Richard Gannotta, a seasoned healthcare executive with a remarkable career spanning top academic and public health systems. 

From leading UC Irvine Health to shaping policy at NYC Health + Hospitals, Rick's expertise is unparalleled. As managing partner of Washington Square Advisors, he continues to drive innovation in the medtech and biotech industries. He's also a dedicated educator at NYU and the host of the Healthcare Nation podcast.

In this episode, we...

Navigating the intricacies of university-industry partnerships is more important than ever in an era when colleges increasingly see their intellectual property portfolios as attractive sources of prospective revenue. Today, I'm thrilled to have Donald Siegel join us to talk about university-industry partnerships, as described in his book The Chicago Handbook of University Technology Transfer and Academic Entrepreneurship.

Don is a Foundation Professor of Public Policy and Management at Arizona State University and Co-Director of the Global Center for Technology Transfer. With a remarkable career that includes serving as Dean of the School of Business at the University...

Have you ever thought of storytelling as a powerful business tool? In the fast-paced world of tech transfer and startups, it absolutely is. Today's episode dives deep into the importance of storytelling – what it is and how it can be your secret weapon.  

We'll be joined by Otto Pohl, a storytelling guru with a fascinating career path. Otto's a former journalist published in major publications, a seasoned entrepreneur with four startups under his belt, and a communications expert for startups. He now uses his unique blend of skills to help universities translate their groundbreaking research into successful prod...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

Have you ever wondered how groundbreaking scientific discoveries make their way from the lab to the marketplace? Today, we're diving deep into the intricacies of working with industry partners, negotiating deals, managing strategic research alliances, and driving external collaborations.

Joining us today is Gaylene Anderson, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. As Boehringer Ingelheim's US Director for Strategic Research Relationships, Gaylene is responsible for forging partnerships and pathways for external collaboration with the US Research Organization, leveraging both internal synergies and engagement with external scientific partners.

Throughout her career, Gaylene...

Have you ever wondered what truly goes into the commercialization of a patented invention? Today we're exploring an often misunderstood aspect of tech transfer: the strategic licensing of know-how.

Know-how encompasses the vital information necessary or beneficial for the commercialization of a patented invention. While a patent license combines aspects of both federal and state law, a know-how license is governed solely by state law, as it lacks federal statutory protection.

To guide us through this intricate subject, we have Wes Blakeslee with us. Wes holds an Engineering Degree from Penn State University and a...

Have you ever wondered what really powers the success of tech transfer offices at universities? It’s not just the groundbreaking research or innovative technologies—it’s the relationships behind the scenes.

In today’s episode, we’re highlighting the importance of cultivating strong relationships with faculty members. These connections not only facilitate technology disclosures but also significantly boost the marketing reach and appeal of research to industry partners.

Joining us to shed light on this topic is David McClure, the Managing Director of Licensing at the Office of Research Commercialization, Texas Tech University System. David brin...

Industry-University Partnerships are crucial for fostering innovation, addressing societal challenges, and driving economic growth. By working together, universities and industries can leverage their unique strengths to create solutions that benefit society as a whole. Today, I'm excited to be joined by an amazing panel of guests, Dr. Gayathri Srinivasan, Shahila Christie, and John D. Wilson, to discuss taking a holistic approach to these partnerships.

Dr. Gayathri Srinivasan is the Executive Director of MIT Corporate Relations, a position she has held since the beginning of February 2024. As Executive Director, Gayathri leads the growth of the Industrial Liaison Program...

We are focusing on innovation, organizational growth, and the commercialization of emerging technologies with a very special guest, Pam Henderson, a renowned author, entrepreneur, CEO, and expert in business and innovation strategy.

As the founder of NewEdge, a growth strategy firm, Pam leads the charge in identifying and anchoring growth opportunities. Her extensive experience spans both academia and industry, with her work featured in prestigious outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and NPR.

This is a wonderful episode for anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset. We learn how Pam’s academic work eventually le...

I’m thrilled to have Levi C. Maaia and Noah Mark to talk about the Pathways to Invention documentary. Noah Mark is the President of Maaia Mark Productions and Levi is the Director of the film. 

This 60-minute documentary explores the age-old question of whether inventors are born or made. Through up-close profiles, it highlights the impactful contributions of inventors across various disciplines, including biotech, medical diagnostics and prosthetics, sustainable agriculture, food production, software development, and materials science.

All featured inventors are recipients of the prestigious Lemelson-MIT Student Prize. In this film, Levi and Noah unc...

Global Entrepreneur in Residence Programs are revolutionizing the startup world by providing crucial support to international founders. We'll discuss the impact of these programs to enable immigrants to innovate and become entrepreneurs and founders in the US startup space. 

I'm thrilled to be joined by Steve Tobocman for this discussion. Steve is a leader in community and economic development, with a special focus on immigrant inclusion. Since 2010, he's been the executive director of Global Detroit, an organization dedicated to driving growth and prosperity in Detroit and Southeast Michigan through immigrant-inclusive strategies. 

Before his work at Gl...

We're diving into the world of intellectual property and technology transfer in Jamaica. Our special guest for this episode is Loreen Walker, a trailblazer in this field. Loreen played a crucial role in establishing the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) back in 2002, and she's here to share her wealth of experiences and insights with us.

Loreen Walker is a distinguished Attorney-at-Law with over 40 years of experience. She has worked across the private sector, public sector, and academia, specializing in areas such as commercial, corporate, labor, pension, insurance, intellectual property, and sports law.

In 2002, Loreen became...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to discuss mental health and neurodiversity in the workplace. We’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by neurodivergent individuals in traditional work environments. 

Neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and more, often face significant obstacles. From navigating social interactions to managing their mental health, these individuals encounter challenges that can impact their well-being and professional success. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and innovation. Neurodiverse individuals bring unique perspectives and skills, enriching workplaces with their creativity and problem-solving abi...

Welcome to a very special milestone episode of AUTM on the Air! Today, we mark a significant moment – our 200th episode, and we're kicking off the celebration of AUTM's 50th anniversary.

Over the past five decades, AUTM has been at the forefront of advancing technology transfer and innovation, bringing together professionals from academia, industry, and government to drive economic growth and societal impact. In this episode, we reflect on the remarkable journey of AUTM, from its early beginnings to the influential organization it is today.

Joining us are two distinguished guests who have been integral in...

Open science advocates for the openness of data, methods, and tools to make scientific research scalable and publicly accessible, with the goal of enhancing research and making it more accessible to a wider audience. 

Today, we're discussing the Year of Open Science and its implications for patenting, licensing, and technology transfer strategies. Recent mandates from federal agencies, along with a growing emphasis on transparency and collaboration, are profoundly transforming the landscape of scientific research and innovation.

We are joined by Meghan Hayes, Associate Director of Business Development and Licensing at Carnegie Mellon University. Meghan plays a...

Diverse perspectives from around the globe help us discover new and innovative ideas in the world of technology transfer. Today, I’m speaking with José Ricardo Aguilar, a key figure in the Knowledge and Valorisation Department at Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN). Established in 1991 through an initiative by the University of Coimbra, IPN is a private non-profit organization that promotes innovation and technology transfer, bridging the gap between the scientific and technological community and the production sector.

Since 2002, José has been instrumental in promoting the use of the IP system within IPN's innovation ecosystem. He offers vital support to r...

In the industry of technology transfer, diverse perspectives from around the world not only help us understand how things work in other countries but also provide fresh ideas for our own organizations. Joining us today is Rodrigo del Canto, Director of Technology Transfer at iCono UDD in Santiago, Chile.

Rodrigo del Canto is a seasoned professional in technology transfer and innovation, holding key roles at iCono UDD. With a background in law and public policy, Rodrigo extensively contributes to academia as a professor at Universidad del Desarrollo. He is actively involved in institutional committees focusing on intellectual...

The influence of Washington D.C. corridor issues on tech transfer (technology transfer) operations significantly affects tech transfer professionals in several key ways. From navigating the regulatory environments of compliance and IP to funding, to ethical considerations, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to translating policy into practice. I’m excited to talk with Dr. Sheila Kadura as she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience on tech transfer and regulatory policy. 

Dr. Sheila Kadura serves as Associate General Counsel at the University of Texas System, where she is responsible for a broad range of in...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

In the world of technology transfer, listening to diverse perspectives from across the globe isn't merely about understanding alternative methodologies; it's fundamentally about unlocking fresh ideas that can be integrated into our own organizations. 

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Yoichi Oshima, the Vice President for Government and Industry Relations at Tokyo Tech.

With a background in electronics engineering, Yoichi possesses extensive experience in both patent examination and semiconductor-related domains. His career has been marked by various significant roles, including professorships and directorships at esteemed institutions such as Tohoku University and the Japan P...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

I’m excited to introduce Leah Speser, a seasoned expert in technology transfer and commercialization, currently serving as the Senior Consultant for Knowledge Transfer & Commercialization at the Research and Innovation Foundation of the Republic of Cyprus. Leah's experience and expertise in the world of tech transfer are extensive. She has an impressive career that spans academia, industry, and international development.

Today, we’re discussing early-stage technology acquisition opportunities, a topic crucial for anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of technology. Leah is here to share her insights, drawing from her extensive experience. We'll cover whic...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

As February unfolds, we're thrilled to kick off a special series in celebration of Black History Month, a time to honor the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Today, we're excited to chat with James Howard, the Executive Director of the Black Inventors Hall of Fame (BIHOF).

James Howard wears many hats: he is a college professor, design historian, entrepreneur, industrial designer, inventor, and restaurateur. He brings more than 25 years of teaching experience in design and has created a course on Design Thinking and Design History, examining how design influences society.

An...

We have some interesting insights to share from "Diagnosing COVID-19: A Perspective from U.S. Patenting Activity," a report by the US Patent and Trademark Office's Chief Economist, Andrew Toole, and Senior Research Economist, Nicholas A. Pairolero.

Dr. Andrew Toole is the Chief Economist at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and also serves as a Research Associate at the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW). He has experience spanning the private sector, academia, and government.

Nicholas A. Pairolero is a Senior Research Economist at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO...

This episode of AUTM on the Air is currently unavailable. In the meantime, be sure to check out one of our other interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders that focus on the issues and trends that matter most.

As the clock ticks towards the closure of the 60-day comment period on Feb. 6, and NIST prepares to review and finalize guidance, there are still some crucial concerns regarding the Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-In Rights, a tool created to evaluate when it might be appropriate to require licensing of a patent developed with federal funding.

The Bayh-Dole Act, a key driver of public-private partnerships and innovation in the U.S., is at the heart of today's discussion. We'll explore AUTM's position, the act's original intentions, and the potential impacts of the...

Welcome to a special episode as we gear up for the 2024 AUTM Annual Meeting in San Diego. This episode offers an exciting sneak peek at what awaits attendees this year. I am joined by Almesha Campbell, AUTM Board Chair and Assistant Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University. We are thrilled about going to San Diego and participating in this event.

Lisa and Almesha discuss the widespread excitement about the meeting. International members will be recognized, and there will be eight tracks for professionals. At AUTM, experts in various areas are eager to...

There's more to commercialization than just the impact of technology being transferred. This episode focuses on social innovation in technology and the University of Kentucky's Office of Technology Commercialization's unique approach. It's not just about developing, but also managing entrepreneurship programs with a focus on inclusive innovation. This ensures fair access to training for underrepresented innovators in Kentucky.

I'm joined by Serenity Wright, the Associate Director of Social Innovation at the University. Holding a doctorate in policy, measurement, and evaluation, her rich background includes teaching high school, leading diversity initiatives at Transylvania University, and roles in city...

The esteemed Mike Waring, AUTM’s Advocacy and Alliances Coordinator, is back to continue our conversation about national advocacy and federal government relations. Last week, Mike shared strategies for state and local tech transfer. 

Advocacy is ultimately about relationships. Your campus federal relations team is the one that creates the relationship between your campus and Congress, so it's crucial to have a good relationship with them. You want them to know who you are and what your issues are. You also want to be a specific resource to help make your case in Washington. 

Mike high...