The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation

Federal Laboratory Consortium

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The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation

The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation features engaging and thought-provoking conversations about a range of topics related to federal technology transfer. Each episode reveals insights, expertise and experiences from a professional in the technology transfer ecosystem – including researchers, T2 professionals, entrepreneurs and more.

HÁ 5 DIAS

The Voices and Conversations That Shaped Our First Season

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

30min
3 DE DEZ.

How NCATS Accelerates Drug Discovery and Development

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

39min
19 DE NOV.

Marketing From All Angles With Michael Salgaller

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 michael.salgaller@nih.gov Michael Salgaller LinkedIn Biotechnology Entrepreneurship from Science to Solutions 2024 Technology Showcase

35min
5 DE NOV.

Commercializing Deep Tech With Richard Amato and Jay Fraser

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

32min
22 DE OUT.

Creating an Innovation Mashup With Paul Campbell

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

22min
8 DE OUT.

How NIH is Fast-Tracking Innovation With Tara Kirby

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

21min
24 DE SET.

Asking and Answering Interesting Questions with Michael Hall, PhD

The federal government spends about $200 billion annually on research and development. Understanding the economic impact of tech transfer and communicating that impact with Congress and the White House is essential. Today, we're diving into the data-driven side of tech transfer with our guest, Dr. Michael Hall. As an economist with the Technology Partnerships Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Michael plays a vital role in gathering and analyzing data on federal tech transfer activities and their economic impact. In this episode, we'll discuss how Michael's work helps demonstrate the value of tech transfer in concrete terms, his approach to handling vast amounts of diverse data, and how he streamlined the process of producing summary reports for NIST. We'll also explore the challenges and opportunities in federal tech transfer data analysis, and how Michael's office serves as a valuable resource for the interagency community. Join us as we uncover the numbers behind federal innovation and learn how data is shaping the future of technology transfer. In This Episode: [01:47] Michael is an economist who has always been interested in science and technology. He loves solving problems through technology and economics. [04:25] In order to further tech transfer, economists like Michael communicate to stakeholders like Congress and the White House and also encourage interagency communication. They ask and answer interesting questions. [06:59] Michael talks about sharing data with organizations that are involved in the process. [09:26] We learn about different data points including DEI components. The data can be used to create a blueprint to encourage other agencies to implement programs and procedures. [10:08] Challenges with handling large data sets. Often the issue is not having enough available data. Economists want all of the data. There are limiting rules about sharing data in the federal government. [11:40] Asking questions is critical for getting the needed information and data. [14:09] We learn how Michael was able to tackle the backlog of summary reports when he came into his position at NIST. [15:33] They went from a serial sort of setup to a parallel setup where as soon as one report was finished, they would start the next one right away. [16:36] Michael shares issues they ran into and some of the solutions that they implemented including the ability to update data and send out multiple reports. [19:06] The reports aren't the most fun part of the job but asking and answering questions is wonderful. Resources: Michael Hall (NIST)

21min
10 DE SET.

Creating Big-League Results on Minor-League Resources With Tyrome Smith

The idea of tech transfer could change the world, according to today's guest Tyrome Smith. This conversation took place in April during the FLC National Meeting, an annual conference for federal tech transfer that focuses on education, training, and networking. Tyrome was there partly to lead the annual FLC awards ceremony as the master of ceremonies for the second year in a row. Tyrome is a seasoned consultant and leader with over 25 years of experience in human and organizational dynamics. He has developed innovative educational programs for the Department of Defense, coached product teams in an internal incubator, and supported organizations as faculty or entrepreneur-in-residence. He is a Fellow of the AK Rice Institute and serves on the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board. He holds a BA in Speech Communication, an MA in Human Communication, and executive certificates from UCLA and UC Berkeley. His career, influenced by early work as a police officer and with adolescents, reflects a commitment to understanding human systems dynamics. In our discussion, Tyrome and I explore several interesting topics. We talk about the difference between problem-solving and solutioneering, why ecosystems make 1 plus 1 plus 1 equal 111, and how to tap into the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Note: At the time of recording, Tyrome was the director of strategic partnerships at the Common Mission Project, a nonprofit that offers university programs that develop mission-driven entrepreneurs. While he's no longer in that position, our discussion about his work there remains relevant to the broader topics we covered. In This Episode: [02:41] We learn about Tyrome's role as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Common Mission Project. [04:55] One of their most successful projects was Capella Space. [06:27] Tyrome is helping a whole new generation discover tech transfer. [07:15] We talk about the difference between invention and innovation. [08:47] The idea of creating value and solutioneering. [10:10] Tyrome talks about coaching inventors and innovators on assumptions of what must be true to create value for a customer. [14:26] We learn about Dr. Lister who discovered that people were dying during surgery, because doctors weren't washing their hands. Anecdotally, Listerine comes from the name of Dr. Lister. [15:52] We need to find the technology to solve the problem. [17:07] Tech transfer commercialization at the HBCU community. [21:25] They're trying to figure out how to tap into tech transfer commercialization and the SBIR space while not replicating business models that don't work. [23:42] Systems for networking are being built across the HBCU community. [26:19] The importance of having an abundance mentality as opposed to a scarcity mentality. [29:49] Tyrome loves systems and is a systems thinker. [32:53] Being able to understand business models of technology will help with commercialization and tech transfer. [36:09] Tyrome is excited about the opportunities at the FLC and NASA. He wants systems to be able to find each other. Resources: FLC FLC Education Tyrome Smith LinkedIn Tyrome Smith NIST Capella Space Steve Blank NASA MSI Exchange

39min

The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation features engaging and thought-provoking conversations about a range of topics related to federal technology transfer. Each episode reveals insights, expertise and experiences from a professional in the technology transfer ecosystem – including researchers, T2 professionals, entrepreneurs and more.

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The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation