Tech Transfer Articles

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown interviews Joon Beh, CEO and founder of Hallo.ai, a unique AI-driven language learning platform. Hallo.ai allows users to engage in real-time conversations with AI tutors, making language practice accessible and immersive. Joon shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early challenges as a non-technical founder to building a scalable, subscription-based model focused on AI tutoring. He discusses overcoming obstacles, like visa issues and finding a technical co-founder, and the business pivots that led to Hallo.ai�s current success. This episode is a must-listen for language learners, AI enthusiasts, and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in scaling AI applications.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown speaks with Taylor Bench from Summit Venture Studio, a unique venture studio focused on transforming university-based ideas into viable businesses. Taylor explains the venture studio model, specifically how Summit differs by focusing on idea-driven projects rather than founder-led startups. They dive into the process of working with tech transfer offices to identify promising technologies and create companies around them, leveraging intellectual property and research-backed innovations. This conversation is essential for university entrepreneurs, tech transfer professionals, and anyone interested in the growing role of venture studios in tech commercialization.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and Relationship Manager Jennifer Thomas explore the essential role of relationship management in university tech transfer. They discuss strategies for building strong partnerships with faculty, licensing professionals, and student inventors to enhance the success of technology commercialization. By focusing on communication, tailored events, and active networking, Jennifer shares insights into how relationship management supports the tech transfer mission, fostering collaboration between departments and connecting academic innovation with the commercial market. This episode is ideal for tech transfer professionals, faculty, and anyone involved in academic technology commercialization.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown discusses AuthenticFace, an innovative AI-powered two-factor authentication technology developed at BYU. Unlike typical two-factor systems, AuthenticFace uses advanced facial recognition combined with a unique facial motion as the second factor, such as a subtle expression or phrase. Licensed to the startup AuthenticFace, the technology aims to revolutionize security applications across various industries—from ATMs and hotel check-ins to mobile devices and smart home systems. This episode is essential for entrepreneurs, tech transfer professionals, and security experts looking to explore new frontiers in authentication technology and to learn how they can integrate this breakthrough via AuthenticFace’s API.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown speaks with Giovanni Tata, Director of Creative Works, and Marketing Coordinator Mary Jo Tansy, to discuss BYU’s distinctive approach to managing university-owned intellectual property (IP) beyond traditional tech transfer. Unlike most universities, BYU’s Creative Works department focuses on commercializing content-based IP, including copyrighted educational materials, software, and art developed on campus. Giovanni and Mary Jo explain how they support faculty in licensing their creations, managing royalties, and distributing products through both external partnerships and in-house sales channels. This episode provides valuable insights for tech transfer professionals, faculty, and academic IP managers exploring innovative ways to monetize creative works within university settings.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown interviews validation expert and business major Katie Hunter to discuss the art and science of validating new technology ideas. Katie explains her step-by-step approach to testing market fit, from initial patent checks and demographic research to gathering insights through customer interviews. She shares examples of how she engages with professionals in education, healthcare, and tech to determine if an idea is ready for commercialization. This episode is essential listening for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech transfer professionals interested in ensuring their innovations solve real-world problems and meet market demand.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and engineering expert Bennett Mortensen discuss the LED Joint, a patented, flexible mechanism transforming furniture design and electronics. Developed in BYU’s compliant mechanisms lab, the LED Joint uses a flat sheet of material to create hinge-like flexibility without adding extra parts. Applications range from foldable furniture to flexible electronic circuitry, making this technology ideal for sustainable design. Perfect for entrepreneurs, product designers, and tech transfer professionals, this episode delves into the LED Joint’s commercial potential and ease of manufacturing, providing an in-depth look at an innovation ready to enter diverse markets.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and former tech transfer professional Colleen Kohler break down the complexities of iEdison compliance and federal reporting for university innovations. iEdison is crucial for any tech transfer office managing federally funded technologies, as it ensures compliance with the Bayh-Dole Act’s patent and licensing requirements. Colleen, an iEdison expert, explains step-by-step processes like reporting inventions, confirming government support, and securing confirmatory licenses. This discussion offers invaluable insights for tech transfer professionals navigating iEdison, simplifying compliance to avoid risks of losing federal funding rights or patent ownership.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and TTO Controller David Campbell explore contrarian approaches to university tech transfer processes, challenging the traditional steps of invention, disclosure, patenting, and licensing. They discuss innovative methods like earlier industry partnerships, simplified disclosures, and customized patenting strategies. By rethinking these processes, they aim to enhance efficiency and boost commercialization success. This episode is essential for tech transfer professionals, university faculty, and entrepreneurs interested in creating more agile, industry-connected pathways for bringing university innovations to market.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and finance student Jason Lowe dive into common concerns students have about launching their own startups. Addressing issues from financial risk and balancing academics to market validation and limited networks, they debunk myths and offer actionable insights for aspiring student entrepreneurs. With BYU's vast resources—from tech transfer technologies to startup funding and mentorship—students are well-equipped to start ventures with minimal financial burden and invaluable support. This episode is ideal for students considering entrepreneurship but unsure where to start or how to overcome initial challenges.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and prototyping expert Bennett Mortensen discuss the essential role of prototyping in bringing university innovations to market. Bennett, a seasoned engineer and consultant, shares practical advice for creating effective prototypes, from low-fidelity models to manufacturing-ready versions. The episode covers critical aspects such as the cost of prototyping, design iterations, and how to utilize on-campus resources like 3D printing and the BYU Makerspace. Ideal for student entrepreneurs, tech transfer professionals, and inventors, this episode offers insights into minimizing costs while maximizing the impact of prototypes to advance technology commercialization.

In this special year-end episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and Patent Attorney Adam Stephens highlight the most impactful tech transfer events from the past year, taking listeners month by month through key successes and initiatives. From new student-led startups and industry partnerships to transformative innovations like Bloom Surgical’s compliant mechanism for minimally invasive surgery, this episode celebrates BYU’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Key milestones include licensing successes, groundbreaking inventions like AI-driven bee communication research, and exciting updates from BYU’s tech transfer ecosystem. This recap is essential for anyone interested in university-driven technology commercialization and the future of tech transfer at BYU.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown speaks with Michael Davis, a BYU student entrepreneur and co-founder of Highview, a startup accelerating biotech innovation by connecting early-stage technologies with investors. Michael discusses how Highview is creating a niche marketplace for academic intellectual property, allowing verified investors early access to promising biotech ideas still in the research phase. He shares insights on leveraging grant proposals to populate a database of novel research, the importance of networking within the tech transfer ecosystem, and strategies for bootstrapping a venture. This episode is a must-listen for students, tech transfer professionals, and biotech investors interested in early-stage commercialization and academic-industry partnerships.

In this episode, Dave Brown, BYU’s Tech Transfer Director, shares his approach to advancing innovation and partnership-building in university tech transfer. With over a decade in tech transfer, Dave discusses the unique role of tech transfer offices as service-oriented hubs that connect faculty, students, and industry to commercialize university-developed technologies. Highlighting the importance of student involvement, entrepreneurial support, and targeted licensing, he explains BYU’s strategy of experimentation and vision-setting. This episode offers valuable insights for new tech transfer directors, academic entrepreneurs, and institutions aiming to enhance their tech transfer impact.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer's Bennett Mortensen interviews Kelvin Cullimore, President and CEO of BioUtah, about the vital role BioUtah plays in fostering growth in Utah’s life sciences sector. Kelvin shares insights into Utah’s booming life sciences industry, BioUtah’s advocacy work, and the importance of networking in creating industry-academia-government partnerships. He also offers advice for early-stage life science startups on validating ideas, finding investment, and leveraging BioUtah’s events for networking and capital formation. This episode is essential for entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors interested in the thriving life sciences ecosystem in Utah.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown speaks with Olin Beck, CEO of Watt Power, a BYU-based startup focused on converting waste sugars into electricity using a unique catalytic process. Olin shares his journey from biotech to the energy sector, discussing the science behind Watt Power’s catalyst and its potential applications in waste management and carbon capture. They cover the challenges of scaling capital-intensive technology, working with BYU’s tech transfer office, and navigating the startup world. This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, energy innovators, and anyone interested in sustainable technology commercialization.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and Licensing Associate Bennett Mortensen discuss the groundbreaking Generative AI Governance Framework report, co-authored by BYU�s Dr. David Wood and industry experts. They delve into the report�s strategic recommendations for companies navigating AI adoption, covering essential issues like data privacy, employee creativity, and operational efficiency. Dave and Bennett explore the balance between empowering employees with AI tools and addressing ethical, regulatory, and security concerns. This episode is essential for business leaders, tech transfer professionals, and innovators interested in leveraging AI responsibly to gain a competitive edge.

In this special episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown hosts a panel discussion featuring top BYU faculty, including Professor Larry Howell and licensing expert Adam Stevens, to explore the critical role of technology transfer in advancing research and innovation. The forum highlights BYU’s unique approach to tech commercialization, aligning it with the university’s mission to bless communities and improve lives. Panelists discuss the journey from research to licensing, emphasizing student involvement, spiritual motivation, and the distinctive opportunities BYU offers for commercialization. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, innovation, and tech transfer at a leading university.