Federal funding shakeups and new cost caps are hitting Tech Transfer offices from multiple angles. Jodie Richardson, Director of Customer Success at TechPipeline and Chair of AUTM’s Annual Meeting Planning Committee, has been right in the middle of these conversations. With a background in strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and compliance, she’s been gathering insights from leaders across the country on how they’re coping along with what might come next.

Her recent article, Weathering the Storm: How TTOs are Navigating Overhead Rate Caps and Federal Funding Challenges, dives into the real-world effects of these changes. In this conversation, Jodie talks about the hiring freezes and budget cuts many offices are facing, the drop in invention disclosures, and why those shifts could have lasting consequences for commercialization pipelines, startups, and research infrastructure. She also shares how teams are rethinking patent strategies, keeping industry relationships steady in a volatile climate, and preparing for an unprecedented level of federal compliance scrutiny.

The discussion reaches into other stress points too including uncertainty around SBIR/STTR funding, the added hurdles in international collaborations, and the scramble to find alternative funding through alumni networks, foundations, and state programs. Jodie offers ideas for retaining talent, boosting staff morale, and making sure the public understands just how much academic research shapes everyday life. Even with all the challenges, she sees reason for optimism, pointing to the adaptability and problem-solving spirit that has always defined the tech transfer community.

In This Episode:

[01:12] Jodie explains what prompted her to write the article and how she brought together senior Tech Transfer leaders to talk through the fast-moving changes, challenges, and strategies.

[03:22] She describes the anxiety and uncertainty created by daily breaking news affecting research and the innovation ecosystem.

[05:19] The new 15% indirect cost cap from NIH, DOE, NSF, and now DOD is creating immediate concern, leading to hiring freezes, budget freezes, and reduced invention disclosures.

[06:48] Staffing shortages are adding pressure to existing Tech Transfer staff who are trying to maintain operations and support faculty.

[08:21] Researchers are spending more time securing alternative funding, adding to the workload for TTO staff who were already under stress.

[09:40] Jodie outlines the potential long-term risks to commercialization pipelines, startup formation, and the wider innovation ecosystem if disclosure declines continue.

[10:53] Patent strategies are shifting, with offices becoming more selective about filings, especially international patents, and focusing resources on cases with strong commercialization prospects.

[12:17] Green energy, climate tech, biotech, and vaccine technologies are among the areas seeing greater selectivity.

[13:04] Industry hesitation is impacting both sponsorships and licensing deals, with some master research agreements put on hold indefinitely.

[14:57] Communication is key. Offices are proactively engaging with industry sponsors and licensees to understand concerns and salvage opportunities.

[15:45] On August 8, the Trump administration announced a federal review of Harvard’s patents, threatening to exercise Bayh-Dole march-in rights.

[17:35] Jodie talks about the unprecedented scale of this review and the short 30-day timeline to respond for thousands of inventions.

[19:22] She stresses the importance of thorough documentation, compliance audits, and internal collaboration within the TTO.

[22:41] The future of SBIR/STTR programs is uncertain, and startups are concerned about potential changes to qualification requirements and funding levels.

[24:33] TTOs are partnering with venture support programs, industry engagement, and sponsored programs offices to help startups navigate possible funding gaps.

[25:47] International collaborations face more red tape, with abrupt halts to some projects and tighter screening for partners in countries like China and Russia.

[28:34] Ensuring licensees meet U.S. manufacturing requirements is becoming a greater priority in international deals.

[29:21] Alumni foundations and state economic development programs are emerging as important sources of alternative funding.

[31:28] Some states have increased funding to offset reductions in federal research dollars, though most cannot fully close the gap.

[33:05] Jodie warns of the potential erosion of research infrastructure and loss of innovation leaders if talent leaves the U.S.

[35:42] Institutions can help retain faculty and researchers by stepping in to support projects when funding is lost and easing the commercialization burden.

[37:52] Shifts in research focus toward “safer” areas could reduce groundbreaking, high-risk innovations such as climate tech, vaccine development, and women’s health research.

[39:35] Staff morale is being tested by uncertainty; transparent communication and safe spaces for discussion are critical.

[42:21] National meetings like AUTM’s annual gathering provide opportunities for shared support, optimism, and advocacy.

[43:40] Jodie sees a need for greater public education about how federally funded research works and the technologies it produces.

[46:01] Even with the challenges, Jodie remains optimistic about the adaptability and resilience of the tech transfer community.

Resources: 

Jodie Richardson - Tech Pipeline

Jodie Richardson - LinkedIn

Weathering the Storm: How TTOs are Navigating Overhead Rate Caps and Federal Funding Challenges

SBIR/STTR Programs