Technology transfer: the co-culture of academia and industry

Many of the key innovations in industrial microbiology and biotechnology get their start in university labs. Turning those discoveries into drugs, materials, and industrial processes requires further development by companies. But how are technologies transitioned from academia to industry? Tech transfer involves more than just licensing patents. Universities are developing new industry collaboration models to support applied research, streamline negotiations, co-develop technologies, and spin out companies. Both academic and industrial researchers can learn how to cross cultural barriers and understand each other’s needs to bring innovations to market.