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