The field of technology transfer looks different all over the world, and in today’s episode I’m joined by Gilberto Medeiros Ribeiro, the Director of Innovation and Technology Transfer Coordination at UMFG, who is here to talk about the current technology transfer environment in Brazil.The field is faced with a number of challenges, including a high turnover rate, a federal aversion to funding basic science, and a lack of effective processes. Despite this, Gilberto’s office is responsible for some impressive successes over the past few years, including the development of a vaccine and a mosquito trap, and a compounded annual growth in revenue of 25%. You can expect to walk away from this episode with a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of technology transfer in a country that operates very differently to the United States, and for which the future is looking promising! In This Episode:[00:53] What Gilberto’s career journey has consisted of up until today.[03:21] How Brazil’s university system works. [04:47] Some of the key differences between the technology transfer field in Brazil in comparison to other parts of the world. [06:20] An example of the challenges with the technology transfer process in Brazil. [09:13] The Bayh-Dole Act, and how this differs from Brazil's equivalent. [10:13] Three ways that technology transfer offices are structured in Brazil. [11:51] Why having private employees to license technology is often better for technology transfer offices. [12:24] Benefits of licensing university technologies to companies that professors have started up (as a one-time deal). [14:21] A few of the perks of the Brazilian equivalent of the Bayh-Dole Act. [15:18] Challenges for cooperation between Brazilian universities and the private sector. [17:05] Gilberto explains how his office works with start-ups, and what this environment looks like currently, using an example. [19:30] Macro economic policies which have hindered innovation in Brazil in the past, and how this has changed recently. [21:12] How Gilberto feels about the future of technology transfer. [23:01] A positive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. [23:30] Gilberto’s opinion on IP rights and contracts in technology transfer in university settings. [24:55] Practices that Gilberto sees as critical to handling IP processes at universities. [27:35] How Gilberto’s team at UMFG is structured. [29:10] The unexpected highlight of the past year for Gilberto and his team. [29:40] Revenue growth that Gilberto’s office is experiencing, and some of their other impressive metrics.[32:58] Factors that Gilberto believes are vital to the success of technology transfer.[34:20] How Gilberto’s office deals with foreign companies, and the percentage of patent filings that come from overseas. [36:29] Corporations that Gilberto’s office has partnered with. [37:24] Gilberto shares some of the greatest success stories that have come from his office. [38:13] The main challenges that Gilberto’s office is facing currently. [39:52] How the federal university programs in Brazil assist unrepresented groups in getting into universities. [41:04] Diversity in Gilberto’s team, and the long road ahead for diversity in STEM field as a whole. [43:01] Brazil’s version of AUTM. [44:11] Gilberto’s view on credentialing, and how this differs from Brazil’s view on it.[44:46] Three wishes that Gilberto has for the future of technology transfer. Find Gilberto:Email LinkedIn

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