Over the next two weeks, we’re doing something a little different, with a special two-part conversation featuring five extraordinary women who will be joining the AUTM Board of Directors in February 2026. To give us the space to really dig in, we split these conversations across two episodes, so we could spend more time on the perspectives, experiences, and leadership each of these new board members brings to the tech transfer community.

In this episode, we’re joined by Felicia Metz from the University of Maryland Ventures, Maithili Shroff from the University of New Hampshire, and Katie Butcher from Northwestern University. Next week, the conversation continues with Patricia Stepp of Rice University and Laura Schoppe, founder of TechPipeline, bringing in additional viewpoints from both inside and outside the university setting.

Katie Butcher brings an MBA from Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Law from Northwestern into her role, giving her a strong mix of business and legal experience that shapes how licensing and commercialization work at Northwestern. Felicia Metz is an Associate Director at University of Maryland Ventures, where her work spans patent prosecution, building and managing IP portfolios, and licensing strategy. 

Maithili Shroff is a Licensing Manager at the University of New Hampshire, an R1 institution, where she draws on her PhD training to support innovation and intellectual property commercialization, with a perspective shaped by working across a wide range of research areas. Together, these three leaders reflect the breadth of backgrounds, expertise, and lived experience shaping the future of tech transfer, and they offer a thoughtful look at why this moment matters for the profession and for AUTM’s leadership going forward.

In This Episode:

[00] This is a special two-part series introducing five women who will join the AUTM Board of Directors in February 2026.

[03:26] Katie shares her path to tech transfer. She has an MBA and has worked in the legal field. She spent her first 20 years in the entertainment industry. 

[04:33] Her background was strong, but she also had a lot of learning on the job in science, technology, and learning. It's been an exciting adventure being in this field. 

[05:58] Felicia entered tech transfer as a student and unexpectedly built a long-term career in the field.

[08:10] She explains how the profession has evolved toward specialization and complementary skill sets across offices.

[09:41] Maithili describes how her PhD led her to question what happens to research after publication.

[11:22] She shares how the AUTM fellowship and the collaborative culture of the community shaped her career path.

[13:18] The panel discusses why tech transfer welcomes professionals from many backgrounds, not just STEM or law.

[15:23] Curiosity, flexibility, and comfort with ambiguity are emphasized as essential traits for success.

[16:49] Why running for the AUTM Board felt timely and meaningful.

[18:42] The importance of representing non-STEM and operational roles in tech transfer leadership.

[20:14] Advocacy, higher-education pressures, and why board service feels urgent right now.

[21:20] We discuss funding uncertainty, policy shifts, and broader challenges facing tech transfer.

[24:02] Budget constraints, staffing pressures, and the reality of doing more with fewer resources are explored.

[26:09] The importance of telling the tech transfer story and demonstrating real-world impact comes into focus.

[29:10] Data and metrics are discussed as tools for visibility, accountability, and storytelling.

[32:18] Artificial intelligence enters the conversation as both a disruptive force and a potential support tool.

[35:10] The panel considers how AI could improve efficiency without replacing human judgment.

[38:00] The guests share their hopes for where tech transfer and AUTM could be in five years.

[39:50] Felicia shares a personal story that underscores why tech transfer work truly matters.

[43:47] Reflections on partnership, service, and shared success.

Resources: 

AUTM

Katie Butcher - Northwestern University

Katie Butcher - LinkedIn

Felicia Metz - University of Maryland

Felicia Metz - LinkedIn

Maithili Shroff - University of New Hampshire

Maithili Shroff - LinkedIn

AUTM Better World Project

Patents, Peer Review, and Policy: What Congress Needs to Understand Now with Kate Zernike

Lessons From the WIPO-AUTM Knowledge and Technology Transfer Summit with Steve Susalka

We’re diving into the blue economy with a fascinating conversation about ocean innovation and entrepreneurship. The discussion focuses on the practical reality of building ocean-focused companies, including the scientific complexity, regulatory hurdles, funding constraints, and long development timelines that make this sector very different from more familiar startup environments.

Our guest is Tamara Kahn Zissman, Director of Founder Success at Seaworthy Collective, a Miami-based nonprofit accelerator supporting BlueTech startups focused on ocean impact. Before working with founders, Tamara spent more than a decade at sea using advanced geophysical sensors in demanding environments. Her work took her from the Arctic to the waters off Borneo, giving her a firsthand view of how ocean systems, climate pressures, and human activity intersect.

Tamara holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. At Seaworthy Collective, she designs and leads programs built around human-centered design, helping “Sea Change Makers” grow ocean data technologies into viable, planet-positive businesses. We also discuss the Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator launching in February 2026, with applications open through January 28, 2026.

In This Episode:

[00:04] The blue economy and why ocean innovation is becoming a critical focus within research commercialization.

[02:44] Tamara Kahn Zissman explains what blue tech means and how the definition of the blue economy has shifted toward sustainability and regeneration.

[04:15] She describes the ocean as one of the planet’s most important climate regulators and explains why data gaps remain such a major challenge.

[06:21] We explore the founding vision behind Seaworthy Collective and how the organization evolved to better support ocean entrepreneurs.

[07:18] Tamara discusses Seaworthy’s emphasis on human-centered design and why supporting founders as people is essential for long-term success.

[10:20] Unique barriers ocean startups face, including capital intensity, long validation cycles, and regulatory complexity.

[12:30] How collaboration across accelerators can create stronger commercialization pathways than competition alone.

[13:36] What Seaworthy looks for in applicants and why alignment between founders and program support matters.

[14:42] Tamara outlines the structure of the Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator and the level of commitment expected from participants.

[16:28] The benefits of mixed cohorts that include both aspiring founders and early-stage startups.

[18:45] How community support within cohorts accelerates learning and confidence for first-time founders.

[21:30] We talk about the role of ocean data technologies and why they are central to the future of the blue economy.

[24:10] How Seaworthy helps founders translate strong science into viable business models without losing impact.

[27:05] Non-dilutive funding and why it plays a critical role in ocean innovation.

[30:15] How the Continuum network connects ocean enterprise accelerators across the country.

[33:20] We discuss how researchers and tech transfer professionals can better engage with ocean-focused startups.

[36:56] Details on Seaworthy’s Ocean Enterprise Studio and Incubator launching in February 2026 with a January 28, 2026 application deadline.

[38:21] What gives her hope about the future of ocean innovation and growing awareness of the blue economy.

[39:52] A call for researchers and entrepreneurs to turn ocean research into real-world solutions.

Resources: 

AUTM

Seaworthy Collective

Seaworthy Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator

NOAA Ocean Enterprise Network

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Tamara Kahn Zissman - LinkedIn

In November 2025, Bangkok, Thailand became the epicenter of a global conversation about the future of innovation. Leaders from around the world gathered for the WIPO-AUTM Knowledge and Technology Transfer Summit, creating a rare space for open discussion about what is working, what is strained, and what needs to evolve in the tech transfer profession.

With participants representing 27 countries, the summit surfaced a striking reality. Whether operating within long-established innovation ecosystems or building tech transfer capacity from the ground up, institutions are wrestling with many of the same core issues. Conversations repeatedly returned to questions of impact, sustainability, and talent, as well as a growing disconnect between how innovation actually unfolds and how it is often funded or evaluated. Short timelines and rigid expectations simply do not match the slow, uneven, and sometimes unpredictable path from research to real-world application.

At the same time, it was clear that there is no single right model. Every region approaches technology transfer through the lens of its own culture, institutions, and policy environment. Some emphasize startups, others focus on licensing or industry partnerships, and ownership structures vary widely. What connects these approaches is a shared understanding that technology transfer is no longer a straight line from disclosure to deal. It has become an ecosystem role that requires flexibility, patience, and long-term thinking.

To help unpack what these global conversations mean for the future of the profession, we’re joined by Steve Susalka, CEO of AUTM, who chaired the summit and had a front-row seat to these discussions. Drawing on perspectives from across continents and systems, Steve offers a grounded view of where technology transfer stands today, where it’s headed, and what it will take to strengthen the profession, support the people doing the work, and expand its real-world impact.

In This Episode:

[05:32] Steve Susalka shares why the WIPO-AUTM Summit prioritized global dialogue over prescribing best practices.

[07:12] Similar concerns surface regardless of whether countries have mature or emerging tech transfer systems.

[09:01] Common challenges emerge across 27 countries, even among vastly different innovation ecosystems.

[11:04] Why misunderstanding the role of tech transfer creates unrealistic expectations at the institutional level.

[13:18] Short-term funding cycles collide with the long timelines required for meaningful innovation.

[15:02] The tension between public mission and commercial pressure facing many university offices.

[17:44] A comparison of global ownership models and how they influence faculty, startups, and industry engagement.

[19:26] How early industry engagement can reduce friction later in the commercialization process.

[22:09] Startup formation as a critical bridge across the “valley of death” for early-stage technologies.

[24:41] Why some of the most impactful technologies require patience, risk tolerance, and exclusive pathways.

[27:36] The profession’s shift away from linear tech transfer models toward ecosystem-based approaches.

[29:58] The growing importance of culture-building and education alongside traditional licensing work.

[32:15] Why attempting to replicate Silicon Valley or MIT often fails without comparable infrastructure and culture.

[34:22] Tech transfer professionals as translators between academia, industry, and government.

[36:58] The human toll of tech transfer work, including burnout, turnover, and career sustainability concerns.

[39:11] What sustainability really means for tech transfer offices beyond annual budgets.

[41:27] How promotion and tenure systems can either reinforce or undermine innovation efforts on campus.

[44:08] Why global collaboration can help regions avoid repeating the same hard-earned lessons.

[46:03] What surprised Steve most in conversations with leaders from emerging innovation ecosystems.

[48:37] Why measuring success purely through revenue misses the broader value of innovation activity.

[50:41] AUTM’s role in advocating for the profession and making its impact more visible.

[55:12] Aligning funding expectations with realistic innovation timelines as a path to greater impact.

[59:08] Steve’s closing call to action for institutions, policymakers, and tech transfer professionals worldwide.

Resources: 

AUTM

Fostering Global Innovation: AUTM's Role in Shaping International Tech Transfer Conversations

WIPO

Stephen Susalka - LinkedIn

This is the second episode in our special series on mental health and Tech Transfer.

If you missed our first conversation with Jane Wainwright, I encourage you to go back and listen. It’s a candid look at why this topic matters and why it deserves real attention, not to be pushed to the side. Today, we’re continuing that discussion because the pressures inside tech transfer offices haven’t let up with constant policy shifts, funding uncertainty, tight deadlines, and the feeling of being stretched thinner every month. 

We’re joined today by two researchers from Western Kentucky University who understand these challenges from both the academic and human sides. Dr. Daniel Boamah is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work and a licensed clinical social worker. His research focuses on intellectual and developmental disabilities, child welfare, and addressing disparities affecting African-American males, immigrants, and refugees. He also serves as the clinical director at KYSTEP’s Multigroups and Survivors of Torture Recovery Center, where he works directly with individuals navigating trauma and long-term healing.

Dr. Kimberly Green is the department chair and an associate professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at WKU. She’s a nationally certified speech-language pathologist with deep experience in cultural competence, interprofessional collaboration, and diversity and inclusion efforts. She also participated in the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions’ 2023 Leadership Development Program, which prepares future leaders in health professions education.

Daniel and Kimberly have also partnered on an innovative project using virtual reality to increase awareness of implicit bias in child welfare decision-making, with work supported by multiple grants and recognition across Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem. They’ve been through the Tech Transfer process themselves, and they understand the emotional weight that comes with high-stakes, resource-limited environments. Today, we talk openly about where stress shows up in TTOs, how external pressures are affecting well-being, and what realistic, evidence-based support can look like for professionals who feel like they’re holding everything together without enough backup.

In This Episode:

[03:18] How culture inside small, specialized TTO teams can either support or hinder mental well-being.

[04:28] Daniel outlines how close-knit work environments amplify stress and compound personal and professional pressure.

[05:36] Kimberly describes the perfect storm created by rushed timelines, shrinking budgets, and pressure to deliver measurable results.

[06:31] We discuss the physical effects of burnout, including sleep disruption and declining overall health.

[07:55] Insights from their own commercialization journey, highlighting the emotional demands placed on TTO staff.

[09:01] The conversation turns to federal funding uncertainty and how proposed indirect cost caps are impacting morale and stability.

[10:22] The psychological ripple effect of budget cuts, including quiet quitting and fractured loyalty.

[11:48] We explore how external stressors, such as community trauma and world events, further intensify workplace pressure.

[13:06] Job insecurity and how fear, anxiety, and grief spread through close professional communities.

[14:13] The real impact of secondary trauma and emotional contagion within teams and families.

[15:42] Daniel shares evidence-based strategies for boundaries, coping skills, and building support networks.

[17:24] Kimberly highlights no-cost interventions such as affinity groups, behavior monitoring, and trust-centered communication.

[18:44] Concerns about EAP usage and strategies to reduce stigma through leadership transparency.

[20:02] Sustainable output requires building wellness into workflow rather than expecting staff to “power through.”

[21:08] The importance of peer support and external networking for small TTO teams.

[22:36] Leadership’s role is examined, including the need for proactive communication and meaningful involvement in problem-solving.

[23:54] Why authentic recognition and listening are central to preventing burnout and turnover.

[25:13] How harmful responses like “suck it up” undermine trust and accelerate burnout.

[26:51] Reframing resilience and grit, noting they cannot be achieved without recovery time and realistic expectations.

[28:18] Individual resilience from trauma-informed organizational change and why both matter.

[29:34] Practical steps for individuals to unplug, seek help, and be present during the holiday season.

[31:21] Workplace trauma is unpacked, revealing how fear, grief, and emotional contagion move through small, overstressed teams.

[34:40] Practical mental health strategies are offered, including monitoring physical cues, limiting constant availability, and normalizing unplugging.

[38:42] Kimberly emphasizes that meaningful improvements often come from trust, communication, and simple organizational shifts — not expensive programs.

[41:11] Stigma surrounding employee assistance programs is addressed, along with ways leaders can model openness to help others feel safe using resources.

[44:07] Taking time off becomes complicated when returning means facing a higher workload, reinforcing the need to rethink recovery time.

[47:00] Peer support expands outside the home institution, providing a new perspective and a healthier emotional balance for isolated teams.

[50:44] Red tape frustrations appear as a major pressure point, prompting a call for proactive collaboration rather than reactive crisis management.

[53:15] Leaders are encouraged to ask staff directly what they need instead of guessing from a distance.

[57:58] Resilience loses meaning when constant pressure leads to exhaustion rather than growth, and rest must be part of the equation.

[1:01:43] How system-level responsibility must match expectations placed on individuals to support mental well-being truly.

[1:05:24] Practical holiday-season reminders include being present, seeking help, and allowing yourself to unplug without guilt.

[1:08:46] The power of leadership modeling, transparency, and ongoing communication in rebuilding trust.

Resources: 

Daniel Boamah, Ph.D., LCSW - Western Kentucky University

Daniel Boamah, Ph.D., MA, LCSW - LinkedIn

Kimberly J. Green, Ed.D., CCC-SLP - Western Kentucky University

Kimberly J. Green - LinkedIn

Development of a Multitenant Virtual Reality Platform for Increasing Awareness of Implicit Bias in Child Welfare Decision-Making A Public Health Crisis

Improving Mental Health Across IP and Tech Transfer with Jane Wainwright

Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in Technology Transfer with Megan Aanstoos, Anji Miller, and Ed Ergenzinger

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 Professionals

Better World Project

Bayh–Dole Coalition

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Chad Riggs - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Chad Riggs - LinkedIn

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

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 Pragmatics

Jane Wainwright - LinkedIn

Jonathan’s Voice

2022 Mental Wellbeing Survey of the IP Profession

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 financial incentives with recognition and purpose.

[48:47] Moving from one-to-one collaborations to broader ecosystem models.

[50:38] Real-world example: Siemens’ shift to many-to-many partnerships.

[52:25] Recommendations for developing stronger institutional innovation cultures.

[55:16] Aligning incentives between faculty, TTOs, and administration.

[57:12] Expanding training and capacity-building programs across regions.

[60:04] Integrating social and economic impact metrics into tech transfer performance.

[63:15] The future of ecosystem-based innovation and the rise of data-driven insights.

[66:00] Redefining success to include collaboration, trust, and social value.

Resources: 

Unlocking University IP: Global Insights into Commercialization Challenges and Opportunities

Todd Davey - Todd Davey - Institut Mines-Télécom

Todd Davey - LinkedIn

Medisa Focic - LinkedIn

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 and tech transfer professionals to stay motivated and adaptable.

[51:33] Viewing challenges as evolution and how adversity strengthens teams and innovators.

[54:05] Staying fit, staying ready, and building a stronger innovation ecosystem.

Resources: 

Grant Engine

Sam Tetlow - Grant Engine

Sam Tetlow - LinkedIn

[email protected]

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