Cultivating Unique and Diverse Ecosystems with Ruben Flores-Saaib

While he was working as a technology scout, Ruben Flores-Saaib had no intention of entering the technology transfer field, but that’s exactly where he ended up! After 15 years of experience in research, business development and technology commercialization, today, Ruben is the Associate Director of Licensing at the University of Southern California (USC) Stevens Center for Innovation.In this episode, Ruben shares what makes the USC ecosystem so unique and diverse, which are two of the big reasons that he is so grateful to be a part of the institution. We discuss how USC supports startups, some of the most impactful technologies to come out of the university, and his hopes for the future.Tune in today to hear it all!  In This Episode:[00:51] An overview of Ruben’s educational and professional background.[02:40] Why Ruben thought he would never take a job in the technology transfer field, and how he ended up here. [05:04] What the Stevens Center for Innovation is, and where it got its name. [05:58] How Ruben’s office is structured. [06:56] Ruben explains how the internship program at the Stevens Center for Innovation works.  [08:25] The diverse, unique ecosystem at the University of Southern California (USC). [10:54] Valuable connections and resources that USC provides to the startups coming out of the university.[12:45] The program that USC runs every year through which founders and inventors receive financial awards.[14:32] Esteemed business experience that many of the USC lecturers bring to their classrooms.  [15:54] A recently licensed USC technology which helps eradicate biases in movie scripts.[17:10] Why Mark Thompson’s portfolio is one of the most important at USC.[17:49] How USCs Light Stage technology is impacting the movie industry. [19:47] The purpose of the University Technology Licensing Program at USC. [20:37] Challenge that USC faces, which are also opportunities. [22:05] How USC upholds their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. [23:44] Ruben’s involvement in various technology transfer organizations, and the value that he believes they hold. [25:21] Three wishes that Ruben has for the future of USC.  Find Ruben:Email 

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