Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

R&D Translation Playbook: Transforming University Innovation (with MIT Proto Ventures)


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Episode Breakdown
  • Introductions and backgrounds of all guests.
  • Origins and principles of MIT Proto Ventures: why a university-embedded venture studio?
  • The “channel” model: focus areas, external funding, and entrepreneurial leadership.
  • Incentive alignment for builder talent and founders.
  • Lessons learned from five years in deeptech startup creation.
  • Key takeaways from the R&D Venture Studio Playbook: bringing discoveries to market, scaling beyond MIT.
  • Portfolio highlights:
    • Vertical Horizons – Compact, efficient power supply units for AI/data centers (seed-funded, launched 2024)
    • Hyperion Transport Systems – Satellite thruster innovation
    • Interlink – Grid interconnection software
  • The “translation gap” in academia and how Proto Ventures aims to move the needle.
  • Vision for the future: universities as active engines of national security and economic dynamism.
Featured Guests
  • Gene Keselman – Managing Director, MIT Proto Ventures (LinkedIn)
  • David Cohen-Tanugi – Venture Builder, MIT Proto Ventures (LinkedIn)
  • Andrew Inglis – Venture Builder, MIT Proto Ventures (LinkedIn)
  • Host: Drew Beechler – VP Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)
Referenced in the Show
  • R&D Venture Studio Playbook
  • The Hill: "Universities must become active launchpads for innovation"
  • Vertical Horizons
  • Embr Labs (founded by David Cohen-Tanugi)
Resources & Related Links
  • MIT Proto Ventures
  • Alloy Partners
  • Advantaged podcast archive

 

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Advantaged: An Alloy Partners PodcastBy Alloy Partners