Best Practices for Technology Transfer Professionals in the Start-Up World with Kirsten Leute

Although it is just one aspect of technology transfer, the start-up space is attracting an increasingly large proportion of the interest and support from professionals within (and outside of) the field.   

Kirsten Leute (who is currently a partner at Osage University Partners) has spent nearly two decades immersed in the world of innovation. As a result she has witnessed the evolution that has taken place in the field over the years and thus has a broad, unique perspective, which she shares with us today.

Tune into this episode to hear how technology transfer professionals can support start-ups, help founders deal with challenges related to policies and regulations, and create more supportive environments for underrepresented entrepreneurs. The key takeaway from this conversation with Kirsten is that when it comes to effectively building and growing a start-up, one size does not fit all!

In This Episode:

[00:43] Introducing Kirsten Leute, partner at Osage University Partners.

[02:05] How the role of technology transfer professionals has evolved since Kirsten entered the field. 

[02:56] Two key ways in which technology transfer professionals can support start-ups.  

[04:27] The importance of fostering strong relationships between venture funds and universities in the startup ecosystem. 

[06:43] How technology transfer professionals can help founders deal with challenges in the policy and regulation spaces. 

[09:07] Why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to effectively building and growing a startup. 

[10:56] The value that mentors can provide to first-time founders. 

[12:36] Programs to support start-ups and academic institutions that Kirsten has been involved in implementing.

[14:48] Lessons that Kirsten has learned through her diverse work experience. 

[16:41] Advice to technology transfer professionals for navigating the often overwhelming nature of the start-up space. 

[19:08] How technology transfer professionals can create more supportive environments for underrepresented entrepreneurs. 

[19:56] An overview of the results from a survey (that Kirsten was involved with) focusing on the barriers faced by women innovators in university settings. 

[22:43] The increased focus on start-ups within and outside the technology transfer profession.

Resources:

Osage University Partners

Kirsten Leute on LinkedIn

‘Engaging More Women in Academic Innovation: Findings and Recommendations’