AUTM on the Air
AUTM on the AIR is a weekly podcast that explores the impact of research commercialization and the people behind it. It features interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders, discussing the issues and trends that matter most in the field.
Episodes
How Novartis Approaches External Research Collaboration with Dr. Yogesh Sharma
University-industry partnerships often sound straightforward from the outside. A promising discovery is made, a company sees potential, and a collaboration begins. But anyone who has worked inside these agreements knows the reality is far more complex. Research goals, publication timelines, IP rights, background technology, data sources, and internal review processes all have to be understood befo
Bridging the Early-Stage Funding Gap in Innovation with Teri Willey
There’s a stretch of time in innovation where things feel the most uncertain, when the science is promising but the path forward isn’t clear and the capital hasn’t quite caught up. It’s a space that can quietly stall even the most compelling ideas. In this episode, the conversation zeroes in on that early stage gap and what it really takes to move something forward when the usual funding sources a
Detecting Alzheimer’s Earlier with a Simple Blood Test with Yuanbing Jiang
Early detection is everything when it comes to Alzheimer’s, but for years, the tools available have made that nearly impossible at scale. Today’s conversation takes a closer look at a breakthrough that could change that equation in a very real way. My guest is Dr. Yuanbing Jiang, also known as Jason, a research assistant professor in the Division of Life Science at the Hong Kong University of Scie
Turning Research into Real World Impact from the Inside Out with Ravini Moodley
Most people focus on the breakthrough, but there is a massive gap between a scientific discovery and a product that actually reaches the public. Today, we’re stepping into the "engine room" of one of Africa’s premier research institutions to see how that gap is bridged. My guest is Ravini Moodley, Director of the Technology Transfer Office at Stellenbosch University’s Innovus. She has a ba
Timing, Trust, and Technical Credibility Building, the Long Game with Ram Krishnan
One of the biggest shifts in technology transfer over the past decade isn’t just the pace of innovation. It’s the realization that value isn’t created at a single moment. It builds over time, shaped by how well research, intellectual property, and real-world application stay aligned. The challenge isn’t only generating strong ideas. It’s understanding how those ideas evolve, how they’re protected,
The Missing Link Between Research and Real-World Impact with Ben Reinhardt
There’s a moment every tech transfer professional recognizes, when a discovery feels like it could matter, but you can’t quite see how it gets from the lab into the real world. That gap is where a lot of promising ideas stall out. In this episode, the conversation takes a closer look at that in-between space and asks a simple but uncomfortable question: what if the problem isn’t just funding or ti
Thriving in Small Tech Transfer Offices with Caitlin Long and Sanaz Shahi
Collaboration is one of the defining strengths of the technology transfer community, and it often becomes even more important when resources are limited. This conversation takes a closer look at what it really means to operate in a small or under-resourced office, where the work can feel both expansive and unpredictable. From managing intellectual property to handling budgets, compliance, and stak
Cleaning Up Forever: How AI and Membrane Science Are Taking PFAS Out of Our Water with Dr. Yongsheng Chen
Clean water plays a fundamental role in health, safety, and quality of life. This Earth Day conversation takes a closer look at PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and the growing challenge they pose to drinking water systems across the United States and beyond. My guest is Dr. Yongsheng Chen, a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology a
Startup Success Starts with the Problem, Not the Tech with Marc Filerman
Turning research into something that actually works in the real world sounds straightforward, but it rarely is. There’s a gap between discovery and impact that trips up even the most promising ideas, and it often has less to do with the science and more to do with how the problem is framed, understood, and communicated. My guest today is Marc Filerman, Chief Business Officer at Start2 Group, a glo
Deciding When Research Should Become a Startup with Omar Zahr
One of the toughest calls in technology transfer isn’t deciding whether a discovery is interesting or even promising. It’s deciding whether that discovery should become a company at all. There’s a big difference between a strong piece of research and something that can support a venture-backed startup, and most of the real work happens in that space in between.My guest today is Omar Zahr, Chief Te
Building Strong Industry Academic Partnerships with Mark Fairey
Some of the most meaningful industry–academic partnerships don’t begin with a breakthrough headline or a flashy piece of technology. More often, they take shape around a real research need, a practical solution, and a willingness to keep showing up and working through the details over time. That’s the kind of collaboration we’re exploring here, including how ideas move from early-stage science int
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
Sometimes the most powerful innovations come from the most personal places. This episode tells the extraordinary story of Danyelza (naxitamab), a life-saving immunotherapy for children with neuroblastoma, and how it earned a finalist spot in the AUTM Better World Project.What makes this story truly remarkable isn't just the science, although that's impressive enough. It's the unlikely
Tokenizing the Future: How Brilliance Is Creating a New Model for IP Ownership and Investment with Chris Hack and Geoffrey Smith
If you've ever thought that intellectual property was just for lawyers, patent professionals, and the occasional venture capitalist, today's episode might change your mind. We're talking about what it would look like if anyone, your neighbor, your parents, maybe even a seven-year-old with a wallet could find, understand, and invest in the technologies shaping our future. It's a big
The Industry Side of the Table: How Samsung Evaluates University Partnerships with David Chang
If you've ever wondered what's actually going on inside a company's head when a university comes knocking with a new technology, today's episode is for you. We're getting into the real mechanics of university-industry partnerships and what makes them work, what slows them down, and where the biggest opportunities are being left on the table.My guest today has lived this from ju
Understanding Why AI Innovations Struggle to Scale in Healthcare with Adam Brickman
One of the biggest challenges in tech transfer isn't generating innovation — it's helping promising technologies move from early success into sustained, real-world use. That pattern shows up across industries, but today we're going to explore it through one fast-moving example: AI in healthcare. My guest is Adam Brickman, a healthcare innovation leader and part of the team behind Vega
Understanding What’s Happening in Washington, D.C. and Why It Matters for Tech Transfer with Mike Waring
Policy conversations can feel distant until they land squarely on the desks of technology transfer professionals. Coming to you from the AUTM Annual Meeting in Seattle, we’re taking a closer look at what’s unfolding in Washington, D.C., and why it matters for research commercialization, patents, startups, and university innovation.My guest is someone many of you already know, Mike Waring. Mike has
Be Brilliant Urgently, Advancing Parkinson’s Research Through Partnerships with Michelle Durborow
Breakthrough therapies do not begin with commercialization, yet without it, many breakthroughs never reach patients. That tension sits at the center of this conversation with Michelle Durborow, Vice President of Research Operations at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, where she oversees grant administration and program operations for Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP)
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,
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
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,
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 membe
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 Tama
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, th
Building Resilience in Tech Transfer with Dr. Daniel Boamah and Dr. Kimberly Green
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 w
The Origin of Technology Transfer Professionals Day with Chad Riggs
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’
Rethinking the Future of University Funding with Dr. Yasheng Huang
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 ev
Improving Mental Health Across IP and Tech Transfer with Jane Wainwright
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
Global Insights on University Commercialization with Todd Davey and Medisa Focic
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 worl
Building a Model for Non-Dilutive Funding Success with Sam Tetlow
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 person
Innovation Needs Connection: Finding the Human Side of Tech Transfer with Joe Runge
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
Accelerating Startups with Michael Lyon
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
Driving Vision Forward: Inside the Foundation Fighting Blindness with CEO Jason Menzo
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 worl
From Ideas to Impact: Kentucky’s Statewide Commercialization Approach with Kayla Meisner
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,
The Price of Patents: How New Tax Proposals Could Transform IP Strategy with Erin Daly
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 p
The AUTM Better World Project Revisited: An Updated Look at Technology Transfer's Global Impact
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 pr
Research Integrity and the High Stakes for Technology Transfer with Michael R. Samardzija
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,
Inside the USPTO: Dr. Julie Burke on Culture, Quality, and Reform
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 Offi
The Landmark Cases That Shaped Biotech Patents with Jorge Goldstein
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 globa
Seismic Shifts: The Future of Tech Transfer Amidst Crisis and Uncertainty with Jodie Richardson
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 a
Patents, Peer Review, and Policy: What Congress Needs to Understand Now with Kate Zernike
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
How McGill’s Innovation Fund Turns Research Into Real-World Impact with Junji Nishihata
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. Instea
WARF at 100: Shaping Science, Society, and the Next Generation of Innovation
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
Supporting Startups For Ocean Health And Coastal Resilience With Millicent Pitts
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 chemi
Rewriting the Rules of Disability and Work with Dr. Kirk Adams
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.
Designing for the Edge: Rethinking Inclusion in a Digital World with Dr. Jutta Treviranus
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 instrum
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: A Global Symbol of Inclusion with Paul White
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 f
The Power Behind Evolutionary Change Featuring Dr. Geerat Vermeij
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 convers
Doug Moe on WARF, Warfarin, and the Power of University Research
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 biochemi
Green by Design: Integrating Sustainability into Innovation Strategy with Josh Dorfman
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 whil
Transforming Tech Transfer with AI-Driven Insight with Steven Lehmann and Ashish Uppala
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 Univers
Navigating Software, AI, and Open Source in Tech Transfer: A Conversation with Dan Dardani
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 dec
Unlocking Innovation with AI-Powered IP Tools featuring Dr. Marcia Chang
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 Corne
Dividing the Equity Pie: Biotech Startup Realities with Dr. Jahanara Ali
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.M
Helping Universities Navigate Europe’s New Patent Landscape with Dr. Rose Hughes
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 Atlanti
CRISPR Breakthroughs in Tuberculosis and Tech Transfer with Dr. Valwynne Faulkner
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 thr
The Future of Tech Transfer: Navigating Chaotic Innovation with Nick Webb
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 clar
Turning Worms Into Medicine: Dr. Andrea Choe on Innovation, Impact, and Tech Transfer
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 work
STEM in Action: How Project Lead The Way Is Changing Lives
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 buildi
AI, Diversity, and IP Policy: Navigating the Future with Former USPTO Director Kathi Vidal
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 i
Physics, Persistence, and the Nobel Prize: A Conversation with Dr. Anne L’Huillier
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 wo
Exposing Discrimination in Science: The Story of Nancy Hopkins and MIT with Kate Zernike
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.
Protecting Tech Transfer And University Innovation Funding With Mike Waring
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, cutt
Redefining DEI in Innovation: Lily Zheng on the FAIR Framework for 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.
Defending American Science: Holden Thorp on the NIH Funding Crisis and the Future of Research
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
From Childhood Invention to Engineering Leadership with Dr. Tahira Reid Smith
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 inclus
The Hidden Influence of Inventions on Humanity with Dr. Ainissa Ramirez
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 materia
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in Technology Transfer with Megan Aanstoos, Anji Miller, and Ed Ergenzinger
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,
Empowering Inventors: Insights from Carmine Denisco of the United Inventors Association
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, Ca
From Lab to Launch- Key Strategies for Accelerating Drug Discovery in Tech Transfer With Elizabeth Douville
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
2025 Predictions for the IP, Tech Transfer, and AI Landscapes With Eli Mazour
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 abili
Fostering America's Inventive Spirit: The Invention Education Program at Sacramento State
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
Customer Discovery in Tech Transfer: Ensuring Innovations Meet Industry Demands with Kate Havey
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
Adapting to Change: Insights on Europe’s Unitary Patent System with Robert Alderson and Mariella Massaro
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. Tod
Redefining Leadership: How CIOs Are Leading Universities into the Future with Kimberly Gramm and Glen Gardner
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
Suspenders4Hope: How Tech Transfer Is Helping Transform Lives
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
Balancing Innovation and Integrity: Ethical AI in Tech Transfer with Charles Holloran
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 mo
AI in Action: Transforming Outbound Marketing for Tech Transfer Success with Andrew Rankin
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 gro
Revitalizing Rural America: The Role of University Tech Transfer and Cooperative Extension with Dr. Richard Cahoon
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 Caho
Inside the CRISPR Patent Wars: Innovation, Rights, and Legal Battles with Dr. Kevin Noonan
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
Guardians of Ancient Wisdom: Navigating Indigenous IP in Tech Transfer with Graham Strong
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 busin
