August 9th, 2022 was a monumental day for technology transfer! On this day, President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science bill into law, allocating $3.1 billion to help research organizations strengthen their capacity for technology transfer. This is the first time that the US Federal Government has authorized funding of technology transfer staff, patent and licensing expenses, and the like. 

In today’s episode, I am joined by the chairman of the AUTM board and Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact for UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky, Ian McClure. 

Ian is here to share some details about the most transformational piece of legislation relating to technology transfer since the Bayh-Dole Act, including how it aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity in science, improve access to STEM education, combat sexual harassment in the scientific workforce, and more!

In This Episode:

[00:50] The CHIPS and Science Act: the bill that President Biden signed into law on August 9th, 2022.

[01:31] Ian’s role at the University of Kentucky. 

[02:11] An overview of how the CHIPS and Science Act is going to transform the technology transfer sector. 

[05:55] When AUTM board members realized there was an opportunity to change the technology transfer landscape in the US through the CHIPS and Science Act. 

[08:59] How the legislation cements the importance of the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

[10:10] $3.1 billion; the amount of money that has been authorized over a 5-year period to support technology transfer. 

[11:08] The three factors that determine the eligibility of institutions for this funding. 

[13:11] How section 10.3.91 of the CHIPS and Science Act establishes access to technology transfer and entrepreneurship programs. 

[15:47] Emphasis that the Act places on STEM education in Title 3. 

[19:05] Ian explains how Title 5 of the Act aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity in science.

[21:32] Some of the key aspects of the subtitle in the Act that is dedicated to combating sexual harassment in the scientific workforce. 

[24:04] Exploring Title 6, Subtitle C: the creation of regional innovation hubs in areas that are not leading technology areas. 

[29:02] Examples of how the Act aims to energize technology transfer. 

[32:04] How you can play your part in ensuring that authorizations turn into appropriations.

Find Ian:

Email

Wageningen University and Research (WUR) is one of the key players in what has become known as the Silicon Valley of Food and Agriculture, or “Food Valley.” For seven years in a row, WUR has ranked number one for agricultural sciences, and it currently also holds the top spot in environmental science and food technology. 

Furthermore, it is the only institution in the world that combines fundamental research and education with applied research in the agricultural, food processing, and environmental sectors! 

Today’s guests are Sebastiaan and Suraj, the Director of Value Creation at WUR and a Knowledge Transfer Officer at WUR respectively. During this fascinating conversation, they explain (among other things) the origin story of WUR, the wide-ranging focal areas of their department, and some of the ways in which they create meaningful impact outside the walls of the institution.

In This Episode:

[00:52] An overview of the roles held by today’s guests, Sebastiaan and Suraj, at Wageningen University and Research (WUR), and their diverse backgrounds. 

[04:25] Sebastiaan’s journey to the field of technology transfer. 

[06:44] What led Suraj to the technology transfer field.  

[10:58] Areas in which WUR holds the number one spot in world rankings. 

[12:22] How the location for Wageningen University was decided upon 105 years ago, and the reason for the founding of the research arm.

[14:22] What makes WUR unique.

[14:46] The number of staff and students that make up WUR. 

[16:42] Focal areas of the Department of Value Creation at WUR. 

[26:03] Some of WUR’s yearly output metrics. 

[31:12] How the Department of Value Creation supports startups that originate at WUR. 

[37:34] Examples of the funding streams that are available to students and researchers at WUR. 

[42:35] Exploring some of WUR’s strategic partnerships and alliances.

[46:58] Impact that the Food Waste Free United initiative has had in the Netherlands to date.

[48:51] WUR’s program for enhancing the scalability of startups. 

[51:35] One of WUR’s successful spinoffs. 

[54:50] Reasons behind WUR’s unusual decision to provide free licenses to potential partners of their patented CRISPR technology portfolio.

[1:02:57] A challenge that WUR’s Department of Value Creation is currently facing, and how they plan to deal with it. 

[1:05:01] WUR’s approach to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

[1:11:16] Sebastiaan and Suraj share their wishes for the future.

Find Sebastiaan and Suraj:

Email

Will Charles and Nicola Johnstone, Executive Director and Head of IP at UniServices respectively, join us on the podcast this week to discuss how New Zealand’s largest university is making waves in the technology transfer space (for the last 2 years it was ranked number one in Time’s Higher Education University Impact Ratings!).

UniServices is the University of Auckland’s technology transfer office, but as you will hear today, it is so much more than just that! Their vision is ‘Idea to Impact’ and they have three approaches that they use to achieve this. They are also committed to unlocking the innovation potential of Māori knowledge which has been ignored for so long. 

Tune in for a colorful conversation about some of their greatest achievements and greatest challenges, how they measure their success, their thoughts on corporate partnerships and technology transfer organizations, as well as their hopes for the future! 

In This Episode:

[00:52] Introducing today’s guests, Will and Nicola, from UniServices at the University of Auckland.

[03:04] Will shares what his journey in the technology transfer space has looked like to date. 

[04:42] Nicola’s background and what drew her to technology transfer. 

[07:12] New Zealand’s foundational document, and examples of the many lessons to be learned from the Māori worldview. 

[10:33] What Will sees as the key to UniServices’ success. 

[12:15] UniServices’ vision, and the three ways they turn this vision into reality. 

[13:44] How UniServices differs from a traditional technology transfer office. 

[14:58] The structure of Nicola’s IP team at UniServices. 

[16:28] How Will’s Commercialization team at UniServices is structured.  

[17:50] Impact that UniServices has created over the past few years.  

[20:08] How UniServices supports start-ups that come out of the University of Auckland. 

[27:43] UniServices’ approach to social innovation. 

[29:52] How UniServices addressed the issue of lack of diversity within their committees. 

[34:08] The fundamental role of UniServices’ corporate partnerships.

[37:48] The University of Auckland’s sophisticated philanthropic arm.  

[39:02] Some of UniServices’ most memorable success stories.  

[45:26] Nicola and Will share the biggest challenge that they are currently facing. 

[47:31] Programs within the University of Auckland that aim to enhance women and minorities’ involvement in research and entrepreneurship. 

[51:15] Value that Will and Nicola see in technology transfer organizations.   

[54:28] Nicola’s wishes for the future.

[55:34] Will’s wishes for the future. 

UniServices:

Website

Find Will:

Email

LinkedIn

Find Nicola:

Email

LinkedIn

Social innovation refers to the creation of a new product, approach, program etc. that supports social change. Inclusive social innovation is social innovation that has diversity, equity, and inclusion principles at its core. 

Inclusive Social Innovation is fundamental to all of the impactful work being done by the Social Innovation Hub (SIH) at the University of Calgary, of which today’s guest, Jordana Armstrong, is the Director.

During this episode, Jordana shares the meandering journey that led her to her current position, an overview of the programs that the SIH has implemented to support social innovation, and some of the many success stories to come out of the SIH. Jordana’s advice to anyone looking to enhance social innovation at their own institution: start with curiosity! 

In This Episode:

[00:51] Introducing Director of the Social Innovation Hub (SIH) at the University of Calgary (UC), Jordana Armstrong.

[02:10] Jordana shares the atypical journey that led her to her current position.  

[05:19] The role of the SIH at UC, and the story of its evolution.  

[09:15] Defining social innovation, and how it differs from commercialization. 

[12:01] The people who make up Jordana’s growing team at the SIH. 

[15:41] Programs and services that the SIH provides for social enterprises that come out of UC.

[19:49] A deep dive into UC’s CATALYZE Program.

[22:36] Funding opportunities that are available to social enterprises in the SIH. 

[28:35] Jordana’s advice for people looking to enhance social innovation in their institutions. 

[31:44] Some of the SIH’s many social enterprise success stories. 

[36:18] The biggest challenges that Jordana and her team are facing.  

[39:19] The SIH’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

[43:13] Jordana’s hopes for the future of social innovation in Alberta, and in the SIH.

Find Jordana:

Email

LinkedIn

Innovate Calgary

Heartland Forward isn’t just a think tank, it’s a think and do tank! After spending 20 years as Chief Research Officer at the Milken Institute, today’s guest, Ross DeVol, is Heartland Forward’s president and CEO.

During this episode, Ross explains the mission of Heartland forward, its four focal areas, and some of the key players who are involved. Ross also shares an overview of the most recent research they have conducted around technology transfer achievements in universities across the United States, and his thoughts on how he believes these metrics can be improved! 

In This Episode:

[00:53] Introducing today’s guest, Ross DeVol.

[02:08] Ross shares the non-traditional journey that led him to his current role as the President and CEO of Heartland Forward. 

[04:40] The mission of Heartland Forward (a “think and do” tank).

[05:21] Four areas where Heartland Forward focuses its efforts. 

[05:44] Some of the key members of Heartland Forward. 

[08:27] An overview of Heartland Forward’s most recent research report, ‘Research to Renewal: Advancing University Technology Transfer.’

[11:19] Universities that ranked highly in the research report.  

[15:58] Ross’s thoughts on how universities can improve their technology transfer metrics. 

[16:41] How governments can take the Bayh-Dole Act further.

[19:11] What universities can do to boost economic development in their regions.

[20:56] Goals for the future of Heartland Forward. 

Find Ross:

Email 

Heartland Forward

Haley Moss is Florida’s first documented openly autistic attorney. She is also an author, artist, and advocate for embracing neurodiversity in the legal profession. When Haley was diagnosed with autism in the late 1990s, there was very little awareness about the disability. Although there is a lot more understanding and support today, we still have a long way to go.

During today’s episode, Haley shares examples of the disabilities that are encompassed by the neurodiverse umbrella, and the broad range of traits that people with autism can display. She then explains how stigma, ableism, and misconceptions about what it means to be neurodiverse exclude neurodiverse people from the workplace, and what employers can do to change this (and why they should be interested in doing so).

This episode serves as an important lesson that being neurodiverse doesn’t mean you have to be superhuman to add value. You are not a failed version of normal; you are worthy as you are. 

In This Episode:

[00:52] Introducing Haley Moss, Florida’s first documented openly autistic attorney. 

[03:05] The lack of autism awareness and resources that were available when Haley was diagnosed. 

[04:27] Why Haley’s original career goal was to become a psychiatrist.

[05:54] Haley shares what motivated her to become a lawyer. 

[06:56] Isolation that Haley felt as an autistic person at law school.

[08:54] Why Haley chose not to become a disability rights attorney.

[10:07] The life-changing moment when the story of Haley’s admission to the Florida bar went viral. 

[11:10] Examples of the wide variety of traits displayed by autistic people. 

[13:27] Exploring the concept of neurodiversity. 

[15:57] High unemployment levels of people who are neurodiverse, and some of the reasons for this. 

[17:17] The salary disparity between neurodiverse and neurotypical people. 

[19:07] How the law profession has traditionally addressed neurodiversity.

[21:39] You don’t have to be superhuman to be valued. 

[22:52] The benefits of hiring people who are neurodiverse. 

[25:11] Barriers to inclusivity of neurodiverse people in the workplace. 

[28:08] Haley’s response to the discrimination that she has experienced because of her disability.

[30:24] Examples of disability accommodations (and why these shouldn’t be a deterrent to an employer).

[32:55] How employers can be more inclusive of neurodiversity. 

[35:13] What Haley loves about working remotely. 

[36:56] The importance of putting neurodiverse people in leadership positions. 

[37:17] The lack of mentorship that Haley received as a new attorney. 

[38:40] Why communication is key to being inclusive.  

[40:27] Haley’s three wishes for the neurodiverse population.

Find Haley:

Email

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube

As the Assistant Vice Principal of Partnerships and Innovation, Jim Banting plays an invaluable role in contributing to supporting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the ecosystem within and around Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. It’s not hard to see why he is certain he has the best job in the world! 

During this episode, Jim explains how his office works to advance research, partnerships, and knowledge mobilization to strengthen Queens University’s local, national and global impact. This doesn’t come without its challenges, and Jim shares how he hopes to see the technology transfer field evolve in the future. 

We also discuss how Queens prioritizes the Sustainable Development Goals, some of the biggest success stories to emerge from the university (including technicolor technology and a topical therapy for a pre-cancerous condition), and their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In This Episode:

[00:52] Introducing today’s guest, Assistant Vice Principal of Partnerships and Innovation at Queens University, Jim Banting.

[02:07] Jim shares an overview of the full-circle story of his career.  

[05:36] Why Jim thinks he has the best job in the world.

[06:45] The mission of the office of Partnerships and Innovation at Queen’s University, and its four functions. 

[07:53] Jim shares some details about the Market Focus Research Workshop series he offered last fall. 

[10:52] How Jim’s office is structured, and the people who are part of his team.

[11:41] Technology transfer metrics that Jim’s office aims for each year. 

[13:10] The two support channels that Jim’s office offers to startups.  

[15:37] Funding opportunities that are available for startups (and more established small businesses) in Canada. 

[17:09] How Queens University has prioritized the Sustainable Development Goals. 

[19:00] Corporate partners that Queens University receives support from. 

[21:23] Some of the biggest success stories to come out of Queens University. 

[23:00] Why an ex-Queens University professor has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  

[24:25] Work being done by the Foundry Program at Queens University. 

[27:30] The biggest challenges that Jim’s office is currently facing. 

[29:02] Jim’s office’s approach to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

[32:31] Organizations that Jim’s office is involved with. 

[34:11] Jim’s wishes for the future! 

Find Jim:

Email

Today’s guest has been an employee of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) since 1989. Today, James Wilson is the Assistant Regional Director of their Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional Office (the first one to be established outside of the DC area) which offers a variety of resources to 9 states across the region. 

From trademark basics boot camps to courses on how to protect your technology abroad, the Midwest Regional Office offers virtual training courses for various virtual training courses for every stage of the patent and trademark journey.

You will walk away from this conversation with a renewed appreciation for the impactful work being done by the USPTO!

In This Episode:

[02:48] James shares an overview of the exciting journey that has been his career.

[07:44] How James became an employee of the USPTO in 1989.

[10:56] Positive impacts that the USPTO Midwest Regional Office has had (and continues to have) on small business owners and inventors in the area. 

[13:44] A list of the 9 states covered by the USPTO Midwest Regional Office, and the various services that they offer to these states.  

[16:32] How to stay up to date with the programs being offered by the USPTO Midwest Regional Office.

[17:18] What the USPTO Patent and Trademark Resource Centers are, and the benefits that they confer.

[19:10] Hire an attorney; why this is the first step that James recommends taking to secure your intellectual property. 

[21:17] Goals of the USPTO’s Patent Pro-Bono Program and Law School Clinic Certification Program.

[23:05] Other ways in which attorneys can become involved with the USPTO.

[24:04] Upcoming training programs being offered by the USPTO Midwest Regional Office. 

[25:39] James’s first wish for the future of the USPTO.

[26:05] The moment that James realized the significance of his work. 

[27:07] James’s second and third wishes for the future of the USPTO.

Find James:

Email

USPTO (Events) 

Sexism has existed since people have existed, and despite what you may have heard, the data shows that it’s only getting worse. Thankfully, there are people working hard to change this. One of them is today’s guest, Dr. Lynn Schmidt. 

Lynn is a global management consultant, executive coach, best selling author, and keynote speaker who is a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She joins us to discuss her new book, Antisexist, which offers a roadmap for learning about, acknowledging, and managing the biases which serve to uphold sexism. 

During our conversation, we cover examples of microaggressions, discrimination harassment, and violence against women, and how all of us can begin to “challenge sexism, champion women’s rights, and create equality.” 

“Anger, channeled appropriately, will make things change for women.” So, listen to this episode, and channel your anger to drive change! 

In This Episode:

[00:53] Introducing Dr. Lynn Schmidt; global management consultant, executive coach, best selling author, and keynote speaker. 

[03:29] Women and career development: the focus of Lynn’s dissertation (and how it influenced the work she is now doing).

[05:07] The motivation behind Lynn’s latest book, Antisexist. 

[08:36] An overview of the three sections of the book.  

[10:51] Examples of microaggressions, and why they are dangerous. 

[14:01] Why some women continue to support the patriarchy, even though it is a sexist system. 

[19:40] 135: the number of years it is expected to take for women to achieve parity with men in terms of economic opportunities, political power, education and health.  

[21:11] Some battles that were recently won for gender equality, and why Lynn celebrates these with caution. 

[24:16] Real world examples (including a personal experience of Lynn’s) that highlight the issue of discrimination in the healthcare system. 

[26:27] How the education system is failing women, and subsequently failing society as a whole. 

[30:56] The positive impacts that Title 9 has had over the past 50 years in terms of sexual discrmination, and the long road that still lies ahead. 

[32:49] Lynn shares the definition of harassment, and examples of what it can look like.

[40:05] The numerous different types of violence against women.

[41:43] How femicide differs from homicide, and horrific statistics of the former.

[45:01] A reason that racism gets more attention than sexism. 

[46:04] Exploring sexism through an intersectional lens.  

[49:09] Why women should be angry.  

[51:30] The prolific nature of sexism, and what we can all do to contribute to eliminating it. 

[54:33] You are not alone. 

[56:39] Lynn’s thoughts about the future of sexism. 

Find Lynn:

Email

LinkedIn

Twitter

Instagram

Antisexist

If you are under the impression that the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) is only useful for fundamental physics experiments and doesn’t have any capacity for real-world applications, think again!

Today’s guest, Matt Garrett, is the Director of Technology Transfer and Private Partnerships at SLAC (one of 17 Department of Energy National Laboratories). In today’s episode, Matt explains how SLAC’s linear particle accelerator contributes to science and the enormous potential for societal impact that lies in the lessons that have been learned through its development. 

We also discuss the programs at SLAC that are focused on developing entrepreneurial capabilities, Matt’s mission to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technology transfer community, the importance of place-based innovation, and more!  

In This Episode:

[00:53] Introducing Matt Garrett, the Director of Technology Transfer and Private Partnerships at SLAC National Accelerator Lab. 

[02:53] Matt’s first foray in the technology transfer space. and how his career evolved from there.

[06:27] The driving force behind the founding of the 17 Department of Energy National Laboratories. 

[08:00] Some of SLAC’s most notable achievements, and the value that SLAC brings to the greater scientific community and the world at large. 

[12:55] Matt describes the unique way in which the Department of Energy National Labs operates.  

[14:08] What Matt’s role at SLAC entails, and an overview of how SLAC is structured. 

[19:42] SLAC’s entrepreneurship-focused initiatives.   

[23:11] Work that is being done at the laboratory that SLAC developed in collaboration with Toyota. 

[26:11] How SLAC’s linear particle accelerator technology is being redesigned and used in different forms.

[28:19] Awareness that Matt is bringing to the scientific community about the benefits of technology transfer.

[31:21] Examples of how SLAC’s developments can be used to benefit society. 

[32:19] Matt’s thoughts on the value of technology transfer organizations, and the organizations that he has been involved with.  

[36:01] Value that is being created by the Bay Area Laboratory Innovation Networking Center, which SLAC co-founded. 

[38:49] Matt’s three wishes for the future of SLAC.

Find Matt:

Email

LinkedIn