AUTM on the Air
Business & Finance
About
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.
Episodes
- The Missing Link Between Research and Real-World Impact with Ben Reinhardt
This episode of AUTM on the Air features Ben Reinhardt, founder and CEO of Speculative Technologies. He discusses the challenges of moving research from the lab to real-world applications and the structural gaps that hinder innovation.
- Thriving in Small Tech Transfer Offices with Caitlin Long and Sanaz Shahi
This episode of AUTM on the Air features a discussion with Caitlin Long and Sanaz Shahi about the challenges and strategies for success in small technology transfer offices. They cover topics including managing intellectual property, budge…
- Cleaning Up Forever: How AI and Membrane Science Are Taking PFAS Out of Our Water with Dr. Yongsheng Chen
This episode of AUTM on the Air features Dr. Yongsheng Chen discussing the challenges of PFAS "forever chemicals" in water. He explains how his team uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to design nanofiltration membranes for r…
- Startup Success Starts with the Problem, Not the Tech with Marc Filerman
Marc Filerman, Chief Business Officer at Start2 Group, explains that startup success often hinges on defining a clear problem, building a real value proposition, and choosing a focused market. He discusses how universities and tech transfe…
- Deciding When Research Should Become a Startup with Omar Zahr
Omar Zahr, CTO at TandemLaunch, discusses the process of turning university research into startups. He explains how to evaluate if a technology is "company-ready" and the steps involved in building a business around early-stage science.
- Building Strong Industry Academic Partnerships with Mark Fairey
This episode explores building industry-academic partnerships with Mark Fairey from STEMCELL Technologies. It covers translating early-stage science into usable products, the importance of real-world workflows, and effective communication…
- A Father's Mission: How Danyelza Became a Life-Saving Therapy for Pediatric Neuroblastoma with Dr. Nai-Kong Cheung, Dr. Yashodhara Dash & Dr. Imke Ehlers-Surur
This episode of AUTM on the Air details the development of Danyelza, an immunotherapy for pediatric neuroblastoma. It covers the 25-year journey from initial research to FDA approval, highlighting the collaborative efforts of researchers,…
- Tokenizing the Future: How Brilliance Is Creating a New Model for IP Ownership and Investment with Chris Hack and Geoffrey Smith
Chris Hack and Geoffrey Smith of Brilliance discuss their work in democratizing intellectual property ownership and investment. They explain how AI, blockchain, and decentralized finance can make IP more accessible and investable for a bro…
- The Industry Side of the Table: How Samsung Evaluates University Partnerships with David Chang
David Chang from Samsung Research America discusses the process of evaluating university partnerships. He shares insights on what Samsung looks for in new technologies and how to navigate university-industry collaborations.
- Understanding Why AI Innovations Struggle to Scale in Healthcare with Adam Brickman
Adam Brickman discusses why AI innovations in healthcare struggle to scale and how Vega Health aims to create a new commercialization pathway for proven AI models. He explains the importance of considering implementation context, workflow…
- Understanding What’s Happening in Washington, D.C. and Why It Matters for Tech Transfer with Mike Waring
This episode features Mike Waring discussing Washington D.C. policy and its implications for technology transfer professionals. He covers topics such as the mood towards universities and innovation, proposed policy changes, and the impact…
- Be Brilliant Urgently, Advancing Parkinson’s Research Through Partnerships with Michelle Durborow
Michelle Durborow, VP of Research Operations at the Michael J. Fox Foundation, discusses their patient-driven mission and research funding strategy for Parkinson's disease. She explains how the foundation views intellectual property as a m…
- Rebranding for Impact, How URI Is Scaling Research Commercialization with Peter Rumsey and Allison Markova
Peter Rumsey and Allison Markova from URI Innovations discuss the rebranding of the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation. The conversation covers the shift to a campus-wide hub for technology translation, entrepreneurship, and st…
- How the Technology Transfer Handbook Was Built in Five Days with James Filpi, Joy Goswami, Michael Samardzija, and Alysa Khouri
This episode of AUTM on the Air discusses the creation of the Technology Transfer Handbook, a guide for commercializing intellectual property. The handbook was developed over five days using the BookSprints methodology, a collaborative pro…
- Meet AUTM’s New Board Members: Laura Schoppe and Patricia Stepp (Part 2)
This episode introduces new AUTM board members Laura Schoppe and Patricia Stepp. They discuss their backgrounds, motivations, and the importance of diversity in technology transfer strategy and board service.
- Meet AUTM’s New Board Members: Katie Butcher, Felicia Metz, and Maithili Shroff (Part 1)
This episode introduces three new members of the AUTM Board of Directors: Katie Butcher, Felicia Metz, and Maithili Shroff. They share their professional backgrounds and perspectives on the evolving field of technology transfer.
- Building the Blue Economy at Seaworthy Collective with Tamara Kahn Zissman
This episode of AUTM on the Air features Tamara Kahn Zissman of Seaworthy Collective. The discussion focuses on ocean innovation, entrepreneurship, and the unique challenges faced by ocean-focused startups, including scientific complexity,…
- Lessons From the WIPO-AUTM Knowledge and Technology Transfer Summit with Steve Susalka
Steve Susalka, CEO of AUTM, shares insights from the WIPO-AUTM Knowledge and Technology Transfer Summit. The summit brought together leaders from 27 countries to discuss global innovation ecosystems and common challenges in technology tran…
- Building Resilience in Tech Transfer with Dr. Daniel Boamah and Dr. Kimberly Green
This episode of AUTM on the Air features Dr. Daniel Boamah and Dr. Kimberly Green discussing mental health in tech transfer. They explore how work culture and external pressures impact well-being in tech transfer offices.
- The Origin of Technology Transfer Professionals Day with Chad Riggs
Chad Riggs, former marketing associate at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, discusses the origin of Technology Transfer Professionals Day. He explains how a holiday video led to the creation of this recognition day, celebrated annuall…
- Rethinking the Future of University Funding with Dr. Yasheng Huang
Dr. Yasheng Huang joins AUTM On The Air to discuss the changing landscape of university funding and the economic value created by universities. He explores why traditional funding models are breaking down and the need for new approaches to…
- Improving Mental Health Across IP and Tech Transfer with Jane Wainwright
Jane Wainwright discusses mental health in intellectual property and technology transfer. She addresses the pressures of heavy workloads and deadlines, offering insights into fostering healthier workplace environments.
- Global Insights on University Commercialization with Todd Davey and Medisa Focic
This episode features Dr. Todd Davey and Medisa Focic discussing their research on global university intellectual property commercialization. They explore how universities worldwide manage and monetize research, highlighting regional diffe…
- Building a Model for Non-Dilutive Funding Success with Sam Tetlow
Sam Tetlow, founder of The Grant Engine, discusses his company's approach to securing non-dilutive funding for innovators. He shares how The Grant Engine helps clients navigate the funding landscape and achieve high success rates in securi…
- Innovation Needs Connection: Finding the Human Side of Tech Transfer with Joe Runge
Joe Runge, co-founder of the UNeTech Institute, explores the human aspect of tech transfer. He discusses how connections, understanding audiences, and navigating challenges are crucial for translating research into real-world impact.
- Accelerating Startups with Michael Lyon
This episode features Michael Lyon, a mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab. He discusses his book, "Accelerating Startups: Lessons from Mentors," sharing insights for tech entrepreneurs based on his experiences.
- Driving Vision Forward: Inside the Foundation Fighting Blindness with CEO Jason Menzo
Jason Menzo, CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, talks about leading the world's largest private funder of retinal disease research. He discusses the Foundation's strategies for advancing treatments and its impact on the field of oph…
- From Ideas to Impact: Kentucky’s Statewide Commercialization Approach with Kayla Meisner
Kayla Meisner, Executive Director of Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV), discusses the organization's statewide approach to commercialization. KCV supports technology transfer by pooling resources and assisting innovators across Ken…
- The Price of Patents: How New Tax Proposals Could Transform IP Strategy with Erin Daly
Erin Daly discusses proposed value-based patent taxes. She covers the potential impact on intellectual property strategy, maintenance fees, and sectors such as biotech and green technologies.
- The AUTM Better World Project Revisited: An Updated Look at Technology Transfer's Global Impact
This episode revisits the AUTM Better World Project, examining its evolution and the global impact of technology transfer. Guests RK Narayanan and Parag Vasekar discuss the project's expansion and its focus on the human impact of universit…
- Research Integrity and the High Stakes for Technology Transfer with Michael R. Samardzija
Michael R. Samardzija, Senior Counsel at Womble Bond Dickinson, joins AUTM on the Air to discuss research integrity. He explains how research misconduct can affect technology transfer, commercialization efforts, and the credibility of inst…
- Inside the USPTO: Dr. Julie Burke on Culture, Quality, and Reform
Dr. Julie Burke, formerly of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, shares her experiences and insights on the culture, quality, and reform within the patent system. She discusses her career journey, including her scientific background and…
- The Landmark Cases That Shaped Biotech Patents with Jorge Goldstein
Jorge Goldstein discusses the evolution of biotechnology law and landmark patent cases. He shares insights from his career and his book, "Patenting Life."
- Seismic Shifts: The Future of Tech Transfer Amidst Crisis and Uncertainty with Jodie Richardson
Jodie Richardson, Director of Customer Success at TechPipeline, discusses the future of tech transfer amidst crisis and uncertainty. She covers federal funding shakeups, cost caps, and their effects on Tech Transfer offices, including hiri…
- Patents, Peer Review, and Policy: What Congress Needs to Understand Now with Kate Zernike
Kate Zernike discusses the impact of federal policy on scientific funding, research, and innovation. She explains how budget cuts, visa restrictions, and diversity program rollbacks threaten U.S. scientific leadership and affect researcher…
- How McGill’s Innovation Fund Turns Research Into Real-World Impact with Junji Nishihata
In this episode, Junji Nishihata explains the McGill Innovation Fund, created in 2021 to provide early-stage research funding. The fund supports faculty, startups, and researchers with grants from $25,000 to $100,000, along with a year-lon…
- WARF at 100: Shaping Science, Society, and the Next Generation of Innovation
This episode of AUTM on the Air celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). The discussion covers WARF's historical impact, its role in shaping national policy and commercializing breakthrough techn…
- Supporting Startups For Ocean Health And Coastal Resilience With Millicent Pitts
Millicent Pitts, CEO and Executive Director of Ocean Exchange, discusses her work in supporting startups for ocean health and coastal resilience. She highlights the organization's role in advancing sustainable and scalable innovations in t…
- Rewriting the Rules of Disability and Work with Dr. Kirk Adams
Dr. Kirk Adams, who lost his vision at age five, shares his journey and mission to create a world where people with disabilities are seen, valued, and included. He discusses his work with organizations to build cultures of inclusion, the r…
- Designing for the Edge: Rethinking Inclusion in a Digital World with Dr. Jutta Treviranus
Dr. Jutta Treviranus, director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre, discusses inclusive design, its role in shaping global accessibility laws, and its impact on tech standards. She explains her "human starburst" metaphor and the benefi…
- The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: A Global Symbol of Inclusion with Paul White
This episode of AUTM on the Air features Paul White, CEO and co-founder of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. He discusses how the sunflower symbol, started in 2016, helps people with invisible disabilities feel understood and included globall…
- The Power Behind Evolutionary Change Featuring Dr. Geerat Vermeij
Dr. Geerat J. Vermeij, a blind evolutionary biologist, discusses his career, research on mollusk shells and evolution, and his theory that power, not just energy, drives evolution. He also shares his experiences navigating academia as a bl…
- Doug Moe on WARF, Warfarin, and the Power of University Research
This episode features author Doug Moe discussing his book about Karl Paul Link and the discovery of warfarin. He shares insights into the research process, historical context, and the ongoing impact of university-driven innovation.
- Green by Design: Integrating Sustainability into Innovation Strategy with Josh Dorfman
This episode features Josh Dorfman, who discusses integrating sustainability into innovation strategies. He shares insights on developing and commercializing climate-focused technologies, including his work with Plantd on carbon-negative b…
- Transforming Tech Transfer with AI-Driven Insight with Steven Lehmann and Ashish Uppala
Steven Lehmann and Ashish Uppala discuss how Stargaze uses AI to help universities identify and commercialize innovation. They explain how Stargaze integrates complex data and predicts commercial potential to transform tech transfer.
- Navigating Software, AI, and Open Source in Tech Transfer: A Conversation with Dan Dardani
This episode of AUTM on the Air features Dan Dardani discussing software innovation, particularly in the context of tech transfer. He covers topics such as copyright, patents, open-source licensing, and commercializing digital tools, as we…
- Unlocking Innovation with AI-Powered IP Tools featuring Dr. Marcia Chang
In this episode of AUTM on the Air, Dr. Marcia Chang discusses how AI-powered tools are transforming intellectual property management. She explains how Tradespace uses AI to streamline the IP lifecycle, from invention disclosures to identi…
- Dividing the Equity Pie: Biotech Startup Realities with Dr. Jahanara Ali
Dr. Jahanara Ali, founder of Longitude Ventures Consulting, discusses equity distribution in biotech startups. She shares insights from her research on how equity was distributed among founders and investors in biotech companies that went…
- Helping Universities Navigate Europe’s New Patent Landscape with Dr. Rose Hughes
Dr. Rose Hughes from Evolve discusses Europe’s new patent landscape. She covers recent patent decisions, including topics like reading claims, post-field data, and AI-driven cell-analysis methods, offering takeaways for university tech-tra…
- CRISPR Breakthroughs in Tuberculosis and Tech Transfer with Dr. Valwynne Faulkner
Dr. Valwynne Faulkner discusses using CRISPR to combat tuberculosis and her experiences with a tech transfer fellowship. She shares insights on patents, partnerships, and moving discoveries from the lab to application.