Entering into a technology transfer partnership with people you don't know well is
risky—a bit like going on a blind date with potentially millions of dollars on the line.
One approach that federal T2 professionals use to minimize this risk involves collaborating with start-up companies launched by former laboratory employees.
This Spotlight, part of our series on the 2020 FLC National Award winners, highlights labs that have turned home-grown partnerships into T2 successes.
There are clear advantages to this business model. The prospective partner is already familiar with the lab's workflow, personalities, expectations, and of course the technology being licensed. This in turn increases the lab's confidence in the partnership, and the project can proceed more quickly than if the two sides needed time to get to know one another.
There can be challenges too, including issues related to conflict of interest and access to intellectual property. But the award winners showcased below have found innovative ways to minimize the challenges and maximize the benefits of partnering with former colleagues.
Please join us in congratulating these creative laboratories and their home-grown partners, all winners of 2020 Excellence in Technology Transfer Awards.