Technology Transfer with Cameron P. Smith of the Texas Tech University System

Our guest today is the commercialization director of the Office of Research commercialization in the Texas Tech University System (TTUS). In order for inventions to reach the people who need them, they need to be patented, and Cameron’s role is to bridge the gap between industry and academia by executing commercialization agreements to bring inventions to market.  In today’s episode, Cameron explains how the TTUS innovation ecosystem is structured and how the innovation cycle works, from when the researcher receives a grant to the point where the invention is available to the public. Cameron also shares the impressive amount of growth that TTUS has experienced over the past 10 years in terms of various technology transfer metrics.TTUS has a variety of departments and a wide range of inventions being developed within them; from drag reduction technologies to rapid COVID tests to beef jerky, all of which (and more) you will hear about today. In our conversation we also cover what Cameron believes to be the key element to success, positive and negative impacts of the pandemic, and Cameron’s dreams for the future of the technology transfer field. In This Episode:[03:22] Cameron shares the journey that led him to the Texas Tech University System (TTUS).[04:30] An explanation of the four institutions which make up TTUS. [05:47] Three components that the TTUS innovation ecosystem consists of, and what each component focuses on. [08:58] The commercialization road map that Cameron and his team have recently developed, and where you can access it.[09:31] Cameron explains how the innovation cycle works at TTUS. [11:35] How licensing agreements have shifted over the past few years. [13:02] Positive and negative impacts of the shift to virtual that has occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.   [14:09] Growth that TTUS has experienced over the past 10 years in terms of invention disclosures, license agreements, and revenue received.[15:10] Elements of TTUS that make it different to other departments of its kind.[15:55] Why Cameron thinks communication is the key to success in the technology transfer field. [17:14] Examples of the corporate partners that TTUS has, and how they manage these relationships. [20:08] Cameron reiterates the importance of communication.    [21:30] Some of the exciting technologies being developed at TTUS.  [25:42] The surprising innovation that is TTUS’s biggest success. [27:15] Two of the biggest challenges that Cameron faces in his line of work. [28:55] How TTUS is working to improve representation of underrepresented groups.  [29:35] Associations that add value to Cameron and his team. [30:45] Cameron’s view on credentialing, and his involvement with the system.   [31:38] The three dreams that Cameron has for the future of the technology transfer field.  Find Cameron:Email

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