The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation

When we first launched The Transfer Files, our very first guest was someone who has shaped and lived the history of federal tech transfer, Paul Zielinski, Executive Director of the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer, or the FLC. Today, we’re revisiting that conversation, where Paul shares the fascinating story of how federal technology transfer took root, how the FLC came to be, and why this work matters to our economy, our scientific leadership, and the public good. Drawing on decades of experience as a scientist, engineer, and leader, Paul brings a deep perspective on the people, policies, and partnerships that have defined this field.

When we originally recorded this episode, the FLC was celebrating its 50th anniversary, an impressive milestone, yet still relatively young in the broader sweep of science and innovation. Since then, I’ve often thought back to this discussion during later interviews, especially as I’ve seen how far federal tech transfer has come in just a few decades. It’s a story of steady growth and adaptation.From its early days as a loose network of defense labs working together, to the passage of landmark legislation in the 1980s that gave federal labs the authority and responsibility to move their discoveries into the hands of companies and communities.

In our conversation, Paul takes us through these key moments: the 1945 Science, the Endless Frontier report that first envisioned a postwar role for federal research; the grassroots formation of the Defense Laboratory Consortium; and the pivotal Stevenson-Wydler, Bayh-Dole, and Federal Technology Transfer Acts that formalized tech transfer as part of every federal scientist’s mission. He also explains how the FLC evolved into a cross-agency community, supporting partnerships, cooperative agreements, and intellectual property management. All aimed at ensuring that innovations don’t just stay on the lab bench, but make their way into the marketplace where they can benefit taxpayers.

We also talk about how the FLC’s mission has expanded in recent years, from strategic realignment to new events, showcases, and tools designed to connect labs with industry. Paul reflects on the balance between virtual engagement, which grew during COVID-19, and the personal connections that remain the heartbeat of this work. And he shares what motivates him after years in this field: the satisfaction of seeing a product in the real world and knowing exactly which lab it came from. This is a conversation about history, impact, and the shared drive to turn research into results.

In This Episode:

[01:50] It's been 50 years since the FLC was formed in 1974. In 1945, Vannevar Bush sent Science The Endless Frontier to President Truman.

[02:20] This letter lays out how the laboratory infrastructure that won the war should be converted over to win the peace. It envisioned technology transfer, advancing science, and bringing new technology to the marketplace.

[03:36] Technology transfer is about completing the mission after the research.

[04:14] The Department of Defense formed the Defense Laboratory Consortium. It was a group of people with a similar mission.

[05:14] In 1974, the Department of Defense invited all the other agencies in and the FLC was formed.

[06:21] The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act, the Bayh-Dole Act, and the Federal Technology Transfer Act changed and defined what we call tech transfer today. The first one was making tech transfer a mission for the laboratories.

[07:45] The Bayh-Dole Act formalizes the authorization for laboratories to manage their intellectual property. They can get patents and trademarks and license products.

[08:45] FTA helps set up public private partnerships or cooperative research and development agreements.

[09:49] The FLC Awards program recognizes excellence in the field. It also helps motivate people. If you want excellence and an ecosystem for tech transfer to grow, it needs to be recognized.

[11:08] One of the most prestigious awards is the Harold Metcalf Award. He put his own career on the line to get the consortium finally put into law.

[11:41] This is the FLC's 50th golden anniversary year. The national meeting is going to be in Dallas, Texas this year. They're also going to focus on where they've been and where they are going.

[12:58] Paul is a problem solver. He began his career in the army with a biology degree. He then worked in nuclear waste cleanup. The technology didn't exist and they had to create it. This problem solving was how he became involved in tech transfer.

[15:13] This path also led him to solving problems at the EPA and at the National Institute of Standards and Technology which all led to tech transfer.

[16:26] Some of the FLC's major accomplishments of the past decade include the growth. In 2020, the FLC board was realigned. They put promote, educate, and facilitate in the bylaws.

[17:25] Goals for the FLC in the next 5 to 10 years include expanding what they've already been doing. They are increasing tools and services, and having companies do reverse pitches to know what they are looking for.

[18:32] A lot of challenges stemmed from COVID. The technology and ability for people to work from home has really changed the world. The downside is losing that personal touch.

[20:26] The virtual world does offer a lower bar to entry.

[20:52] The cross agency community is the strength and the greatest part of the FLC.

Resources: 

Paul Zielinski LinkedIn

Federal Laboratory Consortium

Science The Endless Frontier

Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act

Bayh-Dole Act

Federal Technology Transfer Act

The FLC Harold Metcalf Service Award

What kind of person decides to license bleeding-edge battery technology from a national lab and try to bring it to market with no funding and no guarantees? According to Jay Fraser, you might need a little bit of crazy and a lot of persistence.

In this special episode of The Transfer Files, we revisit one of our favorite conversations exploring how deep tech innovation finds its way into the world. I’m joined by Richard Amato, Executive Director of the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI), the country’s longest-running university-affiliated business incubator. And Jay Fraser, President and CEO of New Dominion Enterprises, a startup navigating the complex world of federal tech commercialization.

Richard shares how ATI has evolved over the decades to focus on high-stakes, high-impact technology, including clean energy, semiconductors, and medical devices. He highlights the power of tailored mentorship through ATI’s Texas Venture Mentor Service and what it really takes to support deep tech founders for the long haul.

Jay brings his lived experience to the table, sharing candid lessons from the frontlines of working with Idaho National Lab, building a startup around electrolyte technology, and learning how to translate groundbreaking science into something the market can understand and eventually adopt. His journey shines a light on the psychological and strategic challenges that entrepreneurs face, and the crucial role incubators like ATI can play in helping them navigate the “valley of death.”

This is a story about relationships, resilience, and redefining what it means to bring federal innovation to life.

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

What started as a push to transfer technology from the lab to the private sector has sparked something bigger. Something my guest calls “Space Valley.” Stretching from Colorado Springs to El Paso, this unexpected corridor of space innovation is emerging as a powerful byproduct of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s tech engagement efforts in New Mexico.

In this episode I’m excited to speak with Gabe Mounce, the Director of Tech Engagement at the Air Force Research Laboratory or AFRL. We’ll explore topics like how public-private partnerships are reshaping the landscape of space innovation. We’ll learn how collaborations with incubators, accelerators, and universities are moving technology forward, and building up entire regional economies through innovation. 

From a solar array that now powers commercial satellites to an algorithm originally designed to predict health data that’s now monitoring satellite health, the stories in this episode are a compelling glimpse into the future of federal innovation, and the people helping bring it to life.

In This Episode:

[02:06] Gabe has been a career Air Force person. About 15 years ago he transferred into a civilian capacity at the Air Force Research Lab in New Mexico. They work on deploying satellite systems into space and directing energy like lasers.

[03:36] Around 2016, he was invited to join the tech transfer team.

[05:01] A lot of the work they do revolves around the science of real systems to increase spacecraft survivability and resilience in space.

[06:08] They were also pioneering the size of objects to put in space and advanced precision navigation and GPS.

[07:07] They transfer technology out of the lab and commercialize it by licensing the IP such as advanced solar cell technology. The commercial spacecraft sector has been growing.

[09:00] They call this growing commercialization tech transfer and transition or T3.

[10:40] Private sector companies like SpaceX we're just starting to showcase their work in 2017. A lot of companies who are now getting into the launch game are reusing their vehicles.

[12:26] The federal government has always been the biggest underwriter of the space sector. New commercial innovation is now bringing down cost.

[14:12] The distinction between the US Space Force and NASA.

[16:18] NASA has pushed the boundaries of space exploration, while the space force is focused on enabling the DoD and its defense mission.

[18:57] The assets and elements in Albuquerque and New Mexico that enable the regional ecosystem. They have strong motivation to take their expertise and get it into commercial endeavors.

[19:45] The Air Force utilizes the partnership intermediary agreement. They do a lot of work with New Mexico Tech.

[24:02] We learn about accelerators and collaboration to engage with the public. These programs are centered on ways to increase industrial based capacity and work with the federal government.

[25:26] The Rio Grande corridor and all of the investment by the government has a positive effect on the local economy.

[27:51] Gabe shares the "Space Valley" branding and how it's reached critical mass.

[29:18] We learn about a couple of success stories. Including one in solar cell technology. 

[32:37] How a private sector company discovered how to predict satellite failure during a Hyperspace Challenge.

[38:40] Gabe was recently elected to be the FLC's Regional Coordinator. He sees a lot of value in enabling the federal lab elements to work together with the other programs.

[44:02] How startup companies can gain the expertise of the lab employees.

Resources: 

Gabe Mounce - LinkedIn

[email protected]

Gabe Mounce - New Mexico State University

Air Force Research Laboratory

SpaceWERX

Space is No Longer Just for Rocket Scientists and Engineers

Sometimes a career takes shape in unexpected ways. For Stephen Crutchfield, it began with a background in film and a job making videos for the Navy. That role introduced him to the world of federal tech transfer, an area he hadn’t even heard of at the time and ultimately led to his current position as Deputy of the Technology Transfer Office at NIWC Pacific.

In this episode, Stephen talks about how his start in marketing shaped the way he approaches tech transfer today. He shares how that experience still influences how he thinks about licensing, research agreements, and collaboration. We also get into the bigger picture of how tech transfer supports national security, why commercialization can be complicated in a working capital fund model, and what it really takes to connect the right people at the right time.

You’ll also hear success stories that range from software-defined radios and tactical communications to Wi-Fi antennas and even a brain supplement inspired by dolphin research. Steen’s insight offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation moves from lab to real-world impact and why staying connected, curious, and collaborative makes all the difference.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, the U.S. Government, or any affiliated organizations.

In This Episode:

[01:42] Stephen was a film student getting his master's degree at San Diego State University. He saw a job posting for making videos for the Navy. This job was exclusively doing videos for the tech transfer office.

[02:56] He worked there with a focus on marketing.

[06:10] From 2008 to 2015, the emphasis on marketing had increased. 

[10:11] He is currently the technology transfer office deputy and negotiates agreements.

[13:11] DoD is often the end customer with tech transfer.

[18:03] Addressing commercialization challenges.

[19:36] Part of the challenge is just knowing all of the products that are being worked on and connecting the right people.

[21:57] Defense contractors have independent research and development funds that can be used for any R&D purpose that aligns with the mission.

[27:13] An example of having the solutions and bringing technologies in to test and see if they do what they're supposed to do. 

[28:57] Matchmaking and getting the players involved. Empowering people and letting them know that these federal tools exist.

[30:41] Stephen shares some success stories involving waveforms and radio. 

[32:57] Another example using software that was able to control robot systems. 

[38:54] There are always unexpected and surprising success stories and technologies.

[39:38] Broad challenges and things that give him hope are an increase in partnering with the community. Matchmaking continues to be a challenge. 

Resources: 

Stephen Crutchfield - LinkedIn

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

TechLink

Technology Transfer Office at NIWC Pacific

What would happen if federal labs started driving regional economies, not just research papers? That's exactly what today's guest, Stephen Auvil, is exploring every day at TEDCO, where he serves as Chief Federal Engagement Officer. Stephen’s had quite the journey, spending years figuring out how scientific discoveries can actually make their way out of labs and into the market. He shares some fascinating stories and practical insights on how it all works behind the scenes.

Stephen’s path began when an MBA class unexpectedly ignited his interest in combining science and business, shaping a career that took him from Johns Hopkins to UMBC, and eventually TEDCO. He's always been deeply curious, drawn toward opportunities to turn innovation into something tangible whether it's startups solving real-world problems, or groundbreaking medical treatments that change lives. In our conversation, Stephen highlights the human side of technology transfer, from building trust to creating meaningful incentives for researchers to take risks.

We also dive into the tougher side of tech transfer: navigating the conservative cultures at federal labs and overcoming hurdles that keep great ideas from reaching their potential. Stephen talks openly about how initiatives like DefTech and the Maryland Innovation Initiative are tackling these challenges head-on. Plus, he gives down-to-earth advice for small businesses interested in partnering with federal labs, reminding us all that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs start with a simple conversation.

In This Episode:

[01:49] In college, Stephen had the chance to do an opportunity analysis for the federal labs when he was in an MBA program. Then they worked on business plans. Combining business and science peaked his interest.

[03:09] In 1993, he started working at the Office of Technology Licensing at Johns Hopkins.

[04:23] He was also really interested in startups and spin-off companies. At TEDCO, he has the opportunity to work with multiple universities.

[08:38] As The Engagement Officer, he focuses on federal lab transfer and looking at federal grants.

[10:48] The idea of having dual missions for Federal Labs and getting Innovations into the commercial sector.

[12:33] How the culture has evolved since he started working with Federal Labs. 

[14:28] Commercialization helps the technology that these people develop help people. There is satisfaction in helping patients with what you develop in the lab.

[15:10] Supporting tech transfer in Maryland. They've had a lot of interesting companies and technology that has spun off.

[17:34] Commercialization challenges and opportunities and how they differ between university tech transfer and federal labs.

[18:28] He'd like to see federal labs take more risk.

[21:28] Trends in federal tech transfer and how it's shaping the future.

[25:05] There are little things inventors can do to help create impact and commercialize things that will help people.

[26:07] The challenge of matching the Innovation with the problem that it's going to solve.

[28:40] Upcoming TEDCO initiatives including DefTech and grants. 

Resources: 

Stephen Auvil - TEDCO

Stephen Auvil - LinkedIn

Kathleen Otto-Rosenblum: Connecting Bioscience Innovation to Industry in North Texas

Lessons From a Tech Transfer Trailblazer With Katharine Ku

How do you take a spark of scientific curiosity and turn it into something people can actually use? In this episode, Phil Weilerstein pulls back the curtain on nearly thirty years of guiding student inventors, faculty change-makers, and early-stage startups through the messy journey from lab bench to marketplace. As the founder and CEO of VentureWell, he’s made it his mission to tear down the walls that too often trap great ideas in academic journals.

Phil gets candid about the real challenges innovators face everything from assembling the right team to recognizing when a pivot is overdue. It’s not enough to have brilliant technology; you have to learn to tell its story in plain English, too. Along the way, he shares inspiring success stories, from a team that turned fungus into fire-resistant packaging to another group whose imaging tools help surgeons clear cancer more effectively. You’ll also hear how hands-on programs like I-Corps and Flip Space are opening doors to federal lab inventions that might otherwise stay hidden.

By the end of our chat, you’ll understand why a thriving innovation ecosystem depends on collaboration and strong support to help the best ideas truly flourish. Whether you’re mentoring someone just starting out or you’re the one with an inspiring idea, Phil’s down-to-earth insights and decades of experience offer a clear roadmap for making science-driven entrepreneurship more inclusive, effective, and ultimately, more impactful.

In This Episode:

[01:55] Phil has been leading VentureWell since 1996. It all began with an idea to create pathways and educational experiences for people interested in innovation and entrepreneurship.

[03:35] The vision was to create a national organization that would encourage and promote higher education and research institutions in creating these pathways.

[04:12] He's a strong believer in experiential education.

[05:01] They've now worked with hundreds of institutions and thousands of innovators in partnership with higher education, philanthropy, and federal agencies.

[06:17] They help with all of the steps to take an idea from the lab to commercialization. They are eliminating the hurdles that many startup innovators have had to go through.

[07:36] Every scientist who wants to get involved in innovation should be literate in the tools of business.

[08:42] Entrepreneurs need to figure out what they don't know, including what others may think of their idea.

[11:23] I-Corps is an entrepreneurial training program that facilitates the transformation of invention to impact.

[14:04] Startups they've supported have raised over 6 billion dollars in funding.

[18:47] They've had high levels of success getting into business and with 5-year survival rates of startups.

[20:56] They try to create welcoming environments where people feel like they belong as opposed to reinforcing barriers.

[24:21] Phil talks about the FLIPspace program.

[26:34] We learn about recent success stories from new diagnostic imaging to detect cancer cells and working with fungus for broad uses. 

[29:36] Exciting emerging trends include reducing the innovation cycle in multiple areas. 

[34:35] Invention is one of the underlying values that makes the US different. Embracing inventions to improve prosperity is going to grow.

[35:54] Advice includes getting started. You'll discover what you need to know by starting. 

Resources: 

Phil Weilerstein - VentureWell

Phil Weilerstein - LinkedIn

VentureWell

I-Corps

FLIPspace

What happens when a seasoned bioscience leader moves to a new region and starts stitching together an entire innovation ecosystem from scratch? In this episode, we get an inside look at how Kathleen Otto-Rosenblum, CEO of BioNTX  is driving collaboration and growth in the North Texas life sciences community. With years of experience building biotech networks on the East Coast, Kathleen brings both strategic vision and grassroots energy to her work connecting startups, scientists, and federal labs.

Under her leadership, BioNTX has become a critical force in supporting early-stage bioscience companies with commercialization pathways, investor access, and strategic partnerships. She’s especially passionate about what she calls the “connective tissue” or the trusted relationships that move science from bench to bedside. Kathleen also shares how their growing collaboration with the Federal Laboratory Consortium is opening up new opportunities for innovation, including ways to shine a light on underutilized federal research and rebuild trust in government-funded science.

Kathleen walks us through what it takes to build a thriving biotech hub, why regulatory planning can’t be an afterthought, and how the iC³: Innovation = Capital x Collaboration x Commercialization is becoming a magnet for regional and national stakeholders. Whether you’re a scientist, entrepreneur, or tech transfer professional, this conversation is full of practical insights and inspiring examples of how connection fuels innovation.

In This Episode:

[02:25] After spending her career on the East Coast, she moved to Texas during COVID. She's now been at BioNTX for four years, and it's been a pleasure.

[03:11] BioNTX is the leading advocate for biosciences and healthcare innovation relating to economic development in Texas.

[04:06] The network and ecosystem depends on the university level. 

[05:00] The biggest challenge facing early stage bioscience and healthcare companies today is funding.

[06:02] Strong partnerships are needed to get the science to the patients. BioNTX has recently partnered with the FLC. They look forward to strengthening the pipeline between federally funded R&D to industry application.

[07:08] Serial entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities to take science out into the world.

[07:49] Kathleen shares information about the iC3.

[09:46] They want to focus on the cutting edge technology available at the FLC for early stage startups along with opportunities for licensing, collaborative R&D, joint ventures, and networking.

[11:40] Obstacles are funding and learning how to move from proof of concept to market ready. Scaling can also be challenging. 

[13:01] BioNTX helps provide industry networks, partnerships, funding opportunities, and regulatory help.

[14:30] We learn about a success story involving an international partnership with Belgium and improving logistics to transport medicines and bioscience materials. 

[18:04] Texas is becoming a national leader in biotech and life sciences.

[19:31] AI and using it throughout the industry is going to be the thread through the entire summit.

[21:45] Entrepreneurs who are trying to bring Innovations to Market should build a network with experts and funding partners. Join an organization like BioNTX to get connected to a community.

Resources: 

Kathleen Otto-Rosenblum - BioNTX

Kathleen Otto-Rosenblum - LinkedIn

2025 iC3 Summit

When we think about innovation, it’s easy to focus on the breakthrough ideas or the cutting-edge technologies, but often, it’s the physical spaces and partnerships behind the scenes that make those breakthroughs possible. Research parks are one of the most powerful and often overlooked tools driving innovation, economic growth, and collaboration in communities across the country.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer of the Association of University Research Parks, also known as AURP. Brian brings decades of experience at the intersection of higher education, government, and entrepreneurship. He shares how research parks serve as dynamic hubs that connect universities, federal labs, startups, and industry partners. These spaces do more than house offices. They foster ecosystems where ideas can grow into real-world solutions and talent can stay rooted in the regions that need it most.

We talk about the origins of research parks, how they’ve evolved into full-scale innovation districts, and why they’re more relevant than ever. Whether you’re part of a tech transfer office, work in economic development, or just want a better understanding of how place-based innovation really works, this is a conversation that connects the dots in a way few others can.

In This Episode:

[01:39] Brian shares how he got into this field.

[02:48] The Bayh-Dole Act passed in 1980. As an entrepreneurial oriented lawyer he wanted to start a tech transfer office.

[05:50] We learn how Brian was introduced to the Association of University Research Parks.

[06:09] AURP was formed in 1986. It was started by Stanford University which is the world's first research park.

[10:30] Research parks that have had a major impact on commercialization and economic growth like Stanford and Research Triangle.

[13:26] Things you can do to make your ecosystem more fertile if you're not in a hub like Silicon Valley.

[15:26] Trends and how universities and research institutions are supporting startups and tech commercialization.

[17:27] Biggest challenges facing innovation districts today include real estate issues.

[19:47] How Federal Labs can engage with these innovation hubs to help maximize impact. Every federal lab should have a plan to develop partnerships outside the gate.

[22:53] A lot of work at research parks needs to be done in person, because you need equipment. A lot of the work is collaborative.

[24:17] Brian feels that these research labs are only going to grow. There will be a blurring of where the research park and the campus is.

[25:26] Advice includes thinking outside the box!

Resources: 

AURP Leadership - Brian Darmody

Brian Darmody - LinkedIn

Lessons From a Tech Transfer Trailblazer With Katharine Ku

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