In this episode, David Washburn talks with Lesley Millar-Nicholson, Executive Director of the Technology Licensing Office at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, about university commercialization, startup creation, and the differences between innovation ecosystems in the Midwest and Boston.

Lesley reflects on her career in technology transfer, including her time at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and discusses how universities support researchers and entrepreneurs through licensing, startup development, and long-term ecosystem building. The conversation explores the challenges of commercialization, the complexity of university intellectual property, and why relationships and education remain central to successful tech transfer.

David and Lesley also discuss startup licensing models, incubator networks, venture activity around research universities, and the importance of storytelling in demonstrating the real-world impact of university innovation—with a brief detour into 3D-printed ice cream.

Host: David Washburn
Guest: Lesley Millar-Nicholson, Executive Director, MIT Technology Licensing Office
Producers: Jenna McNamara and Doug Snitgen
Music: "Devil on Your Shoulder" by Will Harrison, licensed via Epidemic Sound

Stay connected with the MSU Research Foundation by following us on LinkedIn or subscribing to our email newsletters.