As a technology transfer professional who also has many years of experience as a researcher (in both the chemical biology and physical sciences realms) and an entrepreneur, today’s guest offers a uniquely diverse perspective on the innovation sector.Greg Tucker, or Dr. T as he is affectionately known by his colleagues, is a co-inventor on 5 U.S. patents, the cofounder of a number of different startups (including a chemical company and an electric bike company), and currently the Commercialization Manager at the University of Louisville (and he still manages to find the time to do a lot of mentoring and outreach work too!). In today’s episode, Greg shares what his relatively new role entails, the advancements being driven by the university through its Grand Challenges initiative, exciting startups that they have facilitated (which range from reusable PPE to a less wasteful Bourbon distilling process), how his office of Innovation and Commercialization supports these startups, the university’s approach to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and more! In This Episode:[00:51] A rundown of the educational and professional background of today’s guest, T. Greg Tucker.[03:10] Where Greg’s interest in electricity originated, and what his journey in this field has looked like. [04:52] Greg’s interest in cycling, and the cycling-related startups he was involved in.[06:10] What drew Greg to the world of technology transfer. [08:02] Some details about the role that Greg has held for the past 10 months.[09:10] Goals of the Grand Challenges initiative at the University of Louisville. [11:03] Examples of the exciting research and inventions coming out of the University of Louisville. [15:53] An overview of the Launch It program offered by the University of Louisville, and what Greg sees as the benefits of it. [18:12] Greg explains how his office is structured, and the positions they are currently looking to fill. [20:56] ‘Science dollars’ and licensing income that Greg’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization has brought in over the past year. [21:48] The startup responsible for the biggest IPO in the history of the University of Louisville. [22:42] Innovative uses for the byproduct of the Bourbon distilling process which were discovered by professors at the University of Louisville. [25:50] How Greg’s office supports startups coming out of the university. [28:57] Some of the key partnerships that Greg’s office has cultivated with external institutions and philanthropic organizations.[32:45] Challenges that Greg’s office is currently facing, and the changes they are in the process of making. [34:10] How AUTM has assisted Greg in terms of his professional development. [35:18] The numerous ways in which the University of Louisville is enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion. [38:52] Freelance work that Greg does to help other innovators thrive. [43:47] Organizations that Greg is involved with. [47:29] Three wishes that Greg has for his office. Find Greg:LinkedInEmail

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