Episodios

  • Global Insights on University Commercialization with Todd Davey and Medisa Focic

    Global Insights on University Commercialization with Todd Davey and Medisa Focic
    Nov 12 2025
    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 Institut Mines-Télécom Business School in Paris and Associate Partner with the University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN), brings decades of experience in connecting academia and industry. His co-author, Medisa Focic, a PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney, studies how IP policies are designed, implemented, and interpreted across Europe. Their combined research examines five major regions —North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America —and what these differences reveal about innovation and opportunity.The conversation touches on everything from the Bayh-Dole Act’s lasting influence in the U.S. to Europe’s evolving focus on valorization, where social and cultural value often matter as much as revenue. Todd and Medisa explain how strong, government-driven innovation systems in parts of Asia contrast with Africa’s emerging models built on homegrown solutions and local needs. Across these regions, they uncover a common thread: universities recognize the potential of IP, but still face structural and cultural barriers that hinder their progress.By the end of the discussion, a call for collaboration across continents emerges. Todd and Medisa make the case for ecosystem thinking: a more inclusive, evidence-based approach that measures success beyond patents and profits. They highlight lessons from institutions like MIT, Oxford, and Tsinghua University, where leadership, culture, and clarity around IP have turned innovation into impact. Their message is clear: unlocking the world’s intellectual property potential starts with aligning people, policy, and purpose.In This Episode:[00:33] Introducing guests Dr. Todd Davey and Medisa Focic, who are here to talk about the UIIN Insights Brief.[01:08] Todd has a background in entrepreneurship and university-industry collaboration.[02:16] Medisa has done research on IP management and policy frameworks across Europe.[03:52] The motivation behind their ambitious comparative study and what they hoped to uncover.[05:16] Why IP remains an underexplored asset in higher education worldwide.[06:21] Examining the persistent gap between potential and real commercialization outcomes.[07:45] How the absence of coherent IP policies limits innovation capacity.[08:38] Understanding the “Valley of Death” and the time it takes for research to reach the market.[09:26] Concentration of licensing revenue among elite universities and lessons learned.[10:52] Rethinking how success is measured beyond patents and spinouts.[12:12] The Bayh-Dole Act’s lasting impact on the North American IP model.[13:31] Why the U.S. framework can’t simply be copied in civil-law systems like Europe.[15:18] Exploring Europe’s valorisation approach and its focus on social and cultural value.[16:31] Examples of non-traditional outputs—policy advice, education, and consulting.[18:06] Broader focus on societal good and inclusive research across disciplines.[19:47] Social innovation accelerators in Canada and similar global movements.[20:42] Asia’s government-driven IP strategies and their success factors.[22:20] How policy, infrastructure, and funding link R&D to commercialization in Asia.[23:35] Emerging IP frameworks in Africa are centered on local solutions and social impact.[25:03] Why resources, context, and priorities shape Africa’s innovation path.[26:57] The seven major global challenges identified in the UIIN report.[29:20] Underfunded tech transfer offices and the need for skilled personnel.[30:33] Academic incentive gaps and the burden of extra commercialization work.[32:44] Addressing bureaucracy and cultural barriers between academia and industry.[33:39] Building trust through small collaborations and clear communication.[35:54] Shared goals, transparency, and mutual benefit as foundations for partnership.[37:35] Encouraging academics to learn the language of industry and engage directly.[38:56] Misalignments between institutional policies and real-world IP practice.[40:26] How unclear disclosure processes frustrate academic inventors.[41:47] Lessons from MIT, Oxford, and Tsinghua—what top performers do differently.[44:00] Institutional culture, leadership, and training as key ingredients of success.[45:26] The role of revenue-sharing policies in motivating and rewarding researchers.[47:37] Balancing ...
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    1 h y 30 m
  • Building a Model for Non-Dilutive Funding Success with Sam Tetlo

    Building a Model for Non-Dilutive Funding Success with Sam Tetlo
    Nov 5 2025
    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 rates two to four times higher than the national average.In this conversation, Sam talks about what makes The Grant Engine’s approach so different including the deep training every writer goes through before ever touching a client proposal, the collaborative “brain trust” culture that fuels problem-solving, and the rigorous external reviews that pressure-test every draft. He explains how the company’s structure mirrors that of a venture-backed startup by being focused, data-driven, and built for scale without the equity trade-offs. They help clients access non-dilutive funding that keeps ownership intact while accelerating innovation.We also take a look at today’s funding landscape. Sam doesn’t shy away from describing 2025 as a turbulent, even “scary,” year for federal research programs. His message is to stay the course. He shares how The Grant Engine is guiding clients through political uncertainty, shifting budgets, and the sudden influx of AI-generated proposals that flooded agencies last year. Along the way, he offers grounded advice for tech transfer offices and startups, plus how to prepare when others freeze, where new opportunities are emerging, and why persistence, preparation, and quality still win.In This Episode:[00:33] Sam’s career journey from aerospace engineering to venture capital and entrepreneurship.[01:40] The origins of The Grant Engine and how a failed grant experience sparked a new business model.[02:52] The mission behind The Grant Engine by helping innovators secure non-dilutive funding that saves lives.[03:45] How the company grew to 75 employees and achieved a win rate two to four times higher than the national average.[05:12] What makes The Grant Engine’s approach different from traditional grant writing services.[06:45] Why rigorous training and mentorship create consistently successful grant writers.[07:58] The importance of subject matter expert reviews before engaging a client.[08:38] External peer reviews and the “pressure test” process that elevates proposal quality.[09:43] Discussion on the national drop in SBIR win rates and how The Grant Engine’s rates improved despite it.[11:30] Understanding their higher success rates across Phase I, Phase II, and Fast Track programs.[13:10] How The Grant Engine’s “X factor” lies in data, experience, and honest client feedback.[15:02] Regular internal analysis: studying what makes a proposal win or lose.[16:20] How understanding study section audiences helps tailor more competitive applications.[17:09] The link between commercialization experience and strong grant proposals.[18:50] The “Find, Win, and Manage” framework that defines The Grant Engine’s services.[20:20] How the company helps clients identify the right solicitations and map funding to product roadmaps.[22:00] Managing post-award compliance and staying “audit ready.”[22:33] Addressing turbulence in federal funding and the ongoing government shutdown.[24:00] Sam’s take on political uncertainty and how intentional disruption is affecting research programs.[25:54] Why this is a time to double down rather than pull back from federal funding pursuits.[26:58] The impact of AI-generated grant proposals on funding success rates.[27:56] The case for staying persistent and why consistency eventually beats randomness in the review process.[29:33] Outlook for 2026 and how to prepare for the eventual SBIR reauthorization.[31:44] The shifting balance between academic and company-based research funding.[32:24] Signs of hope: proposals to double SBIR allocations and bipartisan support for innovation funding.[34:16] Advice to continue preparing proposals even while programs are paused.[36:46] Why readiness for the next submission window creates a competitive advantage.[38:20] The benefits of over-preparation and staying proactive through uncertainty.[39:53] How The Grant Engine uses AI responsibly by augmenting research without replacing human expertise.[41:30] The limits of AI writing tools and the danger of relying on them for winning proposals.[42:38] The company’s acquisition of Streamline and its research on predictive grant modeling.[44:50] New opportunities ahead in defense, cybersecurity, space, and life sciences.[47:20] Observations on budget trends and where funding will likely expand or contract.[50:29] Encouragement for startups ...
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    57 m
  • Innovation Needs Connection: Finding the Human Side of Tech Transfer with Joe Runge

    Innovation Needs Connection: Finding the Human Side of Tech Transfer with Joe Runge
    Oct 29 2025

    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 serves as Associate Director and Co-Founder of the UNeTech Institute, a joint research institute between the University of Nebraska Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His work extends far beyond traditional tech transfer. He’s helped secure over $5 million in competitive funding through economic development and entrepreneurship grants, while guiding faculty, startups, and community partners through the often-uncertain process of turning research into real-world impact.

    In our conversation, Joe reflects on his recent TEDx Omaha talk, "Innovation Needs Connection," in which he explores how a single word can change everything and why understanding your audience is just as critical as understanding your invention. We talk about the emotional side of tech transfer, from frustration and failure to purpose and gratitude. We also discuss how UNeTech’s latest ventures, including Respira AI and IMPOWER HEALTH demonstrate what happens when collaboration meets creativity.


    In This Episode:

    [01:57] Joe reflects on co-founding UNeTech and the transition from Unimed to a broader vision for innovation in Nebraska.

    [03:26] Revisiting Joe’s past podcast, Innovation Overground, and how scaling UNeTech changed his focus.

    [04:15] The origin of Joe’s TEDx Omaha tal,k Innovation Needs Connection, and how one word, stent versus balloon, shifted everything.

    [07:07] Lessons from the “stent to balloon” moment about language, audience, and empathy in tech transfer.

    [08:54] Understanding cultural differences between scientists and industry partners.

    [09:29] Why Joe chose to be open about frustration and anger in his TEDx talk and what that revealed about connection and authenticity.

    [12:18] Helping inventors stay hopeful despite statistics showing most patents and startups fail.

    [13:32] How UNeTech reframed innovation work toward workforce development and long-term community impact.

    [16:02] Balancing urgency and burnout while tackling global challenges like climate change and pandemics.

    [18:59] The personal reflections and family conversations sparked by Joe’s TEDx experience.

    [21:30] How applying for TEDx became an unexpected journey of self-discovery and professional identity.

    [24:58] The meaning behind “big ideas must die three deaths” and learning to value failure as part of excellence.

    [27:52] Joe’s biggest lessons from projects that didn’t make it to market and how humility plays a role in resilience.

    [30:21] UNeTech’s exciting startup portfolio, including Respira AI for COPD monitoring and IMPOWER HEALTH’S self-pacing treadmill.

    [33:23] Joe’s new role with Gearhart Law and how his tech transfer background informs his IP work.

    [36:27] Emotional intelligence and vulnerability as tools for better collaboration in tech transfer.

    [38:04] Encouragement to reflect, redefine success, and find personal purpose in innovation work.

    [39:08] What keeps Joe inspired about the future of innovation and why human connection remains at the heart of progress.


    Resources:

    AUTM

    UNeTech Institute

    Innovation needs connection | Joe Runge | TEDxOmaha

    Innovation Overground Podcast

    Joe Runge - LinkedIn

    Gearhart Law
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    43 m
  • Accelerating Startups with Michael Lyon

    Accelerating Startups with Michael Lyon
    Oct 22 2025
    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.In this conversation, Michael shares the hard-won lessons behind his new book, Accelerating Startups: Lessons from Mentors. He opens up about the questions founders don’t always stop to ask, like whether they’re truly ready for the risks, trade-offs, and constant pressure that come with building something new. Michael explains why it’s smarter to chase a real-world problem than to fall in love with a piece of technology, and how founders can stay grounded when money, time, and people all pull in different directions. What stands out is how he draws on the precision of a lawyer and the curiosity of an adventurer to illustrate the messy and rewarding nature of the startup path.We also discuss the human side of Tech Transfer, including how universities can better prepare innovators for the leap into business, what it means to listen to mentors truly, and why staying humble often opens more doors than any credential ever could. When the topic turns to AI, Michael keeps it practical, discussing where it helps, where it falls short, and how founders can utilize it without compromising their creative edge. His stories have a lived-in quality that makes you believe progress is built through patience, self-awareness, and the kind of mentorship that keeps you moving when things get hard.In This Episode:[02:15] How Michael helped launch the first space tourists and later mentored hundreds of ventures at the Creative Destruction Lab.[03:40] What inspired him to write Accelerating Startups: Lessons from Mentors, and how common startup challenges led to the book.[05:08] The “Section Zero” question and why founders should pause to ask if they’re truly ready to build a company.[06:45] The personal and professional sacrifices that come with startup life and how timing matters.[08:20] Why reflection, self-awareness, and resilience are critical traits for any founder.[09:30] The trap of “a solution looking for a problem” and how tech transfer teams can help avoid it.[10:45] Why falling in love with the problem, not the technology, is key to real market traction.[11:55] The role of early business plans in aligning co-founders and clarifying assumptions.[12:40] Customer discovery tips for academic founders and how to measure perceived customer value.[14:00] Blind spots Michael often sees in university-based startups and why being coachable changes everything.[15:28] The balance between technology development and commercialization within research spinouts.[16:45] How mastering a 30-second pitch can transform a founder’s understanding of their own business.[18:10] Why many companies struggle with active listening and how coachability affects mentor relationships.[20:25] Building the right founding team and why compatibility and trust matter more than equity splits.[22:30] Michael’s advice on founder “prenups,” equity vesting, and handling co-founder departures.[24:10] How startups should approach global markets early and the role tech transfer offices play in preparing them.[26:30] Inside the Creative Destruction Lab model—goal setting, mentorship quality, and science-based acceleration.[28:20] Legal pitfalls academic entrepreneurs often overlook and why strong agreements matter.[29:45] Michael’s take on AI in startups and how it can streamline, and where human creativity still leads.[31:20] His top three takeaways for new founders include building a business plan, refining your pitch, and staying open to learning.[33:00] Reflections on mentorship, trust, and the patient, disciplined path from idea to impact.Resources: AUTMAccelerating Startups: Lessons From MentorsMichael Lyon - LinkedInmentor@lyoncapitalservices.comCreative Destruction Lab
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    34 m
  • Driving Vision Forward: Inside the Foundation Fighting Blindness with CEO Jason Menzo

    Driving Vision Forward: Inside the Foundation Fighting Blindness with CEO Jason Menzo
    Oct 15 2025

    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 led several eye-care ventures focused on bringing breakthrough treatments to patients more quickly. That for-profit experience now fuels mission-driven innovation, new funding models, and partnerships that move discoveries from the lab to the clinic. A standout example is the early Foundation support for the research behind Luxturna, the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited disease, demonstrating how bold, risk-tolerant philanthropy can transform medicine when academia, government, and industry collaborate.

    A hallmark of his leadership is the R&D Fund, a $160 million venture philanthropy model with an eight-to-one leverage ratio. This bridges academic research and commercialization, drawing in private capital to advance promising therapies. He has also championed a global network of over 40 clinical centers in 10 countries and strengthened the talent pipeline through fellowships and translational awards. Today, 88% of retinal treatments in clinical trials can be traced back to Foundation-funded programs.

    Today, we discuss where science, policy, and philanthropy converge to bring sight-saving treatments closer to reality. We discuss the proposed Venture Philanthropy Enhancement Act and look ahead to gene-agnostic therapies, cell regeneration, and whole-eye transplant initiatives with ARPA-H.


    In This Episode:

    [01:30] Jason reflects on his transition from the pharmaceutical world to nonprofit work and what drew him to the Foundation.

    [03:10] Discussion of Luxturna’s groundbreaking FDA approval and how early Foundation funding contributed to its success.

    [05:30] Jason explains how the Foundation balances basic and translational research to accelerate cures for retinal diseases.

    [07:45] Overview of the Foundation’s five-year strategic plan and its flexible approach to adapting research priorities.

    [09:15] Insight into the importance of collaboration among universities, the NIH, and industry partners to move discoveries into the clinic.

    [11:00] Jason highlights the creation and purpose of the R&D Fund, a venture philanthropy model launched in 2018.

    [13:00] The Fund’s success in achieving an 8-to-1 leverage ratio and attracting top venture capital partners.

    [15:10] How the Foundation conducts due diligence when selecting companies for investment.

    [17:30] Explanation of how the R&D Fund differs from traditional research grants and why selectivity is key.

    [19:00] Jason introduces the Venture Philanthropy Enhancement Act and discusses its potential impact on funding for rare diseases.

    [22:00] Story of a near-failed company that survived through philanthropic support and produced life-changing clinical trial results.

    [24:00] The Foundation’s suite of grants and awards supporting early-career and translational researchers.

    [26:10] Career Development Awards and their role in retaining top talent in retinal disease research.

    [28:00] How the Foundation partners with tech transfer offices to bridge the “Valley of Death” between discovery and commercialization.

    [30:00] Metrics beyond publications—how FFB measures its real-world impact on treatments and cures.

    [32:15] Jason shares the emerging technologies he finds most promising, including gene-agnostic and cell-based therapies.

    [34:10] Discussion on the global prevalence of blindness and the Foundation’s efforts to prioritize late-stage and restorative therapies.

    [36:00] Jason outlines upcoming funding opportunities and deadlines for university researchers.

    [37:30] Final reflections on hope, awareness, and collaboration shaping the future of vision restoration.


    Resources:

    AUTM

    Jason Menzo - Foundation Fighting Blindness

    Jason Menzo - LinkedIn

    Jason Menzo - X
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    48 m
  • From Ideas to Impact: Kentucky’s Statewide Commercialization Approach with Kayla Meisner

    From Ideas to Impact: Kentucky’s Statewide Commercialization Approach with Kayla Meisner
    Oct 8 2025

    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 into a growing program with national attention. Since its launch in 2020, KCV has more than tripled its funding, doubled its staff, and helped innovators at all levels find clear pathways into commercialization. By combining proof-of-concept funding with hands-on coaching and shared services, the team has turned early ideas into intellectual property, startups, and partnerships that feed back into Kentucky’s economy.

    In this episode, Kayla explains what it takes to build trust across institutions, how programs like the Innovation Fellowship and KCV Invent are preparing the next generation of talent, and why partnerships outside of academia are strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem. She also reflects on what other regions can learn from Kentucky’s experience, from getting state economic leaders on board to setting up governance that keeps everyone invested in long-term success.


    In This Episode:

    [03:18] Kayla shares the origins of KCV and how it fits within the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation’s 40-year mission.

    [05:24] She explains how state dollars are invested into proof-of-concept funding and stipends to support innovators.

    [06:30] Kayla describes the challenges Kentucky faced as an EPSCoR and NIH IDeA state and why collective action was needed.

    [09:37] She outlines the gap analysis that showed most partner schools lacked IP policies and full-time tech transfer staff.

    [12:15] The discussion turns to how KCV scaled its services while running on less than $1 million a year in the early days.

    [15:30] Kayla highlights the importance of coaching and mentorship in turning early-stage disclosures into IP.

    [17:40] The story of Dr. Rachel Tinius at Western Kentucky University illustrates how small investments can lead to major commercialization success.

    [18:26] Kayla talks about the KCV Innovation Fellowship and how it prepares students and faculty for entrepreneurship.

    [22:06] She explains how the fellowship has grown into a semester-based, cohort model that builds practical commercialization skills.

    [24:11] The conversation shifts to Kentucky’s six regional innovation hubs and their statewide economic impact.

    [29:01] Kayla details how KCV now requires assessments before opt-in, creating clearer pathways and buy-in for institutions and innovators.

    [32:37] The IMPACT competition is discussed, with KCV celebrating its first-ever community and technical college winner.

    [35:17] Kayla addresses the $8.25 million NSF EDGE award and the systemic barriers it is helping to solve at smaller institutions.

    [46:28] She reflects on the challenge of securing sustainable funding and the importance of demonstrating ROI.

    [49:57] Kayla highlights ecosystem partnerships with groups like the Kentucky Bar Association, USPTO, and Kentucky Distillers Association.

    [54:30] The conversation explores talent development through internships and the launch of KCV Invent, funded by the NSF Excellence Program.

    [56:43] Kayla offers three recommendations for other states interested in replicating the KCV model: build state relationships, conduct gap analyses, and establish governance.

    [59:45] She reflects on what has surprised her most about the centralized approach and why it has proven so effective.


    Resources:

    AUTM

    Kayla Meisner - Kentucky Commercialization Ventures

    Kayla Meisner - LinkedIn

    Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation

    Dr. Rachel Tinius, Ph.D., EP-C

    BumptUp Labs

    USPTO – Midwest Regional Office
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    1 h y 6 m
  • The Price of Patents: How New Tax Proposals Could Transform IP Strategy with Erin Daly

    The Price of Patents: How New Tax Proposals Could Transform IP Strategy with Erin Daly
    Oct 1 2025

    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 chemistry before moving into patent law, and she’s spent her career working with biotech companies and universities on everything from early-stage research to clinical programs. That combination of lab background and legal know-how gives her a practical view of how changes in patent policy land on the ground.

    We discuss why putting a dollar value on patents is never straightforward and how a tax like this could create big headaches for industries that depend on large portfolios, like biotech, semiconductors, and emerging green technologies. We also look at what startups and universities might face if they’re hit with new costs long before their patents generate any revenue.


    In This Episode:

    [01:57] The proposed value-based patent tax is outlined and contrasted with current USPTO fees.

    [02:50] Erin explains how the new system would resemble a property tax on intellectual property.

    [03:49] The U.S. has historically treated patents as a right supported by fees, not as taxable assets.

    [04:42] The proposal is still at the idea stage with no formal rule or bill introduced.

    [06:08] Patent valuation challenges are described, including subjectivity and lack of comparables.

    [08:07] Legal questions emerge about USPTO authority, due process, and potential litigation.

    [10:44] Erin outlines compliance concerns, audits, and paperwork burdens if the IRS were involved.

    [12:49] Biotech and pharma are identified as sectors most at risk under a value-based tax.

    [13:45] Semiconductor and AI industries could face massive valuation tracking costs.

    [14:40] Green tech companies may abandon patents if taxed before commercialization.

    [15:59] Strategic steps for tech transfer offices and companies to assess exposure are discussed.

    [17:39] Trade secrets may become more appealing as an alternative to patents in some cases.

    [18:24] Companies might restructure portfolios or shift filings internationally to reduce risk.

    [20:45] Erin emphasizes the importance of monitoring Congress, Federal Register updates, and IRS guidance.

    [22:55] Coalition groups and bar associations begin mobilizing to oppose the tax proposal.

    [23:33] Early legal challenges are expected to test the limits of USPTO authority and valuation disputes.

    [25:26] We close with a reminder that patent costs are under increasing scrutiny.


    Resources:

    AUTM

    Daly Law & Strategy

    Erin M. Daly, Ph.D. - LinkedIn

    Daly Law & Strategy - Facebook

    USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office)

    Federal Register

    BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization)

    Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO)
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    26 m
  • The AUTM Better World Project Revisited: An Updated Look at Technology Transfer's Global Impact

    The AUTM Better World Project Revisited: An Updated Look at Technology Transfer's Global Impact
    Sep 24 2025
    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 Harbor Laboratory. Since 2017, RK has been leading partnerships and collaborations there, but his path stretches across both research and commercialization. He earned a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona and an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Earlier in his career, he held research roles at Harvard Medical School and MIT before stepping into technology management at Illinois, where he oversaw more than 200 innovations in the life sciences. He brings a strong focus on value creation and mentorship to his work in tech transfer.Also joining us is Parag Vasekar, Business Development and Licensing Manager for Physical Sciences at Purdue Research Foundation’s Office of Technology Commercialization. Parag’s training covers the full spectrum of materials science. He holds degrees from Pune University in India, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Central Florida, where he earned his PhD. His career has spanned both academia and industry, and today he plays a key role in evaluating technologies and shaping licensing agreements at Purdue. He also serves as co-chair of AUTM’s Better World Project Committee, giving him an inside view of how the initiative has expanded and adapted over time.Together, RK and Parag walk us through the growth of the Better World Project from those early printed pages to today’s award-winning stories. We’ll talk about standout innovations like UMass Amherst’s PFAS-destroying water purification system, the artificial pancreas, and breakthrough cancer treatments. More importantly, we’ll hear why this project isn’t just about showcasing innovation, but about showing the human impact of university research on communities worldwide.In This Episode:[01:30] RK’s career path is highlighted, from research at Harvard and MIT to overseeing 200 innovations at Illinois.[02:00] Parag’s academic and professional journey is detailed, with expertise in materials science and licensing.[03:12] The Better World Project has grown from hundreds to more than 600 innovation stories.[04:57] Examples like the Honeycrisp apple, N95 mask, and Google show university research impact.[05:39] The project began as a way to highlight outcomes of the Bayh-Dole Act and has since gone global.[06:14] From print to online multimedia, the growth reflects the maturing of the field.[07:01] Parag shares what drew him to the project and how it connects the “what” of tech transfer to the “why.”[09:09] RK explains how the project’s expansion shows the maturation of tech transfer beyond transactions.[10:14] Impact is measured in healthier patients, cleaner water, and stronger communities.[10:49] Lisa references Kate Zernike’s call for better storytelling in academic research.[11:22] Parag outlines the Better World Project Award process and the criteria for submissions.[12:29] The committee reviews entries before finalists go to the AUTM community for a vote.[13:26] UMass Amherst’s PFAS-destroying water purification system is highlighted as the 2025 winner.[14:38] Judging criteria have broadened from blockbuster drugs to more holistic measures of impact.[15:48] The committee looks for “aha” moments where research curiosity directly impacts lives.[16:33] RK explains how the project highlights long-term value beyond licensing revenue.[17:04] Examples like the artificial pancreas and PFAS system show impact measured in human terms.[18:22] Representation matters: the project spans medical devices, agriculture, and consumer products.[19:03] A story from Pakistan’s NUST about a vibrational wave therapy device illustrates global reach.[20:25] The project’s role during the pandemic highlighted universities’ rapid responses and collaboration.[21:35] Stories included rapid diagnostic tests, open-source ventilators, PPE solutions, and vaccines.[22:27] The key lesson: urgency and collaboration enable universities to meet global challenges.[23:08] Parag describes how multimedia storytelling broadened the project’s reach and emotional impact.[24:46] Barriers for smaller offices include staff limitations and lack of marketing expertise.[25:31] AUTM staff provide editorial support and encourage frequent submissions.[26:11] Parag shares the committee’s vision for the next five years, focusing on global reach and diversity.[27:05] New story categories now include AI, sustainability, ...
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    44 m