Episodios

  • The Origin of Technology Transfer Professionals Day with Chad Riggs

    The Origin of Technology Transfer Professionals Day with Chad Riggs
    Dec 10 2025
    Every now and then, someone inside a Tech Transfer office tries something small, something meant for their own team, and it ends up resonating far beyond their campus. That’s the path our guest followed, and it’s a great reminder of how ideas in this profession can ripple outward in ways we don’t always expect.My guest today is Chadwig “Chad” Riggs, former marketing associate at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Office of Technology Licensing and the creator of Technology Transfer Professionals Day, which is celebrated each year on December 12, the anniversary of the Bayh–Dole Act. Chad talks about how this whole effort began with a quick holiday video meant to help colleagues understand the licensing process, and how it slowly turned into a day of recognition, education, and connection. He also shares small touches, like custom inventor mugs or light-bulb candy favors, that helped bring faculty into the conversation and made tech transfer feel more approachable.From there, the idea eventually made its way to AUTM, and Chad explains what it took to turn an internal activity into a national recognition day. Along the way, we touch on why acknowledgement matters, especially now, and how stories like St. Jude’s ALK gene journey show the real-world impact that can come from sustained licensing and partnership work. It’s an encouraging reminder that shining a light on the people behind commercialization can strengthen the whole ecosystem.In This Episode: [00:33] We discuss Chad Riggs’ background at St. Jude’s Office of Technology Licensing.[01:20] How marketing, outreach, and internal engagement became central to his Tech Transfer role.[02:45] He recalls how a simple holiday video sparked the idea for broader year-round education and recognition.[04:13] Chad describes the early holiday videos at St. Jude and why Tech Transfer needed its own presence.[05:40] We learn how he wanted to build excitement around disclosures and increase faculty participation.[07:05] The team brainstorms their first set of activities for Technology Transfer Professionals Day.[08:10] Chad talks about St. Jude’s culture of celebrating different professional groups across the hospital.[09:30] The realization hits: Tech Transfer deserves its own day, too.[10:15] He outlines the initial reaction from colleagues and leaders when he proposed the idea.[11:00] Chad explains why choosing December 12, the anniversary of Bayh–Dole, was non-negotiable.[11:43] The team launches their first celebration with inventor mugs, quizzes, and creative giveaways.[13:10] He discusses the importance of pairing recognition with education about the disclosure and licensing process.[14:30] Chad shares how elevator screens, newsletters, and repeated messaging helped build internal awareness.[15:45] He breaks down why the Bayh–Dole Act remains central to Tech Transfer’s identity and purpose.[17:25] The story shifts to how Chad brought the idea to AUTM and pushed for national adoption.[18:50] He talks about navigating committees, lobbying concerns, and sticking to the holiday’s true intent.[20:15] Chad reflects on watching institutions nationwide make the celebration their own.[21:40] Creative examples, like office competitions, stickers, and venture program spotlights, start appearing.[23:00] The AUTM toolkit expands the day with graphics, hashtags, and award ideas.[24:10] Chad shares how recognition days help fight burnout and remind researchers that TTOs are real people.[25:35] He emphasizes the importance of visibility and human connection in a “black box” profession.[26:50] The conversation turns to morale, retention, and why small acknowledgments matter.[27:55] Chad explains how giving people ownership of ideas increases engagement and buy-in.[29:15] He talks about the value of creative exercises and “batting practice” for building stronger innovation habits.[30:40] Chad shares the ALK gene story as a powerful example of the long-term impact of Tech Transfer.[32:20] The discussion covers how one discovery evolved into multiple FDA-approved therapies.[34:05] He highlights the economic and clinical reach of ALK inhibitors around the world.[35:10] Chad reflects on decades of work that eventually returned to benefit pediatric patients.[36:00] Tech Transfer is the bridge that takes research from the benchtop to the bedside.Resources: Celebrate the Contributions of Tech Transfer ProfessionalsBetter World ProjectBayh–Dole CoalitionSt. Jude Children’s Research HospitalChad Riggs - St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalChad Riggs - LinkedIn
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    36 m
  • Rethinking the Future of University Funding with Dr. Yasheng Huang

    Rethinking the Future of University Funding with Dr. Yasheng Huang
    Dec 3 2025

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

    Today’s guest, Dr. Yasheng Huang, brings a thoughtful and deeply informed perspective to that conversation. He is the Epic Foundation Professor of Global Economics and Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, and one of the world’s leading voices on global innovation systems, technology policy, and the Chinese economy. He has written 13 books, including Capitalism with Chinese Characteristics, named Best Book of 2008 by The Economist, and The Rise and Fall of the East, selected by Foreign Affairs as its Best Book of 2023. His recent article in Nature, Universities Must Harness Their Financial Value, has sparked an important debate across higher education.

    In this episode, Dr. Huang talks about why the traditional funding compact between universities and the federal government is breaking down, why universities create extraordinary economic value that they rarely capture, and what bold new approaches might protect the future of research. He also shares a candid warning about the risk of losing scientific talent, and why innovation within university finance may be essential to preserving the innovation ecosystem itself.


    In This Episode:

    [02:15] Dr. Huang explains why he opened his Nature article with a comparison between university endowments and Elon Musk’s wealth.

    [04:02] Discussion on the imbalance between perceived university wealth and actual financial resources needed for research.

    [06:51] Historical accumulation of endowments vs. rapid individual wealth creation highlights the funding disparity.

    [08:29] The economic impact of university-driven innovation and the paradox of unrecognized value.

    [09:51] Examples of Stanford and MIT entrepreneurship driving massive global GDP value that universities cannot record financially.

    [12:52] Dr. Huang reflects on the communication gap between universities and the general public about research impact.

    [16:39] Explanation of the historic “social compact” between universities and the federal government after World War II.

    [18:00] How legislative changes enabled university-owned IP and helped spark modern entrepreneurship.

    [20:00] The consequences of current funding suspensions, budget cuts, and a proposed tax on endowment income.

    [21:40] Rising costs of scientific research and the increasing scale of talent and equipment needed to sustain discovery.

    [24:53] Funding imbalances across disciplines, with material science and energy research falling behind.

    [27:59] Licensing revenue limitations and why patent income cannot sustain university budgets alone.

    [34:49] The Weizmann Institute model and lessons from more aggressive IP commercialization strategies.

    [37:51] The tension between commercialization and academic values, and the need for responsible guardrails.

    [39:14] Proposal to explore taxing a small portion of faculty outside consulting income to support shared research infrastructure.

    [46:55] Discussion of equity across disciplines and why financial benefits rarely flow to the broader academic community.

    [52:06] The risk of losing scientific talent to other countries and historical examples of long-term consequences.

    [59:55] A hopeful note about recent elections and restoring confidence in the stability of democratic institutions.

    [1:00:28] Reflections on academic freedom and the need for bold innovation in university funding models.


    Resources:

    Yasheng Huang - MIT Management Sloan School

    Yasheng Huang - MIT Center for International Studies

    Universities Under Fire Must Harness More Of The Financial Value They Create

    Capitalism with Chinese Characteristics: Entrepreneurship and the State

    The Rise and Fall of the East
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Improving Mental Health Across IP and Tech Transfer with Jane Wainwright

    Improving Mental Health Across IP and Tech Transfer with Jane Wainwright
    Nov 19 2025
    Mental health is increasingly a focus in Tech Transfer as people try to keep pace with heavy workloads, fast-moving deadlines, and the pressure to make the right call with limited time and information. To bring more attention to what professionals are experiencing, we’re opening a new series on wellbeing and resilience with a conversation featuring today’s guest, Jane Wainwright. This series will look at the challenges many carry quietly and highlight approaches that support healthier, more sustainable workplaces across research commercialization.Jane has spent more than twenty years at Potter Clarkson and led the firm’s biotechnology practice. Over the course of her career, she managed global life sciences portfolios, supported clients through demanding legal and scientific issues, and served in senior leadership roles. Alongside that work, she trained as a mental health first aider, earned advanced coaching credentials, founded Starry-Eyed Pragmatics, and joined the advisory board of Jonathan’s Voice, a charity dedicated to mental health within the IP profession.We discuss the pressures she has seen across both patent practice and tech transfer, from perfectionism and tight timelines to the “always on” habits that leave many people exhausted. She shares what she’s seen help in real workplaces, including more substantial support from leadership and better ways to share responsibility for urgent matters. Jane also reflects on how small culture shifts can make it easier for people to do their work without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a practical, honest way to start this new series and a conversation many listeners will recognize from their own environments.In This Episode:[01:03] Jane’s background in high-pressure patent work sets the stage for discussing mental health challenges.[01:32] The conversation outlines the real consequences of missed deadlines and the constant pressure to get things right.[02:26] Jane’s shift toward mental health advocacy and her work with Jonathan’s Voice comes into focus.[03:04] She describes the mental health landscape in IP and why perfectionism and long hours contribute to hidden struggles.[04:03] Jane shares her personal experience with depression and anxiety and explains how it shaped her advocacy.[07:57] We discuss how global uncertainty, rapid change, and AI concerns add new layers of stress.[09:19] Data from a wellbeing survey highlights how deadlines, workloads, and client demands affect IP professionals.[12:42] Differences in workload stress across regions and firm sizes come up as contributors to burnout.[14:54] Why perfectionism makes it hard for teams to accept "good enough" under tight timelines.[17:21] We address why many feel unable to take time off and how workload pressure affects vacation habits.[18:22] Jane talks about surface-level wellness initiatives versus meaningful organizational change.[19:34] She emphasizes the importance of team structures that share responsibility and reduce overload.[21:01] The role of teamwork and continuity planning in reducing stress becomes a central theme.[22:07] Strategies for very small TTOs and solo practitioners are explored, including outsourcing and prioritization.[23:18] The importance of having a support network and access to confidential help is discussed.[24:57] Jane reflects on her transition from partner to full-time wellbeing and coaching work.[29:03] We examine how senior leaders view mental health and the need to “meet them where they are.”[30:29] Generational differences in attitudes toward mental health begin to shift firm culture.[32:35] Emotional intelligence is highlighted as a core competency for supporting healthy teams.[35:31] Leadership modeling of healthy behavior helps build psychological safety.[35:47] What actually works beyond wellness perks, including trust and clear expectations.[37:59] Jane discusses role modeling, healthy boundaries, and avoiding the “always available” culture.[40:21] Emotional intelligence as a learnable skill is explored, including how it evolves.[41:54] Signs of cultural change give Jane hope, alongside growing awareness and new generations entering the field.[44:03] Real progress takes time, especially in high-workload environments like U.S. law firms.[44:47] Why mental health and organizational performance are deeply connected.Resources: Starry-Eyed PragmaticsJane Wainwright - LinkedInJonathan’s Voice2022 Mental Wellbeing Survey of the IP Profession
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    47 m
  • 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 Tetlow

    Building a Model for Non-Dilutive Funding Success with Sam Tetlow
    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