Tech Transfer Articles

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown sits down with Jennifer Thomas and Bennett Mortensen to discuss their favorite books for tech entrepreneurs, focusing on essential reads for anyone interested in tech transfer and intellectual property (IP) commercialization. They cover classics like How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie for relationship building, Zero to One by Peter Thiel on achieving monopoly in markets, and The Lean Startup by Eric Ries for agile business methodologies. With insights into business strategy, financial literacy, and innovation, this episode is perfect for tech startup founders, student entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the startup journey.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown interviews Reid Tileston, an adjunct professor and experienced entrepreneur, on the topic of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). Reid shares his journey from managing multiple fitness franchises to advising on business acquisitions. With insights on selecting the right business to buy, minimizing risks, and building strong relationships with team members, Reid explains why ETA can be a more secure path to entrepreneurship. He also highlights his approach to operational diligence, team management, and the critical role of intrinsic motivation in business success. This episode is essential for aspiring entrepreneurs, MBA students, and anyone interested in acquisition-based entrepreneurship.

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 and tech transfer consultant Colleen Kohler offer a detailed guide to iEdison compliance, especially for professionals managing federally funded inventions. Colleen shares actionable tips for tackling utilization reports and understanding recent updates to the iEdison system. With insights on federal requirements, managing timelines, and handling licensing complexities, they simplify the process of filing accurate reports. This episode is invaluable for tech transfer professionals and administrators responsible for university compliance, helping them streamline iEdison reporting while avoiding common pitfalls.

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 speaks with IP broker Dallin Ferris to discuss BYU’s partnership with Invictus, a BYU startup with a groundbreaking NICU noise attenuation device. Designed to improve outcomes for preterm infants, this technology utilizes external sound-canceling speakers, inspired by innovations in industrial and personal noise-canceling devices. Together, Dave and Dallin cover the device’s journey from FDA approval to market readiness, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities of licensing advanced medical technology. They highlight the role of tech transfer in bringing life-saving technologies to market and offer insights for potential investors interested in high-impact healthcare innovation.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown sits down with Devin Miller, founder of Miller IP Law and host of The Inventive Journey podcast, to discuss essential IP strategies for startups. Devin shares insights from his experience as an entrepreneur and IP attorney, covering the core areas of intellectual property—patents, trademarks, and copyrights—and how each applies to different types of startups. They also discuss common IP pitfalls, the importance of filing early, and strategic decisions around allocating resources for IP protection. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, inventors, and anyone interested in protecting and scaling new ideas.

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 fun and insightful episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and guest Bennett Mortensen dive into the year’s biggest movies, drawing unexpected parallels between blockbuster hits and tech transfer strategies. From The Boys in the Boat to Oppenheimer, Dave and Bennett extract valuable business lessons, discussing themes like team dynamics, the importance of innovation, and strategic marketing decisions. This episode is a unique blend of entertainment and education, perfect for entrepreneurs, tech transfer professionals, and movie enthusiasts eager to explore how popular films can illuminate the entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown interviews Matt Sederberg, Chief Strategy Officer for Coreform and a serial entrepreneur with roots in BYU’s tech transfer ecosystem. Matt shares his journey from co-founding the successful tech startup T-Splines with his father to developing Coreform’s revolutionary CAD and simulation software. They discuss the unique challenges and rewards of licensing university technologies, building a tech business, and scaling innovations for high-demand industries like automotive and aerospace. This episode is essential for tech transfer professionals, student entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the intersection of university research and startup success.

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 talks with Debbie Silversmith and Suzy Cordy from BYU's Research Administration Office to discuss how sponsored research is managed and how it intersects with tech transfer. They explain the process of securing external funding from industry and federal agencies, navigating intellectual property issues, and ensuring compliance in research involving human and animal subjects. Highlighting programs like the SBIR/STTR grants and the Sponsored Projects Office's role in fostering faculty innovation, this episode provides valuable insights for researchers, faculty, and industry partners interested in supporting and commercializing university research.

In this engaging episode, the BYU Tech Transfer team dive into the fascinating world of celebrity entrepreneurs in tech. Covering stars like Drew Barrymore, Ashton Kutcher, and Gwyneth Paltrow, they explore how these celebrities have successfully navigated tech-driven ventures, from e-commerce to innovative wellness products. The discussion highlights strategies used by each, like leveraging personal brands, identifying market gaps, and building strong partnerships, providing valuable lessons for tech entrepreneurs and students alike. Whether it’s launching a sustainable product line or investing in a new tech startup, this episode showcases how to turn fame into business success.

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 MBA student Kirk Tompkinson about his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship and his interest in tech transfer. Kirk shares insights into BYU’s MBA program, its emphasis on entrepreneurship, and how resources like the Rollins Center support students aiming to launch their own companies. They discuss the unique role of tech transfer in connecting university innovations with market needs and the value of licensing university technologies. This conversation is essential for MBA students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the intersections of business, innovation, and technology commercialization.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown and Bennett Mortensen discuss a cutting-edge AI-powered software developed at BYU to measure real-time crowd engagement at sports events. Tested successfully at a BYU basketball game, this software uses acoustic science and machine learning to analyze crowd noise and distinguish genuine audience engagement from general volume. The technology provides actionable data for sports arenas, event managers, and advertisers, allowing them to fine-tune fan experiences and even increase concession sales. Perfect for sports tech entrepreneurs and stadium managers, this episode unveils the potential of AI in enhancing live events.

In this episode, BYU Tech Transfer Director Dave Brown talks with Corbin Church, a lifelong entrepreneur and BYU adjunct professor with over 80 startups to his name. Corbin shares his unique approach to student entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of hunger, resilience, and mentorship. They discuss how BYU’s tech transfer resources provide a launching pad for student-led businesses and how Corbin has successfully integrated students into ventures like SignGlasses, a tool that uses augmented reality to assist the deaf and hard-of-hearing. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and is essential for anyone looking to turn their passion into a thriving business.