AUTM on the Air AUTM

Have you ever thought of storytelling as a powerful business tool? In the fast-paced world of tech transfer and startups, it absolutely is. Today's episode dives deep into the importance of storytelling – what it is and how it can be your secret weapon.  
We'll be joined by Otto Pohl, a storytelling guru with a fascinating career path. Otto's a former journalist published in major publications, a seasoned entrepreneur with four startups under his belt, and a communications expert for startups. He now uses his unique blend of skills to help universities translate their groundbreaking research into successful products with real-world impact.
Curious about the magic of storytelling in business? We'll learn how Otto helps tech transfer offices craft compelling narratives that resonate with investors, partners, and anyone who needs to understand the incredible work happening at universities. 
But storytelling isn't just about making things sound good. We'll also explore the line between a captivating pitch and empty promises. Otto will share his insights on the Pohl Pyramid and other powerful tools to ensure your story is not just exciting, but honest and builds genuine interest. 
Get ready to unlock the power of storytelling in your business! We'll discuss Otto's amazing career journey, the science behind why stories resonate, and common mistakes to avoid. This episode is packed with actionable tips and insights you won't want to miss.

In This Episode:
[02:09] Career rewrites and how journalism and entrepreneurship fit into one bucket for Otto. 
[02:43] After college, he moved to Russia to work as a photojournalist. He was a New York Times Bureau photographer. 
[03:17] He also discovered so many business opportunities that he quit his job to found three companies in Moscow.
[03:34] He rotated between entrepreneurship and journalism moving to several different countries.
[04:11] We learn how stories and business meet each other.
[06:21] Storytelling is deeper and bigger and more intertwined with everything we do than most of us realize. It fundamentally creates connections between events.
[07:37] From a business perspective, the story explains why your company has meaning.
[10:54] Storytelling and the startup context or pitching. Where is the line between vision and delusion?
[12:05] When we pitch something it's a story about what we think we can make happen.
[13:11] Lying about what you already have is called fraud.
[13:35] transfer professionals need to figure out what their technology can do in their portfolio and make sure there's a story about how this thing can change the world, but do it in a way that you feel will pan out.
[14:17] Otto breaks down what good storytellers do well.
[15:05] Focus on the why.
[15:31] Otto talks about the Pohl pyramid or multi-layer of why. A good storyteller knows which level of why they want to address.
[16:54] Tech transfer professionals should care about storytelling because it will help them create a better impact.
[19:05] Shining the light on your invention allows the pyramid of benefits to cascade and unfold.
[20:03] Otto shares examples of how finding and telling the right story and why your research matters has helped tech transfer offices. 
[26:46] The story is what makes a new company and its product sparkle.
[27:09] Otto shares how to communicate with different stakeholders. Work from the result backwards.
[29:45] Common mistakes tech transfer offices and early stage startups make with storytelling. The academic mindset and the business mindset aren't always on the same page.
[32:39] Storytelling is still a caveman exercise satisfying fundamental human needs.
[36:08] Storytelling isn't bad, we need to shift to a customer mindset, and embrace business not academic communications.

Resources: 
Otto Pohl
Otto Pohl Core Communications
Otto Pohl LinkedIn
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Promote your TTO more Effectively” – August 13, 2024 – 12 pm EST

Thank you Sco

Imagine a future where innovation knows no boundaries—where groundbreaking ideas emerge from every corner of society, regardless of race, gender, or economic background. This isn't just a dream; it's the bold vision driving the Council for Inclusive Innovation, or CI2. Fresh on the scene and launched by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, CI2 is spearheading a revolution in how we approach creativity and invention from historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities.
Join us as we explore the heart of CI2's mission with our special guest, Louis Boston, associate counsel for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the acting director of CI2. Louis's impressive career is marked by a dedication to expanding American innovation through diversity. He also serves as the USPTO’s Senior Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer.
He is a graduate of the Washington College of Law and a former Student Bar Association President. Louis earned an LL.M. with a specialty in contract and fiscal law from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School. He received his B.A. in political science from The Johns Hopkins University.
Commissioned through a four-year ROTC scholarship, Louis received an education delay to attend law school. After completing law school, he served nearly 12 years in the U.S. Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Louis is a decorated Iraq combat veteran and received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Listen in as Louis shares the mission of CI2, and the exciting initiatives underway to ensure that every American has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from innovation.

In This Episode:
[02:37] CI2, pronounced CI squared, is charged for strategizing new ways to expand American innovation by tapping into the strength of our nation's diversity and increasing opportunities for all Americans to participate.
[03:44] Louis explains the 2018 Success Act that had a report for Congress that identified the representation of under-represented groups in the patent system. They recommended a creation of a high-level Council of Industry tasked with increasing the amount of underrepresented groups involved with innovation.
[05:00] CI2 strategies includes seven initiatives including the Diversity Innovation Platform. The DI platform is a free easy to use tool that shares diversity data within an innovation ecosystem.
[06:22] There's also an innovation intern program. They also have a first-time filer expedited examination program.
[08:04] Louis talks about the community outreach campaign.
[09:59] The role of partnerships CI2 includes representatives from a variety of different sectors including private industry, non-profit organizations, academia, and federal agencies.
[11:42] Advice for universities looking to engage with CI2 or other initiatives. 
[12:53] Louis shares ways where everybody can get involved in your own community to help the initiative.
[13:51] The Patent Practitioners Pro Bono Program builds on the work of the Biden Administration to open the doors to innovation across the country. Meeting people where they are is key to expanding participation in the ecosystem.
[17:42] Louis looks into the future and shares long-term goals for CI2 and how he sees the council of all being in the coming years.
[19:03] Actionable steps to foster innovation. We need to get the word out and share how IP is relevant in our daily lives.
Thank you Scorpius BioManufacturing for sponsoring this episode of AUTM on the Air. Learn more at: scorpiusbiologics.com
Resources: 
Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI2)
CI2@uspto.gov
Discovering Value: Women’s Participation In University And Commercial AI Invention
New USPTO study finds women’s participation in patenting associated with substantial economic value
National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation

Have you ever wondered how groundbreaking scientific discoveries make their way from the lab to the marketplace? Today, we're diving deep into the intricacies of working with industry partners, negotiating deals, managing strategic research alliances, and driving external collaborations.
Joining us today is Gaylene Anderson, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. As Boehringer Ingelheim's US Director for Strategic Research Relationships, Gaylene is responsible for forging partnerships and pathways for external collaboration with the US Research Organization, leveraging both internal synergies and engagement with external scientific partners.
Throughout her career, Gaylene has been a champion of economic development and entrepreneurship, creating over a dozen startups and staying focused on developing relationships with investor groups and business development colleagues nationwide. In our conversation, we'll explore creating and managing partnerships, identifying scientific partners, training and support programs for researchers, and more. 

In This Episode:
[02:26] If Gaylene had it to do over again, she would spend more time with the scientists to understand their world more.
[05:17] She would also spend more time on the front end before engaging with a partner. 
[09:44] Tech transfer professionals should sit down with their directors and explain how they want to maximize and have the best results possible. Success breeds success.
[14:06] Before working with external partners, Gaylene has to get organized internally. She works with the scientists and department heads to understand their research needs first.
[19:30] Strategies or programs developed to foster entrepreneurship and bridge the gap to industry. She asked the dean for students interested in commercialization. She then coached these students and entered them in business competitions. 
[25:12] When securing funding and investor engagement, you have to go where the opportunities and investors are. 
[30:00] Budgetwise, maximize what you can. Once you have some success the money will be found to do more. 
[33:39] Gaylene shares some of her experiences at Cleveland Clinic and other institutions. 
[36:54] Invite tech transfer colleagues to your meetings, including them will improve your deal flow and collaborations.
[37:41] Emerging trends and shifts include people realizing that you have to be more than a licensing expert. They need to be collaboration experts.
[41:34] Common misconceptions or pitfalls when working with industry partners that tech transfer professionals should be aware of include remembering your relationships and reputation are everything. Treat each other with respect and realize not everyone knows and understands the entire contract.
[45:41] Find ways to create relationships with industry partners. Make an effort to build relationships because these contacts will be important for you someday.

Resources: 
Gaylene Anderson
Gaylene Anderson LinkedIn
Scorpius Biologics

Scorpius Biologics is a sponsor of this episode.

Have you ever wondered what truly goes into the commercialization of a patented invention? Today we're exploring an often misunderstood aspect of tech transfer: the strategic licensing of know-how.
Know-how encompasses the vital information necessary or beneficial for the commercialization of a patented invention. While a patent license combines aspects of both federal and state law, a know-how license is governed solely by state law, as it lacks federal statutory protection.
To guide us through this intricate subject, we have Wes Blakeslee with us. Wes holds an Engineering Degree from Penn State University and a Law Degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. With over 15 years of experience at The Johns Hopkins University as an Associate General Counsel and later as Executive Director of Technology Transfer, Wes is a seasoned expert in intellectual property and business law. A Certified Licensing Professional, he is a frequent speaker at conferences and a consultant on intellectual property and business matters.
Join us as we dive deep into the complexities and strategic importance of know-how licensing with Wes Blakeslee.

In This Episode:
[01:45] Wes was an engineer with NASA before he became a lawyer. In 1982, he acquired a client that does research and development for the government. There are no patents for classified technology, so that's how he was introduced to "know-how" licensing. 
[03:34] It means something you know that others don't. Know-how must be protected like a trade secret with steps taken to protect it. 
[04:52] You don't want to patent a trade secret, because the records are public. Patented licenses can include "know-how". 
[07:31] Describing "know-how" can include specifications. There's no specific protection for "know-how", so you have to describe the "know-how" and what it can and can't be used for. There are confidentiality provisions.
[09:24] Drafting a non-exclusive license for "know-how" is more simple than a non-exclusive license. It's critical in an exclusive license to make sure that you still have the right to use the information yourself. You have to be careful to define the field.
[12:19] The "know-how" license looks a lot like a patent license, except for the extra terms you have to know, and that there's no general legal protection.
[13:50] Describing the nature of the deal without releasing specifics. Process and product know-how licensing agreement.
[16:24] A lot of "know-how" is process-oriented and gets licensed on an annual basis.
[18:31] The goal of the negotiation is to give the other side everything they need, while preserving for your client everything that they need.
[22:00] Common obstacles include teaching them what they need without teaching them everything you know. 
[26:49] Wes talks about the licensing for non-profits and hospitals. 
[29:28] Almost every academic license will have a patent and "know-how" in the license.
[35:17] There should be discussion of "know-how" in the advanced licensing course. AUTM is a great resource! Licensing Executives Society is also a good resource. 

Resources: 
Wes Blakeslee Website
Wes Blakeslee LinkedIn
Licensing Executives Society

Have you ever wondered what really powers the success of tech transfer offices at universities? It’s not just the groundbreaking research or innovative technologies—it’s the relationships behind the scenes.
In today’s episode, we’re highlighting the importance of cultivating strong relationships with faculty members. These connections not only facilitate technology disclosures but also significantly boost the marketing reach and appeal of research to industry partners.
Joining us to shed light on this topic is David McClure, the Managing Director of Licensing at the Office of Research Commercialization, Texas Tech University System. David brings a wealth of experience and insight into why fostering strong faculty relationships is essential for the success of a tech transfer office.
We’ll be discussing effective strategies for initiating and maintaining engagement with faculty, the challenges and nuances of making tough decisions about researchers' inventions, and the best communication practices for managing expectations. Plus, we’ll explore how relationship-building can be seamlessly integrated into these efforts.

In This Episode:
[01:21] The importance of strong relationships with faculty for tech transfer success. We have to create a system of mutual trust where each of us will do our respective jobs.
[02:27] No invention has ever been licensed without the full support of the researcher. The feedback is very important for success.
[04:03] The key is communication. When an invention disclosure comes in it gets assigned to a licensee manager and they carry it through until a license is negotiated. Making the process transparent and showing every step to a faculty member along the way.
[05:21] They make decisions on new inventions in 60 days, but they try to do it in 30 days.
[06:48] Outsourcing assessments to a third party makes the researchers feel like everyone's on the same team.
[08:45] Maintaining engagement is important. They get a list of new faculty hires. They give them a visit and ask what they are interested in and establish a relationship from day one. 
[13:42] Communicating every step along the way is an effective communication strategy. Showing your work and letting the researchers know what you're doing on their behalf is very helpful.
[15:02] They also use LinkedIn as a success story communication tool.
[19:48] They make it easy and affordable for faculty members to license their technology. The industry appreciates customer validation.
[21:03] It takes years to get a patent issued and to take a technology to market. It's a long process where you should take as many shots as possible. David and his team preach patience to new faculty members. They also use colleague examples to demonstrate the process.
[22:52] The role of training and professional development in preparing TTO staff and faculty for successful collaboration and commercialization. David tries to get them plugged into the ecosystem as quickly as possible.
[27:21] How strong faculty relationships impact the overall success and growth of a tech transfer office in the long term.
[28:12] Advice for tech transfer professionals includes critical management and building a portfolio over time. Start small and build over time. Show your work. Be patient. 

Resources: 
David McClure Texas Tech University
David McClure LinkedIn

Industry-University Partnerships are crucial for fostering innovation, addressing societal challenges, and driving economic growth. By working together, universities and industries can leverage their unique strengths to create solutions that benefit society as a whole. Today, I'm excited to be joined by an amazing panel of guests, Dr. Gayathri Srinivasan, Shahila Christie, and John D. Wilson, to discuss taking a holistic approach to these partnerships.
Dr. Gayathri Srinivasan is the Executive Director of MIT Corporate Relations, a position she has held since the beginning of February 2024. As Executive Director, Gayathri leads the growth of the Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) and the Startup Exchange, building on a roster of over 200 member companies and forging impactful connections between global business leaders and MIT faculty.
John D. Wilson is the Director of Academic Contracting at GlaxoSmithKline. John's responsibilities include aligning industrial and academic research to ensure that science, technology, and people collaborate to benefit scientific development. John sits within a research externalization group that liaisons with all research units and therapeutic areas across his organization, as well as globally.
Shahila Christie began her career in academic research focusing on small molecule drug discovery and development. Recognizing the potential for commercialization, Shahila transitioned to the entrepreneurial space by co-founding a spin-off company leveraging her research. She has consulted for university-based startups and led clinical efforts for a medical diagnostics company in oncology. In her current role at Portal Innovations, she supports the growth and development of early-stage life science technologies.
I’m excited to have Gayathri, Shahila, and John with us today to talk about these crucial partnerships. 

In This Episode:
[03:02] Holistic Industry University partnership is looking at the entire Institute and enterprise for the collaboration. Research, innovation, students, and education.
[05:25] It represents a collaborative effort that spans beyond the simple technology licensing. It's a multifaceted approach that is designed to nurture.
[06:30] Approaching things as a good partner who wants to collaborate and develop science is critical.
[07:19] Identifying common goals is key for collaboration. Understanding where partners are looking for opportunities and what the challenges are is very important.
[09:56] When addressing significant societal challenges for the public good. look at what your company is good at and what the academic is good at and be proactive about reaching out and solving the issues.
[12:09] It's important to be proactive, not reactive.
[13:58] Industries are well versed in knowing where the market needs are. Universities should tap into this space to leverage their capabilities and drive Innovation forward.
[16:43] The expertise is in the academic centers and pharma is really good at developing drugs. Cutting-edge technology is coming out of academic centers and working together is the best choice for creating new drugs and solutions.
[21:23] Startups in the university ecosystem are so important for this type of development.
[24:01] Best practices for creating and maintaining communication during these crucial partnerships.
[25:33] Having a dedicated point person to champion between the two institutions is key.
[27:53] Looking for ways to leverage federal money, university input, and matching dollars from industry to develop future scientists.
[30:44] Look at societal problems and which Industries and companies are suited to solve those problems. 
[34:03] We talk about sharing information to develop better technology. 
[34:42] Shahila talks about how VC firms analyze investment opportunities. They evaluate university partnerships through a multifaceted lens that includes assessing the technology's potential and the university's tech transfer capabilities.
[36:45] VC f