Fuentek's Tech Transfer Blog

Fuentek’s Sessions on EDI, Startups, P&T at #AUTM2023

Fuentek team members will join hundreds of technology transfer professionals next week in Austin for the AUTM 2023 Annual Meeting. Today’s post offers a preview of our four sessions and the tech transfer goodies we’ll have at Booth #110 in the Exhibit Hall. Before you leave for the meeting, check out our tips for navigating #AUTM2023. See you in Texas!

Programs to Improve Inventor Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) (Monday, Feb. 20, at 1:45pm) 

Technology transfer offices (TTOs) are keen to make progress in achieving balanced representation in their tech transfer activities. In this session, we’ll discuss how to analyze and use innovator gender metrics to mitigate underrepresentation. You’ll get practical advice on selecting and implementing EDI-focused efforts. Fuentek President Laura Schoppe will moderate the discussion with panelists Alexandra de Paz of Northwestern University, Mandy Gettler of University of Oregon; and Maria Rahmany of Columbia Technology Ventures. This session is in Lone Star G, Level 3.

(left to right) Alexandra de Paz of Northwestern University, Mandy Gettler of University of Oregon, Maria Rahmany of Columbia Technology Ventures, and Fuentek’s Laura Schoppe

Roundtable: How to Collect Data to Understand Your University’s EDI Metrics (Monday, Feb. 20, at 3:45pm)

More and more TTOs are adding EDI data to their metrics. During this roundtable, we’ll consider various techniques for overcoming challenges associated with these forms of EDI-related data collection:

  • Obtaining data from human resources (HR) databases
  • Requesting gender, race, and other demographic data as part of the invention disclosure process
  • Inferring data based on an inventor’s name using the WIPO database

Fuentek’s Laura Schoppe, Forough Ghahramani of Edge, and Anne Hall of University of Minnesota will offer practical advice for collecting meaningful EDI data. This session is in 303/304. Level 3.

(left to right) Forough Ghahramani of Edge, Anne Hall of University of Minnesota, and Fuentek’s Laura Schoppe

Stack the Odds: Best Practices in Startup Policies (Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 10:45am)

Starting any company, including one based on university technology, is risky. Learn how to craft policies and licensing terms that stack the odds for success for both the licensee and the licensor while supporting and protecting inventors. Fuentek Vice President Becky Stoughton will moderate a discussion with panelists Sadhana Chitale of New York University−Langone Health, Colm Lawler of Boston Children’s Hospital, and Kirsten Leute of Osage University Partners.

They’ll explore techniques for establishing licensing terms, institutional investment policies, and conflict of interest management approaches that balance the needs of the startup with the interests and involvement of the institution. Kirsten will also share insights gained through helping to develop the recently released term sheet template for life science licensing deals developed by representatives from universities, venture capital, and law firms. This session is in Lone Star C, Level 3.

(left to right) Sadhana Chitale of New York University−Langone Health, Colm Lawler of Boston Children’s Hospital, Kirsten Leute of Osage University Partners, and Fuentek’s Becky Stoughton

Progress in Implementing Innovation and Entrepreneurship Criteria into Promotions and Tenure (Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 1:00pm)

The Promotion and Tenure Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PTIE) Coalition is pursuing a more inclusive assessment of scholarship and creative activity. The goal is to better recognize and reward innovation and entrepreneurship in promotion and tenure decisions. Fuentek’s Marisa Naughton will moderate a panel discussion with Almesha Campbell of Jackson State University, Rich Carter of Oregon State University, and Christine Wildes of University of Kentucky. They’ll review successes, metrics for tracking progress, and lessons learned from multiple institutions that are implementing PTIE recommendations. This session is in Lone Star H, Level 3.

(left to right) Almesha Campbell of Jackson State University, Rich Carter of Oregon State University, Christine Wildes of University of Kentucky, and Fuentek’s Marisa Naughton

Visit Fuentek at Exhibit Hall Booth #110

Be sure to stop by Booth #110—located to the left of the Exhibit Hall entrance—to talk with our tech transfer experts about your TTO’s challenges or learn more about how we can cost-effectively complement your in-house capabilities. Joining me there will be Becky Stoughton, Catherine Ives and Marisa Naughton. In addition to our very fun and kid-friendly giveaway (hint: it’s Laura’s favorite toy and obsession), we’ll have these excellent handouts:

We’re also hiring. If you are a U.S. citizen (government contract requirement) and not planning to work at a university simultaneously (conflict of interest concerns), our high quality, virtual environment may be a great fit for you. Stop by so we can chat.

Our booth is open the same hours as the Exhibit Hall (Sunday at 6:00pm through Tuesday at 4:00pm), so drop by any time. You can schedule time with any of us through AUTM Connect, or contact us ahead of time to be sure to get your preferred time slot. For more about Fuentek, visit our website, download our brochure, or watch this short video.

Bring on the BBQ and country music! We’ll see you there!