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From 17 epsHost
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Recent episodes
How Thermo Fisher Evaluates University Innovation with Hsiaoli Chen
Jun 24, 2026
27m 24s
Royalty Stacks: Turning Tech Transfer Into a Strategy Game with Guru Venkatesan
Jun 17, 2026
48m 26s
How Novartis Approaches External Research Collaboration with Dr. Yogesh Sharma
Jun 10, 2026
26m 39s
Bridging the Early-Stage Funding Gap in Innovation with Teri Willey
Jun 3, 2026
29m 22s
Detecting Alzheimer’s Earlier with a Simple Blood Test with Yuanbing Jiang
May 27, 2026
22m 53s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/24/26 | ![]() How Thermo Fisher Evaluates University Innovation with Hsiaoli Chen | Industry partnerships can look very different depending on which side of the table you’re sitting on. For technology transfer professionals, the work often centers on preparing the opportunity, supporting the inventor, protecting the IP, and finding the right commercial partner. For companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, the question is slightly different: does this technology solve a real problem, fit an existing product area, improve on something already in the market, or open the door to a new capability?My guest today is Hsiaoli Chen, Senior Manager of Corporate Innovation Partnerships at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Hsiaoli brings nearly 20 years of experience in business development, technology scouting, and licensing across the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries in the U.S. and Europe. She started her career as a biomedical researcher, and that scientific foundation still shapes how she evaluates new opportunities, talks with inventors, and looks at the evidence behind an emerging technology.In this conversation, Hsiaoli shares how Thermo Fisher works with universities, startups, researchers, and tech transfer offices to identify promising technologies and build productive partnerships. We talk about what catches her attention in a technology offering, why benchmarking against an existing product can make a disclosure easier to evaluate, and how validation data helps industry partners understand what still needs to happen before a technology can move forward.We also get into the practical side of licensing, including timelines, royalty expectations, contract templates, and the flexibility needed to get deals done. Hsiaoli also shares her perspective on global differences in university partnerships, the technology trends she’s watching in AI, automation, proteomics, spatial biology, and cell and gene therapy, and the simple things TTOs can do to stand out as strong, prepared, and collaborative industry partners.In This Episode:[02:03] Hsiaoli Chen shares how her path from academic biomedical research to a startup in Munich opened the door to business development, licensing, and technology commercialization.[03:31] Her research background still shapes how she evaluates new technologies, especially when looking at the science, experiments, and validation behind an invention.[05:12] Thermo Fisher’s university partnerships often begin through researchers who already use the company’s products or through introductions from tech transfer offices.[07:06] Benchmarking a university technology against an existing Thermo Fisher product can help the right internal team quickly understand where the opportunity fits.[08:42] Early-stage academic technologies may still be worth evaluating when inventors can clearly identify what additional validation or development work is needed.[10:02] Licensing conversations with Thermo Fisher often look different from biopharma deals because many technologies may reach the market within 12 to 24 months.[11:28] Royalty expectations, contribution from multiple technologies, and royalty management mechanisms can all affect whether a university deal makes commercial sense.[12:36] Flexibility around contract templates can help reduce friction and move licensing conversations forward more efficiently.[14:03] Global partnership structures vary, with U.S. tech transfer offices often taking the lead while some European inventors may have more direct influence over commercialization.[15:48] AI, automation, and predictive models for peptides, proteins, and antibodies are becoming increasingly important in chemistry and biology screening.[16:52] Proteomics, single-cell analysis, spatial biology, and cell and gene therapy manufacturing workflows are among the university research trends Thermo Fisher is watching closely.[18:39] Thermo Fisher uses a robust internal funnel to evaluate technologies coming from universities, startups, biotechs, and even other companies.[19:34] Product managers, R&D colleagues, IP counsel, business teams, and legal partners may all become part of the evaluation process as an opportunity advances.[21:07] A strong tech transfer partner often provides complete information up front, including benchmarking, publications, and public patent details when available.[22:21] Some promising technologies do not move forward because exclusivity is unavailable, consortium terms are limiting, or the deal structure does not fit the business needs.[23:38] A technology that looks strong on paper may still fail to advance if it does not perform well under Thermo Fisher’s internal technical evaluation conditions.[24:36] Hsiaoli’s advice for tech transfer professionals is to prepare clear, concise technology offerings, stay flexible on negotiation terms, and keep building relationships through conferences and direct engagement.Resources: AUTMHsiaoli Chen - LinkedInThermo Fisher Scientific | 27m 24s | ||||||
| 6/17/26 | ![]() Royalty Stacks: Turning Tech Transfer Into a Strategy Game with Guru Venkatesan | Technology transfer is often described through patents, licenses, startups, and commercialization strategy, but rarely through the lens of a board game. In this episode of AUTM on the Air, we talk with Guru Venkatesan, a business development manager at Fred Hutch and the creator of Royalty Stacks, a tech-transfer-inspired game built around patents, licenses, and leverage. The game gives players a chance to take ideas, decide how broadly to protect them, and choose whether to bring them to market through startups, exclusive licenses, or non-exclusive partnerships, all while navigating knock-offs, hostile takeovers, shifting market conditions, and the occasional boost from a rich uncle’s seed fund.Guru’s own path into technology commercialization has been anything but linear. He grew up in a small town in India with an early interest in visual arts, but after a classic family plot twist, he studied engineering instead. He earned his bachelor’s degree in India, moved to Tennessee for a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, and later founded Tech Carnivol, a Coachella-style festival for science and engineering during graduate school. His introduction to technology commercialization came at the University of Minnesota, where he worked under Leza Besemann and quickly fell in love with the field.The conversation explores how Royalty Stacks turns the everyday decisions of tech transfer into something people can actually sit down and play. Guru shares how he designed the game to balance strategy, humor, and education, why accessibility mattered as much as authenticity, and how concepts like patent enforcement, licensing pathways, portfolio building, collaboration, and market risk show up around the table. He also reflects on AI’s growing role in tech transfer, the challenge of explaining the profession to people outside the field, and what he hopes players will better understand about the long, risky, and often creative journey from idea to product.In This Episode:[03:00] Guru Venkatesan shares how his early interest in visual arts, a missed medical school cutoff, and encouragement to pursue engineering eventually led him to biomedical engineering.[06:13] The idea for Royalty Stacks came during a late-night moment when Guru realized tech transfer naturally behaves like a strategy game built around patents, licensing, risk, timing, and market forces.[09:43] Student-led technology festivals in India inspired Guru to create Tech Carnivol, a U.S. event with competitions, hackathons, robotics, and other hands-on science and engineering activities.[12:18] The challenge of explaining specialized fields to broader audiences leads into how Royalty Stacks makes patents, licensing, and commercialization easier to understand.[15:02] Guru walks through the basic gameplay of Royalty Stacks, including idea cards, patent filing, development, launch cards, play money, and power cards.[18:57] Patent regions, licensing territories, and revenue payouts are simplified for gameplay while still pointing toward real tech transfer concepts.[21:50] Launch Knock-Off and Enforce Patent introduce competition, copycats, and patent enforcement, with rock-paper-scissors adding a quick and lighthearted way to settle disputes.[25:25] Hostile Takeover and Collaborate create both adversarial and cooperative paths, giving players a chance to attack, protect, partner, or take strategic risks.[29:23] Corporate Roulette brings advanced gameplay into the mix through market events, windfalls, risks, moats, and humorous cards that can help players or disrupt opponents.[31:25] New players often begin to understand that patents matter, but also that protection alone is not enough without enforcement and commercialization strategy.[34:12] The game’s two winning conditions create more strategic tension by allowing players to win through cash or through a diversified portfolio and a late-game acquisition.[36:25] Guru sees Royalty Stacks as a tool for the AUTM community, whether for family play, office team building, faculty engagement, or startup incubator education.[39:20] Guru reflects on the irony of being a tech transfer professional commercializing a product about tech transfer, while relying more on copyright, branding, and a possible trademark than patents.[42:33] AI could reshape licensing and portfolio management roles by reducing time spent on document review and creating more space for marketing, relationship management, and overlooked technologies.[44:40] Royalty Stacks is launching on Kickstarter, with the campaign planned for June 16 through July 17 and expected delivery to backers in January 2027.[45:18] Guru hopes players walk away with a better appreciation for the work, risk, and execution required to move an idea from concept to product.Resources: AUTMGuru Venkatesan - LinkedInFred HutchRoyalty Stacks Creator IntroRoyalty Stacks Kickstarter | 48m 26s | ||||||
| 6/10/26 | ![]() How Novartis Approaches External Research Collaboration with Dr. Yogesh Sharma✨ | university-industry partnershipsexternal research collaboration+3 | Dr. Yogesh Sharma | Novartis | — | external research collaborationuniversity-industry partnerships+5 | — | 26m 39s | |
| 6/3/26 | ![]() Bridging the Early-Stage Funding Gap in Innovation with Teri Willey✨ | early-stage fundingventure philanthropy+3 | Teri Willey | Pathway to CuresNational Bleeding Disorders Foundation | — | early-stage fundingventure philanthropy+3 | — | 29m 22s | |
| 5/27/26 | ![]() Detecting Alzheimer’s Earlier with a Simple Blood Test with Yuanbing Jiang✨ | Alzheimer's diseaseearly detection+4 | Yuanbing Jiang | Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | — | Alzheimer'sblood biomarker+4 | — | 22m 53s | |
| 5/20/26 | ![]() Turning Research into Real World Impact from the Inside Out with Ravini Moodley✨ | technology transferresearch impact+4 | Ravini Moodley | Stellenbosch UniversityInnovus | South AfricaAfrica+2 | technology transferresearch+5 | — | 24m 12s | |
| 5/13/26 | ![]() Timing, Trust, and Technical Credibility Building, the Long Game with Ram Krishnan✨ | technology transferinnovation lifecycle+4 | Ram Krishnan | QualcommAUTM+3 | globalwireless communications+3 | technology transferinnovation+7 | — | 30m 14s | |
| 5/6/26 | ![]() The Missing Link Between Research and Real-World Impact with Ben Reinhardt✨ | tech transferinnovation+3 | Ben Reinhardt | Speculative TechnologiesNASA+1 | — | tech transferinnovation+5 | — | 35m 48s | |
| 4/29/26 | ![]() Thriving in Small Tech Transfer Offices with Caitlin Long and Sanaz Shahi✨ | technology transfersmall offices+3 | Caitlin LongSanaz Shahi | Alvernia UniversityAUTM+1 | — | technology transferintellectual property+3 | — | 21m 57s | |
| 4/22/26 | ![]() Cleaning Up Forever: How AI and Membrane Science Are Taking PFAS Out of Our Water with Dr. Yongsheng Chen✨ | PFASwater treatment+3 | Dr Yongsheng Chen | nanofiltration membranesthe School of Civil and Environmental Engineering+8 | the United States | clean waterforever chemicals+3 | — | 29m 42s | |
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| 4/15/26 | ![]() Startup Success Starts with the Problem, Not the Tech with Marc Filerman✨ | startup successproblem framing+3 | Marc Filerman | Start2 GroupBARDA-supported VITAL+9 | — | researchimpact+3 | — | 53m 07s | |
| 4/8/26 | ![]() Deciding When Research Should Become a Startup with Omar Zahr✨ | technology transferstartup development+3 | Omar Zahr | TandemLaunchMcGill University+4 | — | research commercializationventure creation+3 | — | 25m 59s | |
| 4/1/26 | ![]() Building Strong Industry Academic Partnerships with Mark Fairey✨ | industry-academic partnershipsresearch needs+3 | Mark Fairey | high-quality reagentsinstruments+6 | Canada | STEMCELL Technologieslicensing+2 | — | 19m 51s | |
| 3/25/26 | ![]() A Father's Mission: How Danyelza Became a Life-Saving Therapy for Pediatric Neuroblastoma with Dr. Nai-Kong Cheung, Dr. Yashodhara Dash & Dr. Imke Ehlers-Surur✨ | pediatric neuroblastomaimmunotherapy+3 | Dr Nai-Kong CheungDr Imke Ehlers-Surur+1 | DanyelzaY-mAbs+8 | — | Danyelzanaxitamab+2 | — | 37m 44s | |
| 3/18/26 | ![]() Tokenizing the Future: How Brilliance Is Creating a New Model for IP Ownership and Investment with Chris Hack and Geoffrey Smith✨ | intellectual propertyblockchain+3 | Chris HackGeoffrey Smith | ConnectBrilliance+1 | — | tokenizationroyalty streams+2 | — | 34m 06s | |
| 3/11/26 | ![]() The Industry Side of the Table: How Samsung Evaluates University Partnerships with David Chang✨ | university partnershipstechnology transfer+3 | David Chang | LeapSSamsung Research America+7 | Ecuador | Samsungtech transfer+2 | — | 27m 10s | |
| 3/4/26 | ![]() Understanding Why AI Innovations Struggle to Scale in Healthcare with Adam Brickman✨ | AIhealthcare+3 | Adam Brickman | Vega HealthVega Health’s+3 | — | healthcare innovationAI solutions+3 | — | 28m 16s | |
| 2/25/26 | ![]() Understanding What’s Happening in Washington, D.C. and Why It Matters for Tech Transfer with Mike Waring✨ | Washington D.C.tech transfer+5 | Mike Waring | Capitol Hillthe University of Michigan’s+10 | WashingtonD.C.+3 | policy conversationsbipartisan research+8 | — | 31m 36s | |
| 2/18/26 | ![]() Be Brilliant Urgently, Advancing Parkinson’s Research Through Partnerships with Michelle Durborow✨ | Parkinson's researchpatient-driven mission+3 | Michelle Durborow | the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s ResearchAligning Science Across Parkinson’s+8 | — | breakthrough therapiesresearch funding strategy+3 | — | 32m 07s | |
| 2/11/26 | ![]() Rebranding for Impact, How URI Is Scaling Research Commercialization with Peter Rumsey and Allison Markova | Real-world impact doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, structure, and a willingness to rethink how research moves beyond the university. That’s the inflection point the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation has reached as it rebrands to URI Innovations. This shift signals more than a name change. It reflects a broader evolution into a campus-wide hub for technology translation, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnership.My guests today are Peter Rumsey and Allison Markova of URI Innovations. Peter serves as AVP of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. A former military officer with more than 30 years of private-sector business development experience, he has been instrumental in launching the Rise Up initiative supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research. He was recently honored as a Career Achiever by Providence Business News for his work advancing innovation and economic development in Rhode Island and beyond.Peter also serves as a part-time instructor in innovation and entrepreneurship at URI, is Chair Emeritus at Leadership Rhode Island, and currently chairs the Rhode Island State Innovation Hub, or RI Hub. Allison Markova is Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation Partnerships at URI Innovations, bringing deep experience from her previous role as Director of Technology Transfer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.On today’s show, we explore what’s driving the rebrand, how initiatives like Rise Up are reshaping entrepreneurship training on campus and across state lines, and how URI is building momentum through its inaugural tech showcase. It’s a look at how early engagement, integrated IP strategy, and a strong regional ecosystem can turn research strength into sustained real-world impact.In This Episode:[03:15] The rebrand from URI Research Foundation to URI Innovations is explained, clarifying the shift from a confusing legacy name to a forward-facing identity centered on innovation and entrepreneurship.[04:24] Peter outlines why now was the right moment for change, pointing to URI’s R1 status, research growth, and the need to scale translation capacity.[05:48] A move beyond a patents-first mindset is emphasized, focusing instead on pairing intellectual property with commercialization to create true innovation.[07:09] Allison describes the brand promise of transforming discovery into impact through clearer pathways for faculty, students, and industry partners.[08:31] Early engagement becomes a central theme as URI Innovations reframes itself from a process office to a strategic partner in exploration and execution.[09:47] The three pillars of IP stewardship, venture development, and strategic partnerships are presented as integrated functions rather than silos.[11:06] Strategic partnerships range from sponsored research to startups embedding within new innovation centers and incubators.[12:26] Ocean and blue technology leadership takes center stage, with examples including Regent Craft and collaborations with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.[16:26] Rise Up is introduced as a tri-state, Navy-supported initiative focused on dual-use technologies and workforce development.[18:47] The Defense Department’s dual-use philosophy is explained as startups must succeed commercially rather than rely solely on defense funding.[21:09] Undergraduate students tackle real defense and industry challenges using Steve Blank’s business model canvas and Bill Aulet’s disciplined entrepreneurship framework.[22:57] The Patents to Products program provides gap funding and mentorship to translate university IP into market-ready ventures.[24:42] Faculty Innovation Fellows integrate entrepreneurship tools directly into diverse curricula, from engineering to the arts.[26:26] The Ideation Studio invites students, faculty, and community members into a 10-week sprint from idea to MVP and live pitch.[28:59] Impact metrics go beyond disclosures and startups, tracking cultural change through increased early engagement.[30:33] Growth in pitch night participation from a handful of teams to double-digit ventures signals a shift in campus culture.[32:48] SWEPT, an AI-driven street-sweeping optimization platform, illustrates how student innovation can scale globally.[34:10] Juice Robotics demonstrates how affordable ocean sensing technologies can disrupt traditionally high-cost field operations.[36:11] The inaugural Tech Showcase positions URI alongside regional leaders and launches Rhode Island Startup Week.[38:31] A public goal to create funded startups each year reflects a bold, action-oriented approach to building momentum.[41:03] Allison shares why she joined URI Innovations, citing institutional commitment and cultural readiness for growth.[42:34] Tech transfer is reframed as an impact platform rather than a patents office, emphasizing storytelling and amplification.[43:50] Commercialization is positioned as complementary to scholarship, expanding researchers’ avenues for impact without compromising academic missions.[46:32] Looking ahead, Peter outlines the vision for a “Rhody Innovation Hub” built as both a physical space and an entrepreneurial ethos.[49:48] Closing advice includes just start, take shots on the goal, and don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress.Resources: AUTMThe University of Rhode IslandPete Rumsey - URIPete Rumsey - LinkedInAllison Markova - URIAllison Markova - LinkedInURI RISE-UPRIHubOffice of Naval Research | 53m 06s | ||||||
| 2/4/26 | ![]() How the Technology Transfer Handbook Was Built in Five Days with James Filpi, Joy Goswami, Michael Samardzija, and Alysa Khouri | Technology Transfer: A Policy Primer for the Commercialization of Intellectual Property and Invention offers a practical policy and practice framework designed for use across institutions and jurisdictions. In this episode, we talk about how the handbook came together, including the decision to use the BookSprints methodology, a structured five-day collaborative process used to develop a complete policy and practice guide.I’m joined by four remarkable individuals who played central roles in the creation of the handbook. James Filpi, JD, from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program, envisioned the project and championed its development at CLDP, an organization focused on strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks that support commerce worldwide. Joy Goswami, MBA, Director of Licensing and Commercialization Initiatives at the Research Foundation for the State University of New York and a member of AUTM’s leadership, brings experience from one of the nation’s largest research funding organizations and the broader technology transfer community. Michael Samardzija, PhD, JD, partner at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, brought a practitioner’s perspective from years of legal and IP work in the technology transfer space. Alysa Khouri, who facilitated the BookSprints process, kept the group moving and helped structure the work over the five days.I also want to acknowledge the broader group who participated in the BookSprint, including Edward Blocker of the Intellectual Property Owners Association; Davit Ghazaryan and Naira Campbell-Kyureghyan from the American University of Armenia; Priya Prasad of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program; Richard S. Cahoon of Cornell University; and myself, Lisa Mueller, from Casimir Jones. The handbook was developed at Caboose Farm near Camp David, Maryland, in August 2025, where the group was sequestered for five intensive days. Let’s dive into the conversation.In This Episode:[00:33] We just finished Technology Transfer: A Policy Primer for the Commercialization of Intellectual Property and will be sharing the collaborative process we used. [04:20] James Filpi explains the original vision for the handbook, including CLDP’s focus on giving policymakers and technology transfer managers a practical framework for building innovation ecosystems in emerging markets.[06:18] Alysa Khouri explains the BookSprints methodology, including its five-day structure and how the process moves from shared framing to writing and intensive cross-editing.[10:45] The advantages of overnight editing, illustration support, and working across time zones are discussed as part of the BookSprints model.[15:33] Michael Samardzija reflects on the intensity of the five-day sprint and how early uncertainty gave way to structure once roles, chapters, and editing rhythms were established.[17:46] Joy Goswami describes how different institutional and professional perspectives were aligned into a single, coherent handbook.[20:35] The decision to work in seclusion at Caboose Farm near Camp David is discussed, including how the setting supported focus and collaboration.[25:20] The day-to-day rhythm of the sprint is described, from early mornings and shared meals to writing, revising, and late-night editing.[31:56] The organization and scope of the handbook are outlined, including its progression from IP fundamentals to ecosystem development and emerging trends.[34:15] How policymakers, universities, tech transfer offices, startups, and investors can use the handbook is explored.[37:39] The decision to release the handbook under a Creative Commons license is discussed, along with why open access was critical to its use in training, policy development, and global adaptation.[43:23] Reflections on what made this BookSprint distinctive emphasize collaboration, shared purpose, and practical outcomes.[47:13] Participants reflect on what surprised them most about the process, including how quickly a coherent, high-quality handbook came together.[54:07] Next steps are outlined, including workshops, training programs, legislative drafting support, and international rollout plans.Resources: AUTMJames D. Filpi - CLDPJames D. Filpi - LinkedInJoy Goswami - The State University of New York Research FoundationJoy Goswami - LinkedInMichael Samardzija, Ph.D. - Womble Bond DickinsonMichael Samardzija - LinkedInAlysa Khouri - LinkedInTechnology Transfer GuidebookCommercial Law Development Program CLDPBookSprintsCreative CommonsCaboose Farm | 1h 01m 45s | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | ![]() Meet AUTM’s New Board Members: Laura Schoppe and Patricia Stepp (Part 2) | Last week, we kicked off a special two-part series with three of the five women joining the AUTM Board of Directors in February 2026. Today, we’re completing that conversation with Laura Schoppe, Chief Commercialization Officer at TechPipeline, and Patricia Stepp, Assistant Vice President for Technology Transfer at Rice University.For listeners who may not yet be familiar with Laura and Patricia, here’s a brief look at their backgrounds. Laura Schoppe is the Chief Commercialization Officer at TechPipeline, and the founder of Fuentek, which she built into one of the world’s leading technology transfer consulting firms. Over the course of her career, Laura has helped universities, government agencies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies proactively and strategically manage intellectual property, drawing on deep expertise in open innovation and IP portfolio management.Patricia Stepp is the Assistant Vice President for Technology Transfer at Rice University, where she leads the strategic planning and day-to-day operations of the Office of Technology Transfer. With a background in biomedical engineering, she brings a thoughtful, hands-on perspective shaped by her earlier work at Arizona State University’s Skysong Innovations, where she launched a diversity initiative focused on expanding commercialization opportunities.In This Episode:[03:05] Patricia reflects on her background in biomedical engineering and what continues to motivate her about moving discoveries from the lab into real-world impact.[04:45] The appeal of tech transfer is framed as constant learning, curiosity, and helping researchers see their work make a difference beyond campus.[06:10] Laura explains what motivated her to found Fuentek, reflecting on her early work in government and university environments and the gaps she saw in how technologies were being commercialized.[08:15] Building a fully virtual tech transfer consulting firm long before remote work was common proves to be a forward-looking decision.[10:30] Internal and external perspectives on tech transfer are compared, highlighting why diverse vantage points strengthen strategy and governance.[12:05] Board diversity is discussed as extending beyond identity to include professional background, institutional scale, and ecosystem role.[14:10] Returning to board service is driven by timing, experience, and the freedom to speak more candidly about systemic pressures.[15:45] AUTM’s role as a welcoming, formative professional community is cited as a major reason for stepping into board leadership.[17:30] Budget constraints, shifting federal funding, and rising caseloads are identified as ongoing realities for tech transfer offices.[18:55] The need to operate more strategically, including being more selective about what to patent, is emphasized as resources tighten.[20:05] Artificial intelligence is discussed as a useful support tool for routine tasks, but not yet a replacement for expert judgment.[21:40] Caution is urged against rushing AI adoption, with a reminder that many tools remain uneven or immature.[23:10] The importance of proactively educating policymakers about how AI is actually used in tech transfer is highlighted.[24:50] Looking ahead five years, the focus shifts toward becoming more proactive, efficient, and licensing-driven rather than reactive.[26:20] Strengthening industry and venture capital relationships is seen as essential to improving commercialization outcomes.[28:10] AUTM’s collaborative culture is highlighted as a defining strength that lifts the entire community.[29:55] Expanding participation in committees and board service is framed as key to AUTM’s long-term resilience.[31:15] Everyday technologies influenced by university tech transfer are cited as a reminder of the field’s broad, often unseen impact.[33:10] Advice for those entering the field emphasizes gaining industry experience and leaning into networking and shared learning.[35:05] Recharging outside of work ranges from creative hobbies to food, music, and film, underscoring the human side of the profession.Resources: AUTMLaura Schoppe - LinkedInTechPipelineFuentekPatricia Stepp - Rice UniversityPatricia Stepp - LinkedIn | 37m 40s | ||||||
| 1/21/26 | ![]() Meet AUTM’s New Board Members: Katie Butcher, Felicia Metz, and Maithili Shroff (Part 1) | Over the next two weeks, we’re doing something a little different, with a special two-part conversation featuring five extraordinary women who will be joining the AUTM Board of Directors in February 2026. To give us the space to really dig in, we split these conversations across two episodes, so we could spend more time on the perspectives, experiences, and leadership each of these new board members brings to the tech transfer community.In this episode, we’re joined by Felicia Metz from the University of Maryland Ventures, Maithili Shroff from the University of New Hampshire, and Katie Butcher from Northwestern University. Next week, the conversation continues with Patricia Stepp of Rice University and Laura Schoppe, founder of TechPipeline, bringing in additional viewpoints from both inside and outside the university setting.Katie Butcher brings an MBA from Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Law from Northwestern into her role, giving her a strong mix of business and legal experience that shapes how licensing and commercialization work at Northwestern. Felicia Metz is an Associate Director at University of Maryland Ventures, where her work spans patent prosecution, building and managing IP portfolios, and licensing strategy. Maithili Shroff is a Licensing Manager at the University of New Hampshire, an R1 institution, where she draws on her PhD training to support innovation and intellectual property commercialization, with a perspective shaped by working across a wide range of research areas. Together, these three leaders reflect the breadth of backgrounds, expertise, and lived experience shaping the future of tech transfer, and they offer a thoughtful look at why this moment matters for the profession and for AUTM’s leadership going forward.In This Episode:[00] This is a special two-part series introducing five women who will join the AUTM Board of Directors in February 2026.[03:26] Katie shares her path to tech transfer. She has an MBA and has worked in the legal field. She spent her first 20 years in the entertainment industry. [04:33] Her background was strong, but she also had a lot of learning on the job in science, technology, and learning. It's been an exciting adventure being in this field. [05:58] Felicia entered tech transfer as a student and unexpectedly built a long-term career in the field.[08:10] She explains how the profession has evolved toward specialization and complementary skill sets across offices.[09:41] Maithili describes how her PhD led her to question what happens to research after publication.[11:22] She shares how the AUTM fellowship and the collaborative culture of the community shaped her career path.[13:18] The panel discusses why tech transfer welcomes professionals from many backgrounds, not just STEM or law.[15:23] Curiosity, flexibility, and comfort with ambiguity are emphasized as essential traits for success.[16:49] Why running for the AUTM Board felt timely and meaningful.[18:42] The importance of representing non-STEM and operational roles in tech transfer leadership.[20:14] Advocacy, higher-education pressures, and why board service feels urgent right now.[21:20] We discuss funding uncertainty, policy shifts, and broader challenges facing tech transfer.[24:02] Budget constraints, staffing pressures, and the reality of doing more with fewer resources are explored.[26:09] The importance of telling the tech transfer story and demonstrating real-world impact comes into focus.[29:10] Data and metrics are discussed as tools for visibility, accountability, and storytelling.[32:18] Artificial intelligence enters the conversation as both a disruptive force and a potential support tool.[35:10] The panel considers how AI could improve efficiency without replacing human judgment.[38:00] The guests share their hopes for where tech transfer and AUTM could be in five years.[39:50] Felicia shares a personal story that underscores why tech transfer work truly matters.[43:47] Reflections on partnership, service, and shared success.Resources: AUTMKatie Butcher - Northwestern UniversityKatie Butcher - LinkedInFelicia Metz - University of MarylandFelicia Metz - LinkedInMaithili Shroff - University of New HampshireMaithili Shroff - LinkedInAUTM Better World ProjectPatents, Peer Review, and Policy: What Congress Needs to Understand Now with Kate ZernikeLessons From the WIPO-AUTM Knowledge and Technology Transfer Summit with Steve Susalka | 44m 26s | ||||||
| 1/14/26 | ![]() Building the Blue Economy at Seaworthy Collective with Tamara Kahn Zissman | We’re diving into the blue economy with a fascinating conversation about ocean innovation and entrepreneurship. The discussion focuses on the practical reality of building ocean-focused companies, including the scientific complexity, regulatory hurdles, funding constraints, and long development timelines that make this sector very different from more familiar startup environments.Our guest is Tamara Kahn Zissman, Director of Founder Success at Seaworthy Collective, a Miami-based nonprofit accelerator supporting BlueTech startups focused on ocean impact. Before working with founders, Tamara spent more than a decade at sea using advanced geophysical sensors in demanding environments. Her work took her from the Arctic to the waters off Borneo, giving her a firsthand view of how ocean systems, climate pressures, and human activity intersect.Tamara holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. At Seaworthy Collective, she designs and leads programs built around human-centered design, helping “Sea Change Makers” grow ocean data technologies into viable, planet-positive businesses. We also discuss the Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator launching in February 2026, with applications open through January 28, 2026.In This Episode:[00:04] The blue economy and why ocean innovation is becoming a critical focus within research commercialization.[02:44] Tamara Kahn Zissman explains what blue tech means and how the definition of the blue economy has shifted toward sustainability and regeneration.[04:15] She describes the ocean as one of the planet’s most important climate regulators and explains why data gaps remain such a major challenge.[06:21] We explore the founding vision behind Seaworthy Collective and how the organization evolved to better support ocean entrepreneurs.[07:18] Tamara discusses Seaworthy’s emphasis on human-centered design and why supporting founders as people is essential for long-term success.[10:20] Unique barriers ocean startups face, including capital intensity, long validation cycles, and regulatory complexity.[12:30] How collaboration across accelerators can create stronger commercialization pathways than competition alone.[13:36] What Seaworthy looks for in applicants and why alignment between founders and program support matters.[14:42] Tamara outlines the structure of the Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator and the level of commitment expected from participants.[16:28] The benefits of mixed cohorts that include both aspiring founders and early-stage startups.[18:45] How community support within cohorts accelerates learning and confidence for first-time founders.[21:30] We talk about the role of ocean data technologies and why they are central to the future of the blue economy.[24:10] How Seaworthy helps founders translate strong science into viable business models without losing impact.[27:05] Non-dilutive funding and why it plays a critical role in ocean innovation.[30:15] How the Continuum network connects ocean enterprise accelerators across the country.[33:20] We discuss how researchers and tech transfer professionals can better engage with ocean-focused startups.[36:56] Details on Seaworthy’s Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator launching in February 2026 with a January 28, 2026 application deadline.[38:21] What gives her hope about the future of ocean innovation and growing awareness of the blue economy.[39:52] A call for researchers and entrepreneurs to turn ocean research into real-world solutions.Resources: AUTMSeaworthy CollectiveSeaworthy Ocean Enterprise Studio & IncubatorNOAA Ocean Enterprise NetworkScripps Institution of OceanographyTamara Kahn Zissman - LinkedIn | 41m 34s | ||||||
| 1/7/26 | ![]() Lessons From the WIPO-AUTM Knowledge and Technology Transfer Summit with Steve Susalka | 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, and talent, as well as a growing disconnect between how innovation actually unfolds and how it is often funded or evaluated. Short timelines and rigid expectations simply do not match the slow, uneven, and sometimes unpredictable path from research to real-world application.At the same time, it was clear that there is no single right model. Every region approaches technology transfer through the lens of its own culture, institutions, and policy environment. Some emphasize startups, others focus on licensing or industry partnerships, and ownership structures vary widely. What connects these approaches is a shared understanding that technology transfer is no longer a straight line from disclosure to deal. It has become an ecosystem role that requires flexibility, patience, and long-term thinking.To help unpack what these global conversations mean for the future of the profession, we’re joined by Steve Susalka, CEO of AUTM, who chaired the summit and had a front-row seat to these discussions. Drawing on perspectives from across continents and systems, Steve offers a grounded view of where technology transfer stands today, where it’s headed, and what it will take to strengthen the profession, support the people doing the work, and expand its real-world impact.In This Episode:[05:32] Steve Susalka shares why the WIPO-AUTM Summit prioritized global dialogue over prescribing best practices.[07:12] Similar concerns surface regardless of whether countries have mature or emerging tech transfer systems.[09:01] Common challenges emerge across 27 countries, even among vastly different innovation ecosystems.[11:04] Why misunderstanding the role of tech transfer creates unrealistic expectations at the institutional level.[13:18] Short-term funding cycles collide with the long timelines required for meaningful innovation.[15:02] The tension between public mission and commercial pressure facing many university offices.[17:44] A comparison of global ownership models and how they influence faculty, startups, and industry engagement.[19:26] How early industry engagement can reduce friction later in the commercialization process.[22:09] Startup formation as a critical bridge across the “valley of death” for early-stage technologies.[24:41] Why some of the most impactful technologies require patience, risk tolerance, and exclusive pathways.[27:36] The profession’s shift away from linear tech transfer models toward ecosystem-based approaches.[29:58] The growing importance of culture-building and education alongside traditional licensing work.[32:15] Why attempting to replicate Silicon Valley or MIT often fails without comparable infrastructure and culture.[34:22] Tech transfer professionals as translators between academia, industry, and government.[36:58] The human toll of tech transfer work, including burnout, turnover, and career sustainability concerns.[39:11] What sustainability really means for tech transfer offices beyond annual budgets.[41:27] How promotion and tenure systems can either reinforce or undermine innovation efforts on campus.[44:08] Why global collaboration can help regions avoid repeating the same hard-earned lessons.[46:03] What surprised Steve most in conversations with leaders from emerging innovation ecosystems.[48:37] Why measuring success purely through revenue misses the broader value of innovation activity.[50:41] AUTM’s role in advocating for the profession and making its impact more visible.[55:12] Aligning funding expectations with realistic innovation timelines as a path to greater impact.[59:08] Steve’s closing call to action for institutions, policymakers, and tech transfer professionals worldwide.Resources: AUTMFostering Global Innovation: AUTM's Role in Shaping International Tech Transfer ConversationsWIPOStephen Susalka - LinkedIn | 46m 45s | ||||||
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