When you think about thriving innovation ecosystems, New Mexico might not be the first place that comes to mind. But as today’s guest explains, it is home to an incredibly vibrant network of entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and national laboratories working together to turn ideas into real-world impact.

Today I’m joined by David Kistin, Senior Manager of Technology and Economic Development at Sandia National Laboratories, part of the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. David also serves as Vice Chair of the Federal Laboratory Consortium’s Executive Board. I caught up with him during the 2025 AUTM Annual Meeting outside Washington, DC, where we talked about how Sandia and Los Alamos labs are fueling innovation, supporting startups, and building new opportunities through initiatives like the Sandia Science and Technology Park.

David also shared why mentorship is such a personal passion for him and how the FLC’s mentorship program is helping to strengthen the next generation of tech transfer professionals. Whether you are new to tech transfer or looking to expand your network, David’s insights offer valuable perspective on building a stronger, more connected innovation community.

In This Episode:

[02:01] David is part of the Integrated Partnerships Organization at Sandia. His focus is on economic development and leveraging innovation and IP at the labs for New Mexico.

[02:30] The Sandia Science and Tech Park just celebrated its 25th year and so this is a tech park that's adjacent to the Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque.

[03:36] The labs in New Mexico go back 75 years. They have incredible universities and amazing researchers.

[04:30] Some of the broad technologies they work on include providing no cost technical assistance to businesses and helping companies get there technology to the marketplace.

[05:51] We learn about Quantum New Mexico.

[06:37] David shares how he got involved in tech transfer when he was working in economic development.

[07:36] We learn about the FLC mentorship program.

[08:53] Surprises include the need to keep licensing agreements broad. 

[10:15] Reach out if there's something you're interested in or want to build your network.

Resources: 

David Kistin - LinkedIn

Sandia Science & Technology Park

Federal Laboratory Consortium Mentorship Program

The work being done at our federal laboratories is extremely important. These are the sites where new ideas emerge, where scientists solve problems long before technology is ready for market, and where innovation frequently begins quietly behind the scenes.  In this episode, I'm joined by Congressman Bill Foster, the only PhD physicist sitting in the United States House of Representatives.

Bill worked as a scientist at Fermilab for decades before entering politics, where he helped discover the top quark, the heaviest known subatomic particle. He also co-founded a theater lighting company with his brother at just 19 years old, a company that went on to supply the majority of theater lighting equipment in the United States. That unique blend of scientific discovery and entrepreneurial grit gives Bill a rare and valuable perspective on why technology transfer and federal innovation matter so much.

In this conversation, Bill shares why federal labs are critical to both U.S. competitiveness and the future of science-driven business. We talk about the essential role of tech transfer programs, how access to advice and resources can make or break a startup, and why collaboration between labs, industry, and policymakers is more important than ever. If you care about turning big ideas into real-world impact, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

In This Episode:

[02:08] At Fermilab, Congressman Foster helped discover the top quark, the heaviest known form of matter, a single subatomic particle that weighs more than an atom of gold and helped build giant particle accelerators.

[03:01] After his scientific career, he's proud to represent science and the labs in Congress.

[04:03] He also started a business with his brother and many of their resources were from the lab at the University where he worked.

[05:30] The business now has 1500 employees and makes $450 million a year. On the 50th Anniversary, they transferred to an employee stock ownership plan and now the business is 100% owned by the employees who built it.

[06:14] Having access to labs is a healthy part of science and business.

[07:39] FLC also celebrated 50 years of existence last year.

[08:44] When technology is moving rapidly, that's the time you can find an unexplored niche.

[09:15] An important role of the labs is to work on technologies before they're ready for commercialization.

[10:44] Having a team of scientists at a National Lab gives you a leg up when it's time to decide policy.

[11:22] Labs provide industrial cooperation and coordination. 

[14:19] With his experience on the Financial Services Committee and the R&D Caucus, Congressman Foster talks about public private partnerships and economic growth.

[16:29] One of the biggest challenges is doing something reasonable with international collaboration.

[19:01] Congressman Foster shares why he left physics and got into politics, because he wants to right wrongs and make a difference.

[20:24] We learn about his past coding experience and his nickname of Damn Fast Foster.

[21:29] AI agents will be the equivalent of having really good workers.

[22:45] If you want to influence Congress, make an appointment with your representative in your home state.

Resources: 

Congressman Bill Foster

Congressman Bill Foster - X

Congressman Bill Foster - Facebook

Congressman Bill Foster - Instagram

Fermilab

Most people have never heard of tech transfer recruiting—but it’s one of the most specialized and impactful niches in the world of innovation. Behind every great lab-to-market success story, there’s often a recruiter who knows how to spot talent with just the right mix of scientific know-how, business savvy, and the X-factor that doesn’t show up on paper. In this episode, I talk with Glen Gardner, one of the only recruiters in the world who focuses exclusively on tech transfer, licensing, IP, and innovation leadership.

Glen has been in the game for over 20 years, and he’s built deep relationships across federal labs and universities. He shares how he got his start recruiting for Oak Ridge National Lab, what hiring managers are really looking for today, and why the expectations for candidates have shifted so dramatically. We also dig into the tension between wanting someone who can “hit the ground running” versus making space for newcomers to grow into roles. Glen offers a behind-the-scenes look at what separates good teams from great ones and how culture, leadership, and mentorship all play a part.

If you’re navigating your next move in tech transfer—or trying to build a team that can do more than just manage IP—this conversation will give you real insight into what works, what’s changing, and why Glen believes that cross-pollination between academia, industry, and federal labs is the key to the future of innovation.

In This Episode:

[01:41] We learn how Glen got into the tech transfer space. He started out as an IT recruiter and was asked to find someone to help commercialize intellectual property. 

[02:42] Glen shares his inspiration for Gardner Innovation Search Partners.

[04:03] His firm specializes in talent acquisition for tech transfer, IP, licensing, and innovation leadership. Recruits need a background in all of this plus possible specialization in specific desired areas. 

[05:25] The landscape of hiring in tech transfer has become more narrow as it has progressed. There's only about 10,000 people in the world who do this.

[07:35] People who can hit the ground running and have cradle-to-grave experience are highly desired.

[09:09] The importance of cross-pollinating in the federal lab community and adding diversity of thought.

[10:02] The importance of having a network in tech transfer. Attend conferences and meet with people.

[11:07] AUTM has a mentoring program that can help junior people. The FLC also has a pilot mentoring program.

[11:59] What separates a good leader from an average leader?

[13:44] Specialized recruiters know the backstory of candidates.

[15:50] There's a need for more people in tech transfer. 

[16:31] We talk about incorporating AI into the process. It's a work in progress.

[18:39] Get involved in the FLC. Use the app and meet people. Network and reach across the aisle. Volunteer and get on committees.

Resources: 

Gardner Innovation Search Partners

Glen Gardner - LinkedIn

FLC Learning Center

Leading with Vision: Dr. John Kaplan on Growing the VA’s T2 Program

The next world-changing innovation could be sitting in a university lab right now. How can it be brought to market? The answer is tech transfer bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world impact. No one understands this process better than Katharine Ku. For nearly three decades, she led Stanford University’s Office of Technology Licensing, helping bring hundreds of technologies to market, including the early search engine that became Google. Now, as chief licensing advisor at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, she works with startups to help them navigate the challenges of licensing technology from universities.  

In this episode, I sit down with Katharine to talk about how she built Stanford’s tech licensing office into one of the most successful in the country, her philosophy on taking chances when it comes to licensing, and the biggest challenges tech transfer offices face today. Katharine shares the story behind the Nine Points to Consider in Licensing University Technology, which is a framework she helped create that guides universities in making licensing decisions to benefit both researchers and the public.  

She also reflects on how the role of tech transfer offices has expanded beyond just licensing. More and more, they’re being asked to support entrepreneurship, provide funding, and help build startup ecosystems. She talks about how universities are trying to balance these responsibilities while still keeping their core mission in focus. Whether you're an entrepreneur, researcher, or just curious about how university research turns into real-world products, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

In This Episode:

[01:52] During Katharine's early career, she was a serial job changer. She noticed a posting at Stanford for a patent engineer. She thought she might give it a shot, since she had a patent at Monsanto and she was also an engineer.

[02:54] This was at the end of 1979. She was involved in the tech transfer profession in the very early years.

[03:21] She became president of AUTM in 1988.

[04:10] She led the Stanford Office of Technology for 27 years. 

[05:31] Stanford was always very entrepreneurial and supportive of the faculty.

[06:15] They've always believed in marketing and the philosophy of taking chances. The goal was to move the research results into the private sector in order to help the public.

[07:56] With the cradle-to-grave model you have to know everything along the path of innovation.

[08:15] The vision for the Stanford office was to do as many licenses as possible.

[09:20] Google came out of Stanford. 

[11:26] Katharine talks about the Nine Points to Consider in Licensing University Technology. 

[13:54] The first point had to do with retaining the right for people at our university and other universities to practice any invention a university would file on.

[15:29] This was an example of a university's understanding of the broader mission of tech transfer.

[16:07] Challenges include having to do more and more. They have more responsibility to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

[18:28] Advice for bridging the gap between universities and industry.

[19:57] Katharine talks about her role at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

[21:25] Advice includes being at the intersection of technology, science, business, and law, as well as university, industry, and government, making it a very exciting field. There's endless things to learn. Stay curious!

Resources: 

Katharine Ku - Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Katharine Ku - LinkedIn

Office of Technology Licensing

Nine Points to Consider in Licensing University Technology

AUTM 2025 Annual Meeting

This is the final episode of our first season. Thank you for joining us on this journey, whether you've been here from the start or joined us along the way. We appreciate you tuning in and sharing your time with us. 

Throughout this season, we've welcomed guests from a wide range of fields, including government, startups, incubators, venture capital firms, and more. Today, we're revisiting some of the season's highlights, beginning at the very start.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC), which was established in 1974. However, the origins of federal technology transfer can be traced back to several decades earlier. 

FLC Executive Director Paul Zielinski explains that the catalyst was the 1945 report "Science, the Endless Frontier," submitted to President Truman by Vannevar Bush, the then-Director of the Government's Office of Scientific Development.

We also look back at the milestones, challenges, and successes that have defined this field. We learn about landmark legislation like the Bayh-Dole Act with Joe Allen, the Executive Director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition. 

Paige George, Technology Transfer Manager at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, shares insights on how the Navy focuses on dual-use technologies in different industries. 

Christopher Campbell, CEO and Founder of Simplify Automation, talks about how his company licensed NASA's "electronic nose" technology. Robert G. Heard, Founder and Managing Director of Cimarron Capital Partners, discusses his approach to building entrepreneurial ecosystems. 

Michael Salgaller, Supervisory Technology Analysis and Marketing Specialist at the National Cancer Institute, offers tips on effectively communicating and marketing federal technologies to potential licensees.

In This Episode:

[02:22] The letter lays out how the infrastructure built for the federal laboratory system, should be converted over to additional uses. Technology transfer is a natural extension of what the government has already been doing.

[03:04] Technology transfer is completing the mission after the research.

[03:46] Paul takes us back to before the FLC was established in 1974.

[04:43] When all laboratories combined, that was the beginning of the FLC.

[05:44] Key laws that encouraged the growth of the FLC include the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act, the Federal Technology Transfer Act, and the Bayh-Dole Act.

[05:59] Joe Allen talks about the Bayh-Dole Act. 

[07:39] We hear from Paige George, Technology Transfer Manager at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division. She explains how tech transfer works at the Navy. 

[12:34] Paige shares an example of the divers augmented vision display system. 

[13:15] Chris Campbell, CEO and founder of Simplify Automation shares his perspective. His business Simpli-Fi, licensed a technology from NASA called an electronic nose.

[17:16] Ecosystems are a must. This is how his team was introduced to the system.

[18:45] Robert Heard, the founder and managing director of Cimarron Capital Partners and Development Capital Networks has spent decades building and nourishing entrepreneurial ecosystems on a regional level. 

[23:36] Many of the best technologies that a business needs are still in the lab.

[24:30] Michael Salgaller, Supervisory Technology Analysis and Marketing Specialist talks about effective communication, collaborating, and marketing.

Resources: 

The Legacy of Problem-Solving: The Evolution of The FLC With Paul Zielinski

Paul Zielinski - LinkedIn

Science The Endless Frontier

Statement by President Truman - National Science Foundation

Joseph Allen - LinkedIn

From Legislation to Innovation: Joe Allen and the Birth of the Bayh-Dole Act

Paige George - LinkedIn

Tech From Sea to Space: Inside T2 at the Navy With Paige George

Christopher Campbell - LinkedIn

The Power of Ecosystems: Entrepreneurs’ Key to Tech Transfer Success with Chris Campbell

Robert G. Heard - Cimarron Capital Partners

Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems And Boosting Local Economies With Robert Heard

Michael Salgaller - LinkedIn

Marketing From All Angles With Michael Salgaller

I’m speaking with two incredible guests, Ami Gadhia and Balki Balakrishnan, from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). Together, they explore the groundbreaking work NCATS is doing to tackle one of the biggest challenges in healthcare: making drug discovery and development faster, more efficient, and accessible for rare diseases.

Ami and Balki share how NCATS is breaking barriers, from pioneering the use of human organoids to creating innovative collaboration models with external researchers. You’ll hear real-world examples of success, like the development of Metarrestin, a promising cancer treatment, and a partnership with Cincinnati Children’s that’s driving advancements in therapies for rare blood disorders.

If you’ve ever wondered how federal labs work to bring life-changing technologies to market or what it takes to accelerate the path from research to real-world impact, this episode is for you. Get ready to be inspired by the people, the mission, and the progress shaping the future of medicine.

Ami Gadhia is a senior technology transfer and patenting specialist at NCATS' Office of Strategic Alliances, where she facilitates collaborations, negotiates agreements, and oversees intellectual property rights in joint research and development projects. She began her technology transfer career at Johns Hopkins University, advancing to lead licensing teams across medical devices, imaging, and compliance. 

Before Hopkins, Ami practiced IP law, prosecuting patents and managing trademarks, copyrights, and licensing for diverse clients. She holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and a J.D., both with honors from Wayne State University, as well as a master’s in IP law from George Washington University. Ami is a certified licensing professional, registered patent attorney, and active industry speaker.

Krishna (Balki) Balakrishnan is the director of NCATS’ Office of Strategic Alliances (OSA), where he leads a team managing partnerships, technology transfer, and commercialization efforts. He oversees strategic collaborations, licensing, and intellectual property protection, ensuring the success of NCATS’ scientific endeavors. 

Balki also directs the NCATS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, supporting small businesses through education and resources. Prior to joining NCATS in 2011, he held leadership roles at NIH and in the biotech industry, including executive director at the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences and vice president at Covance. Balki’s extensive experience bridges science, business, and innovation.

In This Episode:

[01:49] The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) breaks down the barriers that stand in the way of drug discovery and development.

[02:17] Balki explains NCATS which was established in December of 2011. The system is dedicated to reducing barriers that stand in the way of drug discovery and development. They want to get more treatment to more people more quickly.

[05:02] NIH's dual role in the scientific ecosystem as a funder of research through our extramural staff and an active doer of research through intramural labs makes it a uniquely powerful scientific organization.

[06:16] Balki shares an example of how NCATS was able to combine the powers of internal research and external grant funding.

[07:20] Human organoids have become more and more predictive of drug toxicity and efficacy.

[09:14] Confidential Disclosure Agreement, or a CDA, which is a gateway agreement to facilitate discussions among scientists so that they may share information. There are also MTAs and a variety of collaboration agreements.

[12:13] Applying research and the principle behind tech transfer and how it intersects.

[15:32] NCATS has taken the lead to develop Metarrestin, a promising cancer drug.

[19:02] Ami shares an example of collaboration.

[21:08] NCATS reduces barriers to earlier stage drug discovery and development to avoid risk for investors.

[25:36] Balki talks about licensing deals and tech transfer. He's glad he works in tech transfer full-time at NIH.

[26:58] Ami worked on technology transfer policy for international jurisdictions when she was at the International Intellectual Property Institute.

[28:20] Tech transfer brings together a lot of disciplines. Collaboration has been a source of success and job satisfaction for Balki. 

[31:05] Biggest challenges facing the federal tech transfer community today.

[35:23] Marketing and staff challenges are both issues. 

Resources: 

Ami Gadhia

Ami Gadhia LinkedIn

Balki Balakrishnan

Balki Balakrishnan LinkedIn

Marketing From All Angles: The Transfer Files Podcast Episode Out Now

I’m so excited to welcome today’s guest, Dr. Michael Salgaller. He leads the Invention Development and Marketing Unit at the National Cancer Institute’s Technology Transfer Center, where he draws on more than 20 years of experience in science, business, and investment to help develop and commercialize cutting-edge technologies. His work helps build connections between the NCI, NIH, and industry partners to foster licensing and collaboration.  

Michael’s career is nothing short of fascinating. Before returning to NCI, he was a Vice President at The Conafay Group, where he worked on healthcare alliances. He also served as President of Biologics Consulting Group, spent time as a venture capitalist investing in early-stage life science companies, and led groundbreaking cancer therapy research as Vice President of R&D at Northwest Biotherapeutics.  

He started his career at NCI as a Senior Scientist working with Dr. Steve Rosenberg and has since gone on to do so much more. He’s the author of Biotechnology Entrepreneurship: From Science to Solutions, teaches entrepreneurship at NIH, and even supports pediatric and veterinary cancer research through his work with Canines-N-Kids. Oh, and he’s published over 70 scientific and business articles—just to round it all out!  

In this conversation, Michael shares some of the marketing strategies he uses at NCI and offers tips anyone can use to improve how they communicate, whether in a lab, an office, or beyond.  

In This Episode:

[02:02] Balancing marketing to such a vast array of different audiences. They get background on which stakeholder group they are a part of providing information to make the conversation as interesting as possible.

[03:11] Because there's so much sensitive data, they only market publicly available information.

[03:53] His team has two full-time people and a series of postdocs and postbacs that help with the effort. They're in one of the nine satellite technology transfer offices at the NIH.

[04:43] They don't speak for all of NIH, but they like to help all of NIH.

[05:35] Marketing tips and strategies include making an effort to communicate at the level of your audience. Understand what they're interested in before you pitch.

[08:36] The importance of checking in and closing the communication loop.

[11:10] Michael talks about mentoring inventors on how to approach industry.

[14:27] We learn about the technology analysis and marketing unit and what Michael has termed as inside and outside in marketing.

[18:17] They also hold information webinars.

[19:05] Michael shares the New Technology Showcase that usually features cancer technology. The primary purpose is to attract 

partners and licensees.

[21:40] One of the biggest challenges is awareness.

[25:27] They want to talk to companies about how amazing scientists and technologists can help the company.

[27:01] Michael talks about changes that he's seen over the last 20 years.

[30:24] Michael gives a tip on reaching out to new people and new connections when you attend conferences to broaden your network. Look for attendees that will be potential collaborators and licensees.

[31:46] Learn about your technology area and how to be attractive to the business side.

Resources: 

Michael Salgaller NIH 240-276-5476

[email protected]

Michael Salgaller LinkedIn

Biotechnology Entrepreneurship from Science to Solutions

2024 Technology Showcase

What does it take to bring groundbreaking, high-risk technologies from the lab to the market? Today we dive into the world of deep tech commercialization, where the journey from invention to impact is as complex as the technologies themselves. Joining me are two experts with years of experience in this field. 

Richard Amato, Executive Director of the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) at the University of Texas, and Jay Frazier, President and CEO of New Dominion Enterprises. Together, they uncover the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in deep tech, also known as hard tech—an area defined by innovations based on cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

Richard leads ATI, the longest-running deep tech incubator in the country. Affiliated with UT Austin, ATI has a history of fostering disruptive technologies that require extensive R&D, substantial investment, and unwavering persistence. With decades of experience under his belt, Richard shares insights from his work, which includes founding the Clean Energy Incubator at ATI and launching his own alternative energy company. 

In addition to his leadership role, Richard serves as faculty at UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business, where he continues to nurture the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. For him, deep tech is all about pushing boundaries, whether it’s in clean energy, medical devices, or the latest advancements in microelectronics.

Jay’s company specializes in developing safer lithium batteries using licensed federal technology, and brings a unique perspective on the commercialization process. With a background in marketing, R&D, and years of experience navigating the tech transfer ecosystem, Jay emphasizes the vital role of mentorship and advisory support from organizations like ATI. 

Richard and Jay offer a candid look at the grit and determination required to bring transformative innovations to market. Tune in to discover the resilience and tenacity behind some of today’s most advanced technologies.

In This Episode:

[03:09] ATI was launched 35 years ago. We discuss how it's changed and evolved over the years. In 2001, the clean energy incubator was launched.

[04:44] They've also launched a healthcare incubator and microelectronics incubator. 

[05:06] There's now a focus on R&D and technology.

[05:42] Deep tech is often hardware-based and comes out of a lab. It's also something that will take longer to get to market.

[07:32] We learn about TXVMS.

[08:53] New Dominion was started because Jay's previous company had a relationship with Idaho National Laboratory under a defense contract.

[10:02] Relationships are everything in technology transfer.

[12:21] It's challenging for small companies to license when working with federal laboratories

[17:23] We go over the multiple challenges of commercialization.

[19:26] Deeptech has a heavy high capital cost and a long time to market.

[21:18] The importance of understanding the motivation of the scientist in the first place.

[22:54] Richard talks about dealing with younger entrepreneurs. The age doesn't matter, but coachability does.

[26:34] With an incubator, it's the job to de-risk and get to market as soon as possible. This often leads to working with brutal honesty.

[28:36] Richard has been on both sides and sometimes the most important part is the psychological piece.

Resources: 

Richard Amato

Richard Amato Clean TX

Richard Amato ATI

Jay Fraser LinkedIn

New Dominion Enterprises, INC

Texas Venture Mentoring Service TEXVMS

Have you ever wondered how cutting-edge federal technology may help minority entrepreneurs in the technology sector? Today, we dive into that subject with our guest, Dr. Paul Campbell. According to Paul, his music background enabled him to see a mashup opportunity to drive innovation from a tech transfer perspective.

Paul is a co-founder and managing partner of Brown Venture Group, a venture capital firm that focuses on Black, Latino, and Indigenous technology startups. Paul has an impressive background in music, tech, and entrepreneurship. 

In this episode we talk about the NASA Inclusive Innovation Mash-up Lab, an initiative brought to life by Brown Venture Capital and NASA. The Innovation Mash-up Lab is meant to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs and contributors to find opportunities through federal tech transfer.

Paul breaks it all down for us and shares how this initiative is opening doors for those who have historically been left out of the conversation. 

In This Episode:

[01:41] Paul has been an entrepreneur since he was a teenager. He worked in the music industry and eventually discovered things like Y Combinator and venture capital.

[03:15] Innovation is a blending of different ideas, just like a music mashup. A mashup lab is often used to solve problems.

[05:00] We learn how a mashup with a wine press ended up leading to the printing press.

[06:11] The study of behavioral economics is a great tool to take complex ideas and whittle it down into something usable.

[07:11] Ask good questions and whittle everything down to a manageable set of opportunities.

[08:54] When NASA reached out, Paul began talking to people in different industries. The question was what would they do if they could harvest NASA technology. They learned about the technology commercialization process. 

[11:06] The group decided to land a relationship with NASA and work strategically. This was the beginning of the NASA Inclusive Innovation Mash-up Lab.

[11:52] They were focusing on the medical side and the aviation fuel side.

[12:29] They needed an expert in technology and an expert in entrepreneurship.

[14:08] This is the beginning of the journey for the commercialization process.

[15:06] After the mashup lab, the entrepreneurs get to have conversations with investors. 

[15:58] Licensing a technology through a federal lab opens many doors and opportunities to entrepreneurship.

[17:33] The licensing technology from a federal lab helps de-risk the investment.

[19:05] The program helps close the relationship gap. 

Resources: 

Dr. Paul Campbell LinkedIn

Brown Venture Group

NASA Inclusive Innovation Mashup Lab

Consider combining roughly 13 million records from nine different databases into a single uniform system. That is precisely what the National Institutes of Health accomplished with their breakthrough Enterprise Technology Transfer System (ETT). This achievement even won a 2024 FLC award for technology transfer innovation.

In this episode, Tara Kirby, director of the National Institutes of Health's Office of Technology Transfer, takes us on a journey through federal innovation. Tara has a unique viewpoint to technology transfer, having gone from pursuing a PhD in biophysics to directing one of the federal government's most complicated technology transfer organizations.

Our chat with Tara reveals the obstacles and successes of adopting the ETT, a project that transformed how the NIH organizes and exchanges critical research data across its 27 institutes and centers.

We investigate the complexities of tech transfer at the NIH, the process of producing ETT, and the enormous benefits it offers to efficiency and transparency. Tara also provides useful insights for other agencies considering similar projects and addresses future possibilities, such as the potential role of AI in technology transfer.

Join us as we explore how this unique approach is hastening the route of ideas from lab to marketplace, demonstrating the devotion and inventiveness of NIH tech transfer workers in bringing early-stage technologies to the public.

In This Episode:

[01:56] We learn a little bit about Tara and how she got involved in Tech Transfer.

[02:46] She actually used NIH resources to discover where she could use her scientific background.

[05:10] Tara talks about the different service levels of tech transfer offices and how  OTT is the umbrella organization for everything.

[06:26] Their biggest priority was putting together a new Enterprise Technology Transfer system called ETT. They wanted all of the information of all offices and centers to be combined in one streamlined system.

[07:18] Before people had to cross reference nine databases, and they also didn't always have access.

[08:06] They began with a needs assessment and expert project management contractors. 

[09:02] Once they found a platform and a vendor, it was time to migrate the data from all of the systems. The data migration was a multi-stage process that took about a week. This was after months and months of testing.

[10:42] Testing the system has been an ongoing process.

[12:36] They're already seeing positive outcomes from the new system.

[13:22] NIH is unique, because it is so big with so many different components. An important factor with the new system is to communicate what people actually need to do their jobs.

[14:09] Be flexible but prepared for a lot of different ideas. Also be careful and back everything up, because you may think something's not needed but it will turn out it is needed.

[15:07] They've also completed things not connected to the new system. The new system has already made big improvements to abstracts and information about patents and technologies online becoming more efficient. 

[17:39] We talk about the future of the system and possibly bringing AI into it.

[18:59] Tara wishes people knew how much expertise and dedication is required to get NIH Technologies to the public. The NIH is full of very hardworking professionals.

Resources: 

Tara Kirby (NIH)

Tary Kirby LinkedIn

Will Artificial Intelligence Shape The Future Of Technology Transfer?

A Guide For Licensing Professionals

Leading with Vision: Dr. John Kaplan on Growing the VA’s T2 Program