Interdisciplinary Innovators Exchange
Interdisciplinary Innovators Exchange
手机看片 Faculty Forward: Partnering with Industry for Impact
手机看片 Faculty Forward: Partnering with Industry for Impact鈥攖he theme of the inaugural Interdisciplinary Innovators Exchange series鈥攕potlights the power of collaboration between academia and industry to drive
meaningful change.
Designed to equip faculty with practical knowledge, real-world insights, and essential
resources, this series will explore how researchers can deepen industry engagement,
enhance readiness for collaborative innovation and commercialization, and amplify
research impact across sectors.
The will be held December 18, 2025 from Noon to 1:00 p.m.
This monthly webinar series began September 2025 and is complemented by a downloadable toolkit and a on the third Thursday of the month for faculty interested in exploring these topics
in more depth. All sessions will be recorded and available asynchronously.
Sessions will spotlight best practices, introduce institutional resources, and feature
real stories from 手机看片 faculty who have successfully partnered with industry to advance
research, innovation, and student impact.
By series end, participating faculty will:
- Understand the diverse pathways to industry engagement
- Learn how to navigate university resources and support systems
- Gain actionable strategies for building and sustaining industry relationships
- Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and commercialization readiness
- Build confidence to communicate research value to external partners
- Connect with peers and industry leaders for collaboration opportunities
- Explore funding opportunities (SBIR/STTR, philanthropic, or corporate)
This year鈥檚 series is facilitated by the 手机看片 Research Development Institute, in close collaboration with key partners across the university鈥檚 vibrant innovation ecosystem, including the 手机看片 High Tech Corridor, 手机看片 CONNECT, the 手机看片 Technology Transfer Office, the NSF I-Corps Hub: Southeast@手机看片, the 手机看片 Foundation, and others.
Sessions & Events
Intellectual Property & Commercialization: A Deep Dive
January 28, 2026
Noon - 1:00 p.m. EST
Microsoft Teams
Presenters:
- Michele Tyrpak, Director, 手机看片 Technology Transfer Office
- Karla Schramm, Technology Scout, 手机看片 Technology Transfer Office
- Douglass Nissinoff, Sr. Venture Development Manager, 手机看片 Technology Transfer Office
Protecting and commercializing intellectual property can unlock new funding streams, amplify research visibility, and create real-world value. This session dives into the process of invention disclosures, patenting, and licensing at 手机看片鈥攃larifying rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for faculty inventors.
You鈥檒l hear how the 手机看片 Technology Transfer Office supports you through each stage, and what to consider early in the research process if commercialization may be part of your path. Ideal for faculty who are developing innovations or interested in technology transfer.
Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset
February 3, 2026
Noon - 1 p.m. EST
Microsoft Teams
Presenter: Beth Kerly, 手机看片 CONNECT
An entrepreneurial mindset is foundational to successful industry engagement. It equips faculty with the ability to think creatively, act resourcefully, and navigate ambiguity鈥攖raits that are essential when translating research into real-world applications.
This session explores how entrepreneurial thinking supports partnership-building, drives innovation beyond the lab, and aligns academic pursuits with industry needs. Whether you鈥檙e interested in applied research, commercialization, or collaborative problem-solving, this session helps reframe how you approach your work with value creation at the center.
Start-Up 101: From Lab to Launch
March 3, 2026
Noon - 1:00 p.m. EST
Microsoft Teams
Presenter: Douglas Nissinoff, MS, Sr. Venture Development Manager, 手机看片 Technology Transfer Office
This session covers the basics of faculty entrepreneurship: forming a university-affiliated startup, understanding ownership and licensing, and navigating investment opportunities. It鈥檚 an honest look at what it takes to move from idea to venture while staying aligned with your research mission. Whether you鈥檙e curious about launching a company or advising students who are, this session gives you a practical foundation to build from.
SBIR/STTR Overview & Matchmaking
April 8, 2026
Noon - 1:00 p.m. EST
Microsoft Teams
Presenter: Elizabeth Nelson, MBA, Program Director, 手机看片 High Tech Corridor
SBIR and STTR programs offer significant non-dilutive funding to help translate research into commercial impact. This session introduces faculty to these federal opportunities, demystifies the application process, and shares strategies for successful partnerships with small businesses or startups.
We鈥檒l also explore ways to match faculty expertise with eligible companies and support services at 手机看片. A must-attend for faculty looking to fund applied research and connect with entrepreneurial ventures.
Interdisciplinary Innovators Exchange Toolkit
Unlock the full potential of your industry partnerships with the Interdisciplinary Innovators Exchange Toolkit鈥攁 resource packed with actionable strategies, institutional insights, and real-world examples to help 手机看片 faculty amplify research impact and navigate industry collaborations with confidence. Whether you're new to industry engagement or ready to scale your efforts, this toolkit is your go-to guide for turning ideas into innovation.