The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, or WARF, was created 100 years ago. It was a daring idea to turn scientific discoveries into real-world applications. Today marks the 100th anniversary. Since 1925, WARF has played a pioneering role in encouraging innovation, supporting scientific discovery, and ensuring that research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison benefits society.

To commemorate a century of influence, we're joined by four members of the WARF team, each with their own take on the past and future. Holly Adams, Contract Manager; Lesli Mark, Accelerator Manager; Michael Falk, Chief Intellectual Property and Licensing Officer; and Maureen Miner, Director of Human Resources and Cultural Advancement.

In this episode, we reflect on WARF's impact over the last century, from shaping national policy through the Bayh-Dole Act to commercializing breakthrough technologies in stem cell research, agriculture, and medical imaging.

You'll learn how the team is evolving WARF's purpose through new programs like Startup Advantage, deeper industry involvement, and the intentional incorporation of AI into IP strategy. We also look at how WARF maintains its collaborative, mission-driven culture, and what this means for the next generation of researchers and innovators. It's a discussion about legacy, leadership, and what it takes to keep innovation going today and into the next century.

In This Episode:

[02:41] We learn what celebrating 100 years of WARF means to our guests personally and professionally. 

[03:37] WARF is an institution with stability even during ups and downs. It's a pleasure to serve a public research university.

[04:07] Invest in research and make a difference. Turning university ideas into real world impact.

[05:32] The Bayh-Dole Act was modeled on what WARF instituted and became a model for tech transfer around the country. 

[06:24] Technological contributions include work with stem cells.

[07:51] How stem cell research helped a paralyzed man regain control of his extremities.

[09:52] Holly talks about how the needs and complexities of licensing agreements have evolved over the years. They need to streamline the formation of startups coming out of Wisconsin-Madison.

[10:29] The Startup Advantage Program is to help offset some of the costs that startups face.

[11:16] Communication and a proactive approach is needed to create licensing agreements and needed changes.

[12:06] How agreements and compliance have evolved overtime. They have a customized version of Salesforce and an online reporting tool.

[13:39] The vital role of contract management with agreement obligations and compliance. Visiting local startups is also a great method.

[14:43] Lesli is the Accelerator Manager for WARF.  A lot of their work is in licensing. There needs to be more advancement in these technologies coming off of campus. Methods of selecting technology and moving forward have changed.

[16:22] Having subject matter experts helps accelerate the technology.

[18:32] Identifying and supporting some of the most promising projects. They look at 400 disclosures a year and flag ones that they think will have market impact and need their help.

[21:31] Opportunities and challenges of the next century of WARF include engaging with industry.

[22:41] Michael talks about IP and licensing. They have always been inventor focused. Each disclosure is a product of an inventor's life's work.

[24:26] Licensing success stories include advancements in medical imaging and radiopharmaceuticals and advances in agriculture.

[27:22] AI challenges and opportunities and preparing for the future.

[29:54] They are technology and inventor focused. Will a patent help a technology get out into the world?

[32:09] Maureen talks about the people and the mission driven culture. A lot of people are engaged and excited about working at WARF. 

[33:35] They've focused on reaching everyone. All people can be inventors and they want to make sure that they can promote them and reach out.

[34:13] They've been strategic about celebrating innovations.

[35:02] They have a hybrid structure where they support and meet employees where they are. Along with a robust health and wellness program and benefits. They also encourage paid community involvement.

[36:49] Taking the vision of WARF and turning it over to employees.

[37:35] Michael is most proud of how researchers appreciate and respect WARF.

[38:43] WARF offers employees the opportunity to learn and grow. 

[39:39] They are also very proud of the startups that they've been able to help.

[40:07] Being a valued partner and being a helpful resource supports the culture. Along with connections with colleagues.

[41:02] Carrying the WARF legacy forward. 

Resources: 

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation: WARF

Holly Adams - WARF

Holly Adams - LinkedIn

Lesli Mark - WARF

Michael Falk - WARF

Maureen Miner - WARF

Maureen Miner - LinkedIn

The blue economy is rapidly evolving. There’s a growing demand for innovation that’s both sustainable and scalable. Leading this work is Millicent Pitts, CEO and Executive Director of Ocean Exchange. Over the last ten years, she has helped the organization identify and support cutting-edge solutions that protect ocean health and strengthen coastal systems.

Millicent spent three decades in the chemical and materials industry, holding senior roles at BASF, Engelhard, Arco Chemical, and more. She also earned her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. This background gives her a practical, business-minded approach to sustainability. She also serves as a mentor and judge for cleantech and ocean innovation competitions, including Creative Destruction Lab and NOAA’s Blue Economy Subcommittee.

Ocean Exchange is a catalyst for turning research into real-world impact. Through its $100,000 Neptune Awards and collegiate grants, the organization has supported over 170 finalists who have collectively raised more than $3.2 billion in funding. Millicent discusses how these non-dilutive awards and mentorship programs help innovators move from idea to execution. We also discuss why Tech Transfer professionals play an important role in identifying talent and technologies that are suited for the blue economy.

As one of just four national partners in NOAA’s Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, Ocean Exchange is expanding its reach through a well-funded initiative focused on ocean data, environmental resilience, and commercialization support. Today, we’ll highlight practical ways TTOs can engage, from encouraging student and faculty applications to joining review teams or helping innovators explore ocean use cases.

In This Episode:

[02:15] Millicent spent three decades in the chemical and materials industry. She benefited from working for companies that took environmental responsibility seriously.

[03:22] Ocean Exchange has been around for 14 years and has a global reach. Their mission has always been to help advance the adoption of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and resilient coastal systems.

[04:17] They moved from Savannah, Georgia to South Florida. South Florida is ground zero for many of these ocean and coastal system topics.

[05:32] One of the things when she joined the organization was to make it more marketing and business friendly. 

[06:34] The more modern way of thinking of the blue economy embodies the idea that humans can use and interact with the ocean and not harm it.

[07:22] In their 13 years of granting, they've had about 170 finalists who have raised 3.2 billion dollars. Most of it was in seed rounds and venture capital.

[10:00] Ocean Exchange had a vision to find innovators and help their work have investment and societal impact.

[13:17] Lives will be uplifted wherever these innovations are implemented.

[14:04] How the ecosystem supports award applicants and winners beyond funding. A wide array of industry experts review the applications on impact, level of innovation, and ability to execute. This is part of their best network.

[21:18] The $100,000 Neptune Awards. They take in philanthropy from families and corporations. After the selection process, they end up with 15 finalists. The award goes to any innovation about oceans and coastal systems.

[22:55] Non-diluted funds are distributed meaning they don't take equity.

[28:35] How tech transfer offices can leverage the collegiate awards which helps them reach undergraduates. Tech Transfer offices help connect the students.

[33:13] We discuss applying to one or more of the NOAA accelerators. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association, a part of the Department of Commerce, announced an accelerator program.

[35:21] There are seven groups in the continuum that put forth a national model.

[36:41] They want to reach more at the university and faculty level that have ocean use case innovations.

[40:40] Each group gets a grant of 14 million dollars over 4 years. 40% of that will go through TDC Awards, Technology Development and Commercialization Awards.

[41:13] Millicent manages these awards. The Great Lakes are also considered part of the ocean system. Most of the awards are between the range of 10,000 to 200,000 dollars.

[42:30] You have to complete one of the accelerator programs also. You need to separately apply for the TDC award and say how you're going to use the money.

[43:27] Goals include having at least $400,000 worth of non-dilutive grants.

[45:18] She really wants Tech Transfer managers and executives to engage and maybe even be an expert on their review team. 

[46:14] There are great opportunities in the blue tech space, and they will help you through it.

[46:40] Key deadlines: The collegiate grants have a deadline of September. There is still time if you're in the Americas to apply for the $100,000 award. Apply at Oceanexchange.org.

Resources: 

Ocean Exchange

Millicent Pitts - LinkedIn

Creative Destruction Lab

NOAA Blue Economy Subcommittee

F6S Platform

[email protected]

(912) 257-0209

Clarity can come from lived experience, and Dr. Kirk Adams brings that clarity into every conversation about inclusion. After losing his vision at age five, he began a journey that would shape his life, and the lives of countless others. What started as a personal challenge became a lifelong mission to him. He wanted to create a world where people with disabilities are seen, valued, and included. This is a wonderful story of persistence, purpose, and real leadership.

Dr. Adams has led some of the most influential organizations in the blindness and disability inclusion space. As the prior President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., and the American Foundation for the Blind, he focused on employment equity, community integration, and systemic change. He’s worked with tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft to make sure accessibility is part of the design. He’s also contributed to boards and task forces across sectors.

Now as Managing Director of Innovative Impact, LLC, Dr. Adams partners with organizations to build cultures of inclusion from the inside out. He believes that accessibility is about connection, opportunity, and the kind of leadership that invites people to bring their full selves to work. His academic background, including a Ph.D. on the employment of blind adults in corporate America, only deepens his understanding of the structural barriers so many still face and what it takes to overcome them.

In this episode, Dr. Adams shares lessons from his own journey, insights into the role of accessible innovation, and why hiring people with disabilities is smart business. Whether he’s talking about universal design or how to build trust through self-disclosure, he has a consistent message that inclusion benefits everyone. 

In This Episode:

[04:44] We learn about Dr. Adams' personal journey of having detached retinas as a child and losing his vision.

[05:29] His parents actually moved to Oregon, so he could go to the Oregon School for the Blind.

[06:02] He was given three things at the school including skills needed for blind people such as traveling while blind and learning Braille. He was also given the gift of high expectations and the strong belief that he could overcome obstacles and solve problems.

[07:53] He had strong internal locus control meaning he was able to do things.

[08:26] After graduating from college, he had to go through the super arduous task of trying to find a job.

[09:52] After working in finance, he pivoted into the nonprofit sector, so he could create environments and opportunities for other people with disabilities.

[10:28] Leadership was the best lever he could use to create change. He got a masters and PhD in leadership because he felt this was the way to really implement change.

[14:52] Common barriers to workforce inclusion for people with disabilities include transportation and employer attitudes. Many don't understand that the lived experience of disability gives people unique opportunities to develop strengths that are really important in the workplace.

[17:13] The role of accessible innovation in creating a more inclusive workplace. We discuss the difference between an impairment and a disability.

[19:05] We want to reduce disabling situations as much as we can.

[20:37] Many people do not want to disclose their mental health issues. One of the best ways to help accommodate people with disabilities is to provide needed accommodations.

[22:47] Measuring disability inclusion in the workplace.

[24:34] Studies have shown that if 20% of the workforce has a disability, it becomes a better and more inclusive environment.

[25:28] Having inclusion for people with disabilities through all the processes of tech transfer.

[28:17] The importance of collecting demographic data for inclusion purposes.

[31:10] How things have changed and inclusivity is now a matter of discussion. 

[32:02] Accelerating inclusion and encouraging the adoption of accessible technologies.

[34:35] It's important to preserve implementation and enforcement of things like the American Disabilities Act. 

[35:31] How data for people with disabilities are underrepresented in large language models. Bias can be built into these models.

[37:46] Projects and initiatives that Dr. Adams is currently working on include The Apex Program that helps launch blind people into cyber security careers.

[39:50] The ultimate goal is to have the same outcomes for people with disabilities as the general population has.

Resources: 

Dr. Kirk Adams

Dr. Kirk Adams - LinkedIn

Dr. Kirk Adams - YouTube

The APEX Program

This month we are honoring the history, achievements, culture, and ongoing advocacy of people with disabilities. This is our third episode celebrating Disability Pride Month. Today, we're privileged to speak with Dr. Jutta Treviranus, a true pioneer in inclusive design. As the director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) at OCAD University in Toronto, Dr. Treviranus has been instrumental in shaping global accessibility laws and influencing the tech standards that major companies use. 

She has been constantly pushing the limits of what genuinely inclusive digital environments can be. Among her many achievements, she's been honored with the prestigious AI for Good - DEI AI Leader of the Year Award from Women in AI. Her entire approach is built on advocating for those whose experiences don't fit the "average" mold.

In this episode, you'll learn about her "human starburst" metaphor and how it's changing design philosophy, why focusing on diversity at the edges of a system actually makes those systems more resilient and adaptable and what it really takes to confront bias in the age of AI. Dr. Treviranus shares powerful stories from the trenches, showing how inclusive design is a powerful driver for innovation that ultimately benefits us all.



In This Episode:

[02:22] Inclusive Design or the Canadian School of Inclusive Design is focused on an understanding that diversity is our greatest asset and inclusion is our greatest challenge.

[03:28] The "human starburst" is a growing data set of what people need to thrive.

[04:52] In the middle there's a cluster of 80% of the needs of all the population, the remaining 20% of the needs are distributed from that. The needs in the middle are more similar the further apart ones are different.

[06:08] Most products designed are for the 80%.

[07:22] The unexplored terrain leaves room for innovation.

[08:01] The Canadian school starts at the edge and designs for those where things aren't working. It creates an adaptive environment.

[09:17] Why inclusive design is critical in our digital age. We are replicating the same pattern instead of transforming. If we design our systems for people that are struggling, we will create things that work for us.

[10:52] The inclusive masters program launched at OCAD University back in 2010. They wanted to ensure it meant the largest range of needs.

[13:08] What Jutta feels are her significant contributions to inclusive design.

[13:30] She's proud of the students who take this mindset and expand it and the organic growth of a new way of looking at things.

[16:17] We learn about IDRC's We Count project. By the time chat GPT came out AI was already affecting major critical decisions in everyone's life.

[17:27] If we continue this pattern we'll do quite a bit of harm to ourselves and outliers. Such as AI hiring where there's a pattern for the optimal employee. This can amplify discrimination already present and lead to monocultures.

[19:29] It's a statistical reasoning machine with no guidance and nothing filtered out. Jutta is trying to address the needs of people who are vulnerable and most harmed by these systems.

[21:31] There's an uptick in collateral damage to people who aren't like the average, including iatrogenic death and illness.

[23:01] We Count is trying to invert the algorithm and look for different perspectives.

[25:48] We Count has been in existence since 2016.

[28:07] The importance of engaging the intended beneficiaries and the people who have the most difficulty with whatever you're designing.

[29:40] What tech transfer students should know about innovation and inclusion to ensure innovations are accessible and beneficial to the widest audience.

[31:13] Engaging more with the community will help embed inclusive design into the tech transfer process.

[33:00] One of the biggest misconceptions is that inclusive design costs more.

[37:01] Jutta shares advice for championing inclusion in our work. Look for the edges of the human starburst.

Resources: 

Inclusive Design Research Centre OCAD University

Jutta Treviranus - OCAD University

Jutta Treviranus - LinkedIn

We Count: IDRC's Inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiatives

In honor of Disability Pride Month, I'd like to talk about a simple image that's quietly making a big difference around the globe. You might've seen it, a sunflower printed on a lanyard or pinned to someone's jacket, but maybe you weren't exactly sure what it meant. Well, that little sunflower is a lifeline, a subtle sign helping millions of people with invisible disabilities feel less alone, better understood, and genuinely welcome.

Paul White, who’s joining me today, is the CEO and co-founder of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Back in 2016, Paul set out to change how we see disability, not just the ones that are obvious, but the ones you can't always see at first glance. Under his guidance, the Sunflower initiative has reached more than 40,000 locations in 53 countries, giving people space to simply exist without constantly needing to explain or justify themselves. 

In our chat today, Paul opens up about how the Sunflower started as a small airport project and grew into a worldwide movement, and he shares why places like universities and tech transfer offices have such an important role in creating environments where everyone truly feels they belong.

In This Episode:

[02:15] The Hidden Disability Sunflower was created in 2016. It was first used at the Gatwick Airport to help identify people with non-visible disabilities.

[04:07] The sunflower was used because they wanted to create a symbol around positivity, happiness, strength, and confidence.

[05:08] Disability is about barriers, and the sunflower is about what you can do.

[06:23] A hidden disability is any disability that isn't visible. It can range from hearing loss to any type of chronic condition. Environments such as airports can also make people feel disabled. 

[09:46] Wearing the sunflower enabled a man with dementia to ride the bus and go to the sports club without his wife.

[10:40] The sunflower program also offers training and advocates for rights within the community.

[14:24] Sunflower has a membership platform, and the first thing you'll see is the training. There are also testimonials about how the sunflower has impacted people.

[15:35] The hidden disability sunflower means that a wearer has a non-visible disability. You don't need to know or ask what that person's condition is, just give extra time, patience and understanding.

[18:43] One in seven people have some form of disability. It should be up to an organization to allow a space for this person to access this area.

[22:27] Universities are also using the sunflower. It helps spark the conversation and normalize disability.

[23:42] The Scouts have also just introduced their first sunflower badge.

[25:12] How the sunflower is being used as a symbol to help create independence in the Middle East. They have Global Partners all across the globe.

[28:28] Paul's message would be for businesses and organizations to create an environment where people feel comfortable disclosing that they may have a non-visible disability.

[29:45] Organizations could have newsletters, representation, or employ more disabled people.

Resources: 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Paul White

Paul White - LinkedIn

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Instagram

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Facebook

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - X

Have you ever tried to picture the natural world without relying on sight? It’s a wild thought, but for Dr. Geerat J. Vermeij, it’s just how he experiences life. Blind since the age of three, Dr. Vermeij built an extraordinary career as an evolutionary biologist. He’s a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, a celebrated author, and Professor Emeritus of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis.

In our conversation, Dr. Vermeij walks us through the hidden stories that mollusk shells can tell us about evolution. Think underwater battles, survival strategies, and long-forgotten extinction events. He also introduces a powerful idea (no pun intended): that it’s not just energy that drives evolution, it's power. He digs into this more deeply in his book The Evolution of Power, which turns traditional theories on their head in the best possible way.

But science is just part of the story. Dr. Vermeij also talks about what it’s been like to build a life in academia without sight including challenges, but also the deep gratitude he has for the mentors and collaborators who helped him thrive. He doesn’t sugarcoat it, but there’s something incredibly moving about the way he frames inclusion not as charity, but as essential to discovery.

This episode kicks off our special series for Disability Pride Month, where we spotlight brilliant thinkers who expand how we see the world and what’s possible within it. Dr. Vermeij’s life reminds us that resilience, curiosity, and community can break barriers and reshape the story of science itself.

In This Episode:

[02:32] Dr. Vermeij talks about some of the things that he is the most proud of including his early insights including that shells are defenses against predators.

[03:12] Shells get damaged but not necessarily lethally damaged. Most of his work has been a variation of this theme.

[04:04] These adaptations are relatively recent in geological time. This means that the evolution between predator and prey has experienced spectacular adaptations.

[05:16] He spent a lot of time studying in Guam, Panama, and Jamaica. Also New Guinea, Australia, and many more Islands. Every biologist should visit the tropics.

[07:08] His main finding was to connect geological history with modern adaptation. He's also expanded to other organisms besides mollusks.

[08:17] He's working on another book about what it's like to be a scientist. He and a colleague are also working on the evolution of semi-aquatic mammals.

[09:39] Trying to understand evolutionary transitions and taking fossils into account is part of a larger project.

[10:17] We should be diverse in the ways that we approach problems.

[11:01] Unanswered questions in biology today including questions about natural selection.

[12:40] What are the effects of climate change? A place to look are the changes in the effects of the geological records.

[13:15] Dr. Vermeij talks about his book, The Evolution of Power. Energy doesn't do anything for you unless you use it.

[16:39] How collecting shells as a boy shaped his love for the sciences. He's always had an interest in nature and the natural sciences.

[20:13] We learn about his experience being a blind scientist. According to Dr. Vermeij, he has faced relatively few barriers. He had highly supportive potential mentors.

[22:38] He's adapted well to his work, because he's had extremely amazing and helpful assistants.

[24:03] All of his role models have been sighted, and have gone out of their way to help someone who was really interested in their work.

[27:15] He's always had a successful career from the beginning.

[28:32] Advice includes really liking what you're doing and working very hard. Have a strong curiosity about the world and the sense of what is important and what is not important.

[29:39] For blind people, having readers can get you through materials so much faster than the computer. This is also how Dr. Vermeij met his wife.

[31:56] He's had a long time view that we should pay less attention to people's identities and more to what they can actually do.

[33:42] He's the most proud of his journey, and how he recognized something interesting and pursued knowledge. He's all about asking scientific questions.

Resources: 

Dr. Geerat J. Vermeij - UC Davis

The Evolution of Power: A New Understanding of the History of Life

MacArthur Fellows

What if one of the most important medical breakthroughs of the 20th century began with a dead cow and a desperate young farmer? That’s exactly what happened in 1933, when 21-year-old Ed Carlson arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, carrying a bucket of blood and a mystery that would eventually lead to the discovery of warfarin. This unlikely starting point sparked years of relentless research by biochemist Karl Paul Link and his team, fueled by scientific curiosity, institutional support, and an unshakable belief in the power of perseverance.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), we’re shining a light on the remarkable intersection of science, history, and Wisconsin legacy that made this discovery possible. Our guest is acclaimed journalist and author Doug Moe, whose storytelling career spans four decades and includes thousands of columns and multiple award-winning biographies. His latest work, Saving Hearts and Killing Rats: Karl Paul Link and the Discovery of Warfarin, brings this fascinating journey to life and was recently honored as the “Wisconsin Book of the Month” by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In our conversation, Doug shares how he was first approached to tell this story, why it took him years to finally dive in, and what he uncovered in Link’s letters, archives, and personal history. We’ll hear about the personalities, the persistence, and the politics that surrounded the development of warfarin and explore why the impact of WARF and university-driven innovation still resonates so powerfully a hundred years later.

In This Episode:

[01:59] Tom Link, the son of Carl Paul Link, brought Doug a stack of articles and papers about his dad. This was a decade ago. 

[03:24] Doug knew Carl Paul Link was somebody who needed a biography written. This is the perfect time to highlight innovation and university research and tech transfer.

[04:40] Link died in 1978, but the University of Wisconsin had an amazing archive of his work. Link was an avid letter writer. He would even put the time of his correspondence on his letters and it was often 2:30 in the morning.

[06:09] The incoming correspondence was also a treasure trove.

[07:24] Doug walks us through the story of the origin of warfarin, beginning with a dead cow and a bucket of blood. 

[09:02] There was a connection between sweet clover hay and cow's dying because their blood couldn't clot.

[10:15] Scientists spent six years trying to figure out why this was. They eventually discovered a hemorrhagic agent that they were able to reproduce synthetically.

[11:27] They faced many hurdles including how long it took to have success. Perseverance is at the top of the success list. 

[13:10] People doubted Link's story, but Ed Carlson was real. 

[15:14] Warfarin is an anticoagulant, but it can also be used as a rat poison.

[17:10] How warfarin got its name. 

[19:06] The tipping point for warfarin becoming commonly accepted was when President Eisenhower had a heart attack in 1955.

[20:34] Link had a big personality. He was likely manic depressive or bipolar. He was a complex individual. He was also a fancy dresser. 

[22:52] Link was also into activism on campus. 

[25:00] He also had controversies. 

[28:44] We learn about Link's blowout with Harry Steenbock.

[29:25] WARF's involvement in warfarin becoming available to the public. WARF helped with the patent and donated money to the University of Wisconsin.

[31:37] WARF's 100th anniversary, and the power of university tech transfer and public research foundations.

[32:29] Doug is glad that his book highlights the importance of innovation and tech transfer. 

[34:29] What Doug would like readers to take from the book.

Resources: 

Saving Hearts and Killing Rats: Karl Paul Link and the Discovery of Warfarin

Doug Moe

Doug Moe - LinkedIn

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation:WARF

Karl Paul Link

What happens when climate innovation isn’t just a buzzword but a blueprint for real change? In this episode, we explore how climate-focused technologies are being developed, commercialized, and scaled in ways that go far beyond traditional models. 

My guest, Josh Dorfman, brings a rare mix of experience in both business and policy, with a track record of building ventures that reduce emissions while delivering everyday value. Josh is the co-founder and CEO of Plantd, a company creating carbon-negative building materials that was recently named one of the world’s most innovative by Fast Company. 

He also launched The Lazy Environmentalist, a media brand that made sustainability more accessible, and now runs Supercool, a platform spotlighting climate tech with real-world impact. With past work ranging from startups to established brands like Brita, Josh offers a grounded, actionable look at how innovation, sustainability, and commercialization intersect and what that means for tech transfer offices and startups who want to make a difference.

In This Episode:

[02:17] Thinking about climate goes back to being an English teacher in China in the 1990s. He saw the future of a billion cars in China and never shook the thought. 

[04:36] He was involved in tech in the States, but wanted to do something about climate. He started a sustainable furniture company in 2004. This eventually led to where he is now.

[05:12] Plantd is working on carbon negative construction materials made out of grass and resin.

[06:23] They talked to green builders, but the scale wasn't there. They decided to reach out to the largest builders in the market.

[07:32] They opened a path to go to market with D.R. Horton, one of the biggest builders in the country.

[10:01] First steps for building sustainability into your tech transfer strategy include being integrated in the tech ecosystem that many cities are building around the country.

[11:07] Building connectivity and getting integrated in the ecosystem is paramount.

[12:05] Sustainability is built into the product. Go fast but don't over commit to the wrong path.

[13:42] Supercool focuses on technologies that reduce emissions and improve everyday life. 

[14:09] Technologies include WasteLess, a food waste prevention company. Another one includes Upway which is an infrastructure for getting pre-owned bikes. It creates a built-in market for e bikes.

[18:06] When large brands commit, they're really committed.

[19:40] Working with Brita helped eliminate some disposable water bottles.

[20:46] How policy shapes the space between innovation and government. 

[23:05] The global march towards the low carbon future is inevitable.

[24:20] This is a huge time for cultivating environmentally friendly technology and entrepreneurship.

[26:16] Advice includes lean into sustainability strategically just like bringing any other product to market.

[27:50] Focus on the outcomes and the results for the business that your product will enable. Use sustainability as a differentiator.

[28:26] Josh is excited about the concept of urban mining.

[29:11] In the west, we have all the stuff that contains all these materials.

[31:31] Focus on solutions. 

[32:44] Josh shares his hope for the future. Sustainability is an opportunity for all ages.

Resources: 

Plantd

Josh Dorman - LinkedIn

Supercool

Lazy Environmentalist

WasteLess Solutions

Upway

What if universities had a smarter way to surface the innovation already happening across their campuses? In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Lehmann, Managing Director of Stargaze at Portal Innovations, and Ashish Uppala, Head of Engineering and Product for Stargaze. 

Steven brings over a decade of experience in venture building and university innovation ecosystems, including leading the University of Chicago’s $20 million pre-seed fund and authoring the Innovation Ecology Substack. Ashish, a former CTO of scite.ai and an expert in AI and machine learning, combines deep technical knowledge with a passion for mapping biotech innovation. 

Together, they share how Stargaze is helping universities navigate today’s funding challenges by identifying hidden opportunities in their research ecosystems. From integrating complex data sources to predicting commercialization potential, Stargaze is transforming how institutions connect innovation with impact.

In This Episode:

[01:50] Portal has been around for about 5 years. The goal has been to build infrastructure that's necessary to commercialize innovation in areas that are over-scienced but underfunded or don't have the resources to take the innovations to market.

[02:51] They've been building the infrastructure to get academic ideas for a Series A investment.

[03:06] They needed to find the scientist and the ideas to plug into their infrastructure. Stargaze is like Google Maps for innovation.

[04:12] Stargaze builds rich maps of scientific ecosystems. They use AI, network science, and reason models.

[06:33] Stargaze helps keep track of all the possibilities and move from reactive to proactive.

[08:24] They are equipping innovators and scouts with understanding the commercial potential of research.

[09:07] They can build a picture to understand the potential landscape.

[11:41] We talk about who's working on the project.

[13:18] The core of Stargaze is organizing information around innovation so that they can feed it into different matching and scoring algorithms. 

[15:17] Because of the information they have, they find investors that are interested in whatever the researcher may be working on.

[16:55] How Innovation biomarkers can be helpful in an emerging system.

[18:47] Finding the signals of who can work together in a meaningful way toward a particular problem.

[21:12] We talk about privacy and security. Data and license is scoped to that person or project. 

[25:26] The recent rate of innovation has been crazy. 

[27:54] Thinking about synergies and risk to the core business.

[29:18] How Tech Transfer professionals can implement Stargaze by signing up to the Stargaze network.

[31:48] It's very user friendly.

Resources: 

Steve Lehmann - Portal Innovations

Steven Lehmann - LinkedIn

Ashish Uppala

Ashish Uppala - Portal Innovations

Ashish Uppala - LinkedIn

Stargaze Network

OpenAlex

The world of software innovation is evolving faster than ever, and Tech Transfer professionals are being asked to make critical decisions around open source, copyright, patents, and AI. In this episode, we take a deep dive into this complex landscape with Dan Dardani, Director of Physical Sciences and Digital Innovations Licensing and Corporate Alliances at Duke University. Dan brings over two decades of experience to the conversation, including nearly 20 years at MIT and his long standing leadership in AUTM’s Software Course Committee.

Dan shares his practical insights into how Tech Transfer offices can navigate the tricky decision between copyright and patenting software, how to handle open-source licensing in research environments, and what to consider when commercializing digital tools. He also offers guidance on machine learning and artificial intelligence, addressing real-world questions around IP ownership, data licensing, and the legal gray areas created by emerging technologies.

Whether you’re just starting to build policies for software disclosures and AI-related inventions, or you’re looking to refine your office’s strategy, Dan’s perspective is both grounded and forward-thinking. His advice, drawn from decades of hands-on experience, will help you understand not just what’s changing in the digital IP world, but how to keep up and lead through it.

In This Episode:

[01:57] Patents and copyrights aren't mutually exclusive. They protect different aspects of the software. Software comes with copyright right out of the box.

[02:44] Patents are more difficult and more expensive to obtain. Courts have recently made it more difficult, but it still can be done.

[03:23] When deciding between copyright or patent, ask what the innovation is. Is it a transformative leap? 

[04:57] You need to tell a compelling story and emphasize the transformative ability of your software.

[05:53] The last thing to consider is if there's a commercialization strategy.

[06:48] Examples of software innovations that have met the criteria for patentability. Diamond v. Diehr in the 1980s. Transformative is a key concept in IP thinking.

[08:03] We have to be more careful with applying for algorithms now. 

[09:11] Workhorse apps and code may be more suited for copyright protection than patents.

[10:22] Copyright is the first line measure for protecting innovation.

[10:46] Open-source is vital to software innovation. Risks dealing with open source innovations include third-party code issues, sponsorship issues and open source compliance issues.

[11:45] It's important to not commit copyright infringement by releasing someone else's code.

[13:34] Balancing a researcher's desire to use open source licenses and the universities need to protect IP and pursue commercialization. Education and early communication.

[15:49] There are multiple ways to license, including dual licensing strategies.

[16:14] An example of FFTW using a hybrid licensing model.

[18:13] Releasing code as part of the peer review process.

[21:55] Focusing on machine learning and AI.

[22:07] Addressing IP ownership when working with these technologies. Understanding the difference between being a data producer and a data user.

[23:42] It's crucial to understand the layers and document the data sources.

[24:24] Navigating inventorship when AI is involved. A human needs to be named the inventor.

[26:01] There's going to be an evolution of the laws regarding patents and AI. The laws are going to need to adapt to address inventorship and ownership.

[28:26] Advice for TTOs to mitigate risk that might infringe on existing IP. It gets complicated, and the best advice is to start with a clean house.

[31:13] Distinguishing between the types of data used for licensing.

[33:49] Advice for tech transfer offices that are just beginning to think about these issues and develop policies around proper software hygiene and AI related inventions.

Resources: 

Daniel Dardani - Duke University

Daniel Dardani - LinkedIn

Innovation Without Borders: Insights from the ISTA Forum 2024

Diamond v. Diehr

FFTW