The BIO International Convention took place last month in Chicago. AUTM had a high-profile presence this year in sessions, in the Exhibit Hall, and online. I had the opportunity to moderate a session during the Translational Research Forum: Moving from Translational to Transformational. The session focused on new funding and collaboration models that universities are now maximizing to help deliver new cures, better food and new energy sources. The session was well-attended, and really demonstrated the proactive role university technology transfer professionals are taking.
One of the sessions I sat in on was a panel of the governors from Texas, Pennsylvania, Kansas and Illinois*. The session’s focus was what states are doing to make them more attractive to businesses and innovation. All four states have programs up and running to foster innovation and help position themselves as startup hubs. Regardless of the program specifics, what’s important are the efforts and investments in place by state governments at a level not previously seen. Governors are paying attention to what you are doing. This has both positive and negative impacts for everyone, and it struck me that many of you could capitalize on this opportunity to get your message of the value of technology transfer to your state policy makers. BIO has a state affiliate in every state and would be very pleased to partner with universities on state-level advocacy efforts. If you are not sure how to start such an effort or need to be put in contact with someone please drop me a line, vloise@autm.net.
Those working toward their Registered Technology Transfer (RTTP) designations were pleased to see that technology transfer sessions at BIO will count towards RTTP, and AUTM President Sean Flanigan, RTTP, presented an RTTP information session for those just starting the registration process.
Many AUTM members and prospective members stopped by the AUTM booth, where the AUTM Global Technology Portal was on display. Demonstrations were provided for those curious about the technologies available and even some who were seeking specific technologies.
The Tech Transfer, Academic, Patient Advocacy Meetup & Wine Social was held Tuesday in a packed Academic Zone. Jim Greenwood, President & CEO of BIO stopped by to greet Meetup attendees.
There was a lot of activity on Twitter by AUTM and its members. In fact, during the Town Hall meeting at the close of the event, BIO event organizers congratulated AUTM on a successful social media presence during the meeting.
Next stops, National University of Singapore’s InnovFest and APLU’s CICEP meeting!
*Illinois Governor Pat Quinn was unable to attend at the last minute and sent his chief of staff as his representative.