AUTM on the AIR is the weekly podcast that brings you conversations about the impact of research commercialization and the people who make it happen. Join us for interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders on the issues and trends that matter most.
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Columbia Technology Ventures is the tech transfer office of Columbia University. Our core objective is to facilitate the transfer of inventions from academic research to outside organizations for the benefit of society on a local, national and global basis. Each year, CTV manages more than 330 invention disclosures from faculty, 70 license deals and 15 new start-ups, involving approximately 45 multi-disciplinary, full-time staff across Columbia's two campuses. CTV currently has over 1200 pat ...
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Dividing the Equity Pie: Biotech Startup Realities with Dr. Jahanara Ali
28:31
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28:31When 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 …
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Helping Universities Navigate Europe’s New Patent Landscape with Dr. Rose Hughes
38:05
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38:05When 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 any…
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CRISPR Breakthroughs in Tuberculosis and Tech Transfer with Dr. Valwynne Faulkner
15:21
15:21
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15:21This 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 rese…
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How TTOs Can Lead the Way on Inclusion and Neurodiverse Innovation with Andy Williamson
42:52
42:52
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42:52Building inclusive workplaces is not just good ethics, it is a major catalyst for innovation, creativity, and long term success. In this episode we take a closer look at how tech transfer offices can harness the untapped potential of neurodivergent talent and why doing so could transform not just individual careers but entire organizations. My gues…
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The Future of Tech Transfer: Navigating Chaotic Innovation with Nick Webb
32:16
32:16
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32:16Innovation 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 inn…
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Turning Worms Into Medicine: Dr. Andrea Choe on Innovation, Impact, and Tech Transfer
23:40
23:40
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23:40Could 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 t…
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STEM in Action: How Project Lead The Way Is Changing Lives
40:21
40:21
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40:21What 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 …
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AI, Diversity, and IP Policy: Navigating the Future with Former USPTO Director Kathi Vidal
37:31
37:31
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37:31I'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 …
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Physics, Persistence, and the Nobel Prize: A Conversation with Dr. Anne L’Huillier
16:11
16:11
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16:11There 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 No…
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Exposing Discrimination in Science: The Story of Nancy Hopkins and MIT with Kate Zernike
40:05
40:05
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40:05For Women’s History Month we welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kate Zernike, national correspondent for The New York Times. Kate has been reporting since 2000 on education, national politics and more. She is also the author of Boiling Mad: Inside Tea Party America and The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT, and the Fight for Women in Science. K…
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Protecting Tech Transfer And University Innovation Funding With Mike Waring
21:47
21:47
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21:47The 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.…
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Redefining DEI in Innovation: Lily Zheng on the FAIR Framework for Tech Transfer
30:09
30:09
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30:09What happens when workplace equity efforts get lost in performative gestures? Today we’re talking about the conventional approach to workplace equity and the DEI landscape. As organizations face growing political pressure and increasing scrutiny of DEI programs, a more effective and outcome-driven approach has never been more urgent. Lily Zheng is …
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Defending American Science: Holden Thorp on the NIH Funding Crisis and the Future of Research
39:04
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39:04Research 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…
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From Childhood Invention to Engineering Leadership with Dr. Tahira Reid Smith
42:57
42:57
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42:57Engineering 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 ded…
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The Hidden Influence of Inventions on Humanity with Dr. Ainissa Ramirez
24:39
24:39
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24:39Science 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 journ…
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Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in Technology Transfer with Megan Aanstoos, Anji Miller, and Ed Ergenzinger
56:02
56:02
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56:02In 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 episo…
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Empowering Inventors: Insights from Carmine Denisco of the United Inventors Association
30:44
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30:44What 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 inve…
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From Lab to Launch- Key Strategies for Accelerating Drug Discovery in Tech Transfer With Elizabeth Douville
29:59
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29:59The 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, in…
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2025 Predictions for the IP, Tech Transfer, and AI Landscapes With Eli Mazour
42:50
42:50
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42:50At 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 understa…
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Fostering America's Inventive Spirit: The Invention Education Program at Sacramento State
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50:32CSUS 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 Progr…
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Customer Discovery in Tech Transfer: Ensuring Innovations Meet Industry Demands with Kate Havey
33:27
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33:27Getting 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 ne…
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Adapting to Change: Insights on Europe’s Unitary Patent System with Robert Alderson and Mariella Massaro
44:10
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44:10In 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 p…
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Redefining Leadership: How CIOs Are Leading Universities into the Future with Kimberly Gramm and Glen Gardner
51:03
51:03
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51:03The 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. …
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Suspenders4Hope: How Tech Transfer Is Helping Transform Lives
46:25
46:25
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46:25Did 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 …
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Balancing Innovation and Integrity: Ethical AI in Tech Transfer with Charles Holloran
44:21
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44:21Are 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 pro…
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AI in Action: Transforming Outbound Marketing for Tech Transfer Success with Andrew Rankin
31:19
31:19
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31:19What 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 t…
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Revitalizing Rural America: The Role of University Tech Transfer and Cooperative Extension with Dr. Richard Cahoon
39:45
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39:45For 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 exp…
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Inside the CRISPR Patent Wars: Innovation, Rights, and Legal Battles with Dr. Kevin Noonan
54:51
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54:51In 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 …
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Guardians of Ancient Wisdom: Navigating Indigenous IP in Tech Transfer with Graham Strong
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35:08What 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 commercializatio…
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The Business of Bourbon: IP, Innovation, and Kentucky's Finest with Dr. Greg Tucker
1:00:22
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1:00:22The bourbon industry is a major economic driver for the Kentucky region, with 95% of the world's bourbon supply made and aged in the Bluegrass State. There’s more behind those barrels than aging whisky. I’m joined by Dr. Greg Tucker , a licensing manager and commercialization specialist III at the University of Louisville. His extensive experience …
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Harnessing The Power of AI for Tech Transfer Professionals with Peter Bittner and D’vorah Graeser
33:51
33:51
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33:51AI is transforming the tech transfer industry, but how can we stay ahead of this rapidly evolving technology and fully leverage its capabilities? In this episode, we explore how AI is becoming an essential tool, helping accelerate licensing deals, identify the right industry partners, and market innovations more effectively. To dive deeper into the…
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Untapped Potential: Investigating Gender Disparities in Patent Citations with Gauri Subramani
27:20
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27:20Recent research has highlighted that patents from majority-female inventor teams receive significantly fewer citations—up to 22% less—than those from majority-male teams. Citations play a key role in measuring the impact and value of patents, making this gap significant not only for the inventors themselves but also for the broader innovation lands…
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AI & IP: Navigating the New USPTO Guidance with Derrick Brent
35:36
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35:36Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries across the board, from healthcare to finance, bringing with it new challenges for inventors, universities, and the IP community. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently issued new guidance on subject matter eligibility for AI inventions, providing much-needed clarity on how AI…
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How Public-Private Partnerships Are Advancing US Manufacturing With Nagesh Rao and David McFeeters-Krone
51:34
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51:34The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a public-private partnership with centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This episode dives into MEP and the MEP National Network—an initiative that has been a pillar of U.S. manufacturing, offering comprehensive solutions to manufacturers across the country and fueling growth and innovation in th…
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Bridging The Gap Between Academic Research And Community Impact With Dr. Kendra Stenzel
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23:40In a world where groundbreaking discoveries often struggle to leave the laboratory, we explore how to transform scientific insights into real-world solutions. We’re focusing on bridging the gap between academic research and community impact. My guest today is Dr. Kendra Stenzel, the Director of Innovation Talent at the University of Kentucky's Offi…
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Shattering the Glass Ceiling in Innovation and Patents With Dr. Marianne Privett And Dr. Aardra Kachroo
33:37
33:37
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33:37Did you know that despite being behind many groundbreaking inventions and patents, women are less likely to turn their ideas into commercial products? It's a trend that's holding us back, and we're here to explore why. To discuss the experiences and insights of leading women scientists, researchers, and inventors. We have two prolific and leading w…
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Courtrooms to Congress: Legal Perspectives and Policy Updates with Jeffrey Depp
1:06:49
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1:06:49Tech Transfer professionals have a lot to stay on top of, including the legislative and legal landscape in Washington, DC. My guest today is Jeffrey Depp, who shares his expert knowledge on the current cases we should be aware of. Jeffrey is a registered patent attorney with extensive experience in intellectual property and innovation policy. His d…
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Using The Power Of Innovation To Move From Invention To Commercialization with Joy Goswami
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43:36Innovation is at the heart of both Tech Transfer and human progress. It's in our nature to seek better ways of implementing ideas, but historically, innovation hasn't always received the scholarly attention it deserves, despite technology being integral to our lives—think of the 250,000 patents in a single smartphone. I’m thrilled to have Joy Goswa…
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Healthcare's Next Frontier: University-Driven Innovation in Healthcare with Richard Gannotta
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39:49Let’s take a deep dive into innovation in the health sector and the role that university research plays in this sector. Joining us today is Richard Gannotta, a seasoned healthcare executive with a remarkable career spanning top academic and public health systems. From leading UC Irvine Health to shaping policy at NYC Health + Hospitals, Rick's expe…
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Research to Revenue: Don Siegel on the Role of University Tech Transfer and Industry Partnerships
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55:21Navigating the intricacies of university-industry partnerships is more important than ever in an era when colleges increasingly see their intellectual property portfolios as attractive sources of prospective revenue. Today, I'm thrilled to have Donald Siegel join us to talk about university-industry partnerships, as described in his book The Chicag…
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Science of Stories: The Storytelling Strategies Behind Successful Tech Transfer with Otto Pohl
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40:14Have you ever thought of storytelling as a powerful business tool? In the fast-paced world of tech transfer and startups, it absolutely is. Today's episode dives deep into the importance of storytelling – what it is and how it can be your secret weapon. We'll be joined by Otto Pohl, a storytelling guru with a fascinating career path. Otto's a forme…
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Inclusive Innovation: Building A Diverse Future With The CI2
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22:27Imagine a future where innovation knows no boundaries—where groundbreaking ideas emerge from every corner of society, regardless of race, gender, or economic background. This isn't just a dream; it's the bold vision driving the Council for Inclusive Innovation, or CI2. Fresh on the scene and launched by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, CI2 is …
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Partners in Discovery: Unlocking the Potential of Research Collaborations With Gaylene Anderson
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49:45Have you ever wondered how groundbreaking scientific discoveries make their way from the lab to the marketplace? Today, we're diving deep into the intricacies of working with industry partners, negotiating deals, managing strategic research alliances, and driving external collaborations. Joining us today is Gaylene Anderson, who brings a wealth of …
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Mastering Know-How Licensing: Strategies And Legal Insights With Wes Blakeslee
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40:08Have you ever wondered what truly goes into the commercialization of a patented invention? Today we're exploring an often misunderstood aspect of tech transfer: the strategic licensing of know-how. Know-how encompasses the vital information necessary or beneficial for the commercialization of a patented invention. While a patent license combines as…
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Building Not Burning Bridges: Strengthening Faculty Ties for Better Tech Transfer With David McClure
32:17
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32:17Have you ever wondered what really powers the success of tech transfer offices at universities? It’s not just the groundbreaking research or innovative technologies—it’s the relationships behind the scenes. In today’s episode, we’re highlighting the importance of cultivating strong relationships with faculty members. These connections not only faci…
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Holistic Strategies In Academia-Industry Collaboration With Gayathri Srinivasan, Shahila Christie, And John D. Wilson
49:28
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49:28Industry-University Partnerships are crucial for fostering innovation, addressing societal challenges, and driving economic growth. By working together, universities and industries can leverage their unique strengths to create solutions that benefit society as a whole. Today, I'm excited to be joined by an amazing panel of guests, Dr. Gayathri Srin…
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Opportunity Thinking with Pam Henderson: Innovation, Organizational Growth, and the Commercialization of Emerging Technologies
32:03
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32:03We are focusing on innovation, organizational growth, and the commercialization of emerging technologies with a very special guest, Pam Henderson, a renowned author, entrepreneur, CEO, and expert in business and innovation strategy. As the founder of NewEdge, a growth strategy firm, Pam leads the charge in identifying and anchoring growth opportuni…
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From Ideas to Innovation: A Conversation with Levi C. Maaia and Noah Mark About The Pathways to Invention Documentary
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38:16I’m thrilled to have Levi C. Maaia and Noah Mark to talk about the Pathways to Invention documentary. Noah Mark is the President of Maaia Mark Productions and Levi is the Director of the film. This 60-minute documentary explores the age-old question of whether inventors are born or made. Through up-close profiles, it highlights the impactful contri…
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Innovating Across Borders: The Power of Entrepreneur in Residence Programs With Steve Tobocman
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44:05Global Entrepreneur in Residence Programs are revolutionizing the startup world by providing crucial support to international founders. We'll discuss the impact of these programs to enable immigrants to innovate and become entrepreneurs and founders in the US startup space. I'm thrilled to be joined by Steve Tobocman for this discussion. Steve is a…
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Island Innovators: Tech Transfer and IP in Jamaica With Loreen Walker
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36:24We're diving into the world of intellectual property and technology transfer in Jamaica. Our special guest for this episode is Loreen Walker, a trailblazer in this field. Loreen played a crucial role in establishing the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) back in 2002, and she's here to share her wealth of experiences and insights with us. …
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