University research can produce ideas with enormous potential, but turning those discoveries into something that reaches the market is rarely straightforward. Funding is part of the equation, but so are timing, evidence, relationships, and the ability to connect promising technologies with the right partners. As research and investment become increasingly global, universities are also looking beyond their own regions and countries for the capital, expertise, and opportunities needed to move innovation forward.Steve Susalka, CEO of AUTM, and Stuart Wilkinson, CEO of Knowledge Exchange UK, join us to build on a recent Global Roundtable exploring why investors are increasingly looking to universities for new opportunities. Steve and Stuart bring perspectives from two different innovation ecosystems, but their discussion makes clear just how much overlap there is in the challenges universities face. They explore how different types of capital can support research at different stages, why early de-risking matters, and how the role of technology transfer is expanding beyond patents and licensing.We also dig into the importance of building investor relationships earlier, the growing flow of capital across borders, and the need for universities to think more broadly about impact rather than focusing only on licensing revenue. Steve and Stuart share examples from the U.S., UK, and other countries, while looking at what technology transfer professionals can learn from one another as commercialization becomes more collaborative, more international, and increasingly dependent on strong connections across the innovation ecosystem.In This Episode:[02:17] Steve Susalka and Stuart Wilkinson explain how the Global Roundtable grew from conversations about the similarities and differences between innovation ecosystems around the world.[03:41] The discussion examines whether university innovation faces a shortage of capital or a need for stronger evidence and de-risking to unlock existing investment.[08:44] International investment creates new opportunities for university startups, but outside funding can also pull companies and economic activity away from their home countries.[10:41] Different sources of capital, including venture funding, government support, philanthropy, and patient-focused organizations, serve different purposes throughout the commercialization process.[17:42] Funding models that prioritize societal impact can support important research areas that may not offer the financial returns traditional investors expect.[23:23] Technology transfer is evolving beyond patents and licensing as universities place greater emphasis on knowledge exchange and broader economic and societal impact.[29:50] De-risking requires more than funding, with expertise, talent, market knowledge, prototypes, and early validation all helping technologies move closer to commercialization.[36:10] Strong relationships, shared language, and trust between universities, investors, industry, and government become increasingly important as innovation operates across borders.[42:03] Universities can strengthen their connections to capital by investing strategically in early de-risking and building relationships with investors beyond their local ecosystems.[45:28] Differences in terminology, including the meanings of startups and spin-outs, demonstrate why a common language matters in an increasingly global innovation community.[55:14] Better data, shared expertise, and international collaboration can help universities demonstrate the impact of knowledge exchange and identify new opportunities for investment.[58:58] The conversation closes with a look at upcoming Global Roundtables and opportunities for continued collaboration across the international technology transfer community.Resources: AUTMWhy Global Capital is Betting on University ResearchSteve Susalka, CEO of AUTMSteve Susalka - LinkedInKnowledge Exchange UKStuart Wilkinson - LinkedIn

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