The Department of War is sitting on a massive portfolio of federally developed technology, including more than 6,000 active patents. The challenge is making sure those inventions don’t just stay in a catalog, but actually find their way into the hands of companies that can turn them into useful products. That’s the thinking behind the Defense Patent Holiday, a new pilot program designed to make government-owned intellectual property easier for industry to explore.

In this episode, I talk with Stephen Luckowski, Director of Technology Transfer, Transition, and Commercial Partnerships for the Department of War, about how the Patent Holiday came together and why removing upfront fees can make such a difference for startups and small businesses. Stephen explains how commercial evaluation licenses give companies room to test the market potential of federal technologies, work with government laboratories, and decide whether an invention fits into their product plans.

We also discuss how the program is growing beyond patent licensing itself, with manufacturing resources, funding opportunities, and other support intended to help companies move promising technologies toward commercialization. Stephen shares what the department is learning from the pilot, why success means more than simply counting licenses, and how a more intentional approach to commercialization could strengthen both the industrial base and the technologies available to the warfighter.

In This Episode:

[01:11] Stephen Luckowski introduces his role leading Technology Transfer, Transition, and Commercial Partnerships for the Department of War and explains his responsibilities for patent licensing and intellectual property reporting.

[04:13] The department is creating a strategic view of federally funded intellectual property and strengthening commercialization opportunities across its research portfolio.

[05:08] Conversations with Undersecretary Emil Michael led to the creation of the Defense Patent Holiday and the idea of making government patents more accessible to industry.

[07:52] The first Patent Holiday offered hundreds of curated patents in critical technology areas with no upfront fees to encourage participation from startups and small businesses.

[11:00] The program changes the way the department views billions of dollars in research investment by treating patents as dynamic assets with commercialization potential.

[13:02] Commercial evaluation licenses allow companies to assess government-owned technology, work with federal laboratories, and determine whether an invention fits their market and product plans.

[15:44] The department is learning from the Patent Holiday pilot, and feedback from participating companies could influence future technology transfer policies.

[17:13] The NextFlex Industry Day connected companies with curated microelectronics patents, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and additional resources to support commercialization.

[22:15] Companies exploring the Patent Holiday portfolio can use curated patent lists, TechLink assistance, and other federal resources to evaluate opportunities.

[25:11] Success for the Patent Holiday means moving federally developed technologies into commercial products that can also meet the needs of the warfighter.

[28:39] Future Patent Holidays could involve other government agencies while expanding the economic and national security benefits of commercializing federally funded innovation.

[31:31] The Innovation for Impact forum provides an opportunity to focus on national security technology transfer, connect with industry, and showcase the department’s evolving commercialization strategy.

Resources: 

FLC

The Transfer Files

Stephen Luckowski - Department of War

Defense Patent Holiday

Innovation for Impact: A National Security Technology Transfer Forum

A career in federal technology transfer can take unexpected turns, but for Paige George, stepping into the role of executive director of the Federal Laboratory Consortium felt like the natural next step. After beginning her Navy career as a high school intern, Paige went on to become a mechanical engineer, technology transfer manager and longtime FLC leader.

Paige shares how the relationships she built throughout the federal laboratory community prepared her for this new chapter. She also discusses the leadership lessons she learned from Paul Zielinski, the opportunities ahead for the FLC and why connecting people, laboratories and resources remains essential to moving federally funded innovation into the world.

In This Episode:

[02:00] Paige George explains how a high school internship at the Navy base introduced her to engineering, military technology and the career possibilities available within the federal laboratory system.

[05:00] Attending her first FLC national meeting revealed the remarkable range of backgrounds within technology transfer and helped Paige recognize that she had found the professional community where she belonged.

[08:25] Stepping into the executive director role felt like a natural progression after years of serving as a regional coordinator, committee chair, board member and technology transfer leader.

[11:32] A closer look at the organization’s daily operations has deepened Paige’s appreciation for the staff members who work behind the scenes to deliver programs, resources and major events for federal laboratories.

[12:55] New strategic priorities create opportunities for the FLC to expand access to federal laboratory expertise, strengthen partnerships and help federally funded research produce practical benefits for the nation.

[15:33] Looking ahead, Paige wants the FLC to remain the leading resource for federal technology transfer while connecting more laboratories, new professionals and national partners to its network.

[17:28] Federal laboratory professionals are encouraged to get involved with the FLC because strong relationships can provide career support, institutional knowledge and valuable connections across agencies and regions.

[18:51] The conversation closes with a reminder that successful technology transfer depends on connecting people, laboratories, resources, partners and ideas to move innovation into real-world use.

Resources: 

Federal Labs Consortium

Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook

Inside T2 at the Navy With Paige George

Federal Laboratory Consortium Names Paige George Executive Director

Paige George - LinkedIn

Federal technology transfer can be difficult to navigate, especially for someone approaching a government laboratory for the first time. From CRADAs and licensing agreements to material transfer agreements, each option serves a different purpose. Simply figuring out where to begin can become a hurdle before a conversation ever takes place.

Stephen Crutchfield helped develop the Federal Laboratory Consortium’s T2 Mechanisms chatbot, a tool designed to make that first step easier. Users describe what they hope to accomplish with the government and what resources they need. The chatbot then points them toward a mechanism that may fit their situation while offering a straightforward explanation of how it works.

In this episode, Stephen shares how the team turned dozens of federal authorities into a much simpler decision tree. We talk about the work involved in refining the chatbot and why it is meant to guide users rather than replace a technology transfer professional. He also explains how a clearer starting point could make federal laboratory partnerships feel more accessible to companies and researchers.

In This Episode:

[02:32] Stephen explains how the T2 Mechanisms chatbot helps people outside the federal government find a possible starting point.

[04:08] The team reviewed federal laws and agency authorities before narrowing them into simpler concepts.

[06:45] An extensive spreadsheet evolved into a decision tree built around what non-federal partners hope to accomplish.

[08:25] Each result includes a recommended mechanism with an explanation and references to the authority behind it.

[09:02] The tool introduces users to their options while leaving the final recommendation to technology transfer professionals.

[11:12] Testing the decision tree required repeated adjustments when certain answers produced the wrong result.

[11:40] Feedback from the technology transfer community could help shape future versions of the chatbot.

[12:33] The generated recommendation also teaches users about the basics of each mechanism.

[13:08] A reminder to explore the chatbot with different inputs and see how its recommendations change.

Resources: 

Federal Labs Consortium

Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook

Stephen Crutchfield - LinkedIn

T2 Mechanisms Chatbot

Stephen Crutchfield: Commercializing Navy Research Through Strategic Matchmaking

Some technical problems are too specific, too complex, or too far outside a company’s normal day-to-day work to solve alone. A manufacturer might have a product that works at the bench level, but not at scale. A process might be close, but the yield is inconsistent. A team might know what it needs to make, but not who has the equipment, expertise, or research capabilities to help them get there.

In this episode, we talk with David McFeeters-Krone about how the Center for Advanced Technology Solutions, or CATS, helps companies work through those kinds of challenges. Through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, his team helps small and medium-sized manufacturers define the real problem, find the right technical resources, and build connections with federal labs, universities, Manufacturing USA Institutes, vendors, and other partners who may already have part of the answer.

David also shares why these partnerships matter beyond one company or one technical fix. When a business can get past a production hurdle, improve consistency, shorten a supply chain, or avoid a costly dead end, that progress can support U.S. manufacturing, strengthen competitiveness, and help federal lab technologies create real-world impact. His work is a reminder that successful tech transfer often comes down to connecting the right people, problems, and capabilities at the right time.

In This Episode:

[02:10] David McFeeters-Krone shares how he entered tech transfer through MIT’s Technology Licensing Office after studying physics and unexpectedly landing a role among a team largely connected to MIT.

[03:29] His career expanded into NASA-supported technology commercialization work, where he helped move federal technologies into the marketplace and connected companies with opportunities to collaborate.

[04:14] The early tech transfer landscape was still developing after Bayh-Dole, with universities and federal labs working through many of the licensing practices and questions that still shape the field today.

[05:21] Current work through NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership focuses on helping small manufacturers improve operations, solve production issues, and strengthen their ability to compete.

[06:24] CATS, the Center for Advanced Technology Solutions, supports companies facing technology-related production problems by connecting them with partners who can provide expertise, facilities, capabilities, or research support.

[07:31] Licensees, CRADA partners, vendors, and other lab-connected companies are strong candidates for support because they are often trying to scale new technologies or solve unfamiliar manufacturing challenges.

[09:10] Many companies struggle because their internal teams are already focused on research, payroll, insurance, customers, and daily operations, while CATS can focus directly on finding the right technical solution.

[09:47] Materials, composites, metals, 3D printing, machining, aerospace, biomedical, and agricultural technologies all come up in this work, but the real strength is knowing how to investigate the problem and find the right expert.

[10:50] More established companies are often easier to help quickly because they already know their market and have more business structure in place, but early-stage companies can also benefit from technical matchmaking.

[12:10] Strong partnerships can help smaller companies build credibility, find the right words to explain their needs, and show that they can work responsibly within a broader commercial ecosystem.

[13:32] A soy-wax manufacturer needed help improving formulation consistency while staying within biological requirements, leading to a CRADA with USDA researchers to explore better options.

[14:33] A composite air taxi company avoided costly dead ends by connecting with Oak Ridge-related resources that could evaluate manufacturing options and identify a more practical path forward.

[15:51] Shortening supply chains is becoming a major priority, especially when companies can bring production closer to home or help existing suppliers build the capability to make what is needed.

[17:10] Domestic manufacturing, defense procurement needs, and support for small manufacturers are all creating more urgency around investment, technical connections, and better use of existing U.S. capabilities.

[18:14] Federal labs and their partners can move faster by working with organizations like MEP, CATS, Apex Accelerators, and Small Business Development Centers that are already eager to help companies succeed.

[19:51] Listeners can learn more about MEP through NIST, follow CATS on LinkedIn, or contact David directly through Intellectual Assets for help finding technical resources and partnership opportunities.

Resources: 

Federal Labs Consortium

Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook

David McFeeters-Krone - LinkedIn

David McFeeters-Krone - Intellectual Assets

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Center for Advanced Technology Solutions by MEP (CATS)

T2 Stars: David McFeeters-Krone Earns His Title as a T2 Connector

Agricultural research depends on strong partnerships, practical solutions, and technology transfer strategies that connect federal science with the producers and industries it serves. Dr. Deana Jones brings that perspective to her work as Director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s U.S. National Poultry Research Center, where she leads a broad portfolio spanning poultry food safety, product quality, feed safety, avian viral diseases, and related agricultural research.

In this episode we discuss how technology transfer shows up in agricultural research, where collaboration often depends on trust, long-term relationships, and well-structured agreements. She shares how her team works with industry, universities, and other partners to move promising ideas forward while protecting the research, the collaborators, and the path to real-world use.

We also talk about building technology transfer into the culture of a research center from the beginning, not as an afterthought. From encouraging scientists to involve OTT early to highlighting a newly approved in-shell peanut moisture meter, she offers a candid look at leadership, partnership, and the work it takes to turn federal research into practical agricultural solutions.

In This Episode:

[03:04] Dr. Deana Jones shares how growing up around agriculture, poultry farming, and 4-H shaped her path into science

[04:02] Leading the U.S. National Poultry Research Center and championing research that delivers practical solutions

[06:18] The center’s broad research portfolio, from poultry food safety and feed safety to avian viral diseases

[07:42] How technology transfer works in agricultural research through agreements, partnerships, and real-world testing

[09:07] The surprising scope of poultry science and the many disciplines involved in supporting the industry

[12:21] Why trust, respect, and long-term relationships are essential when working with producers and industry partners

[15:46] Becoming the person stakeholders think of when they have a problem, even when the answer is outside your own lab

[17:13] Building a culture where scientists think about technology transfer early, not after the research is complete

[19:32] Bringing OTT into research planning, equipment decisions, and partnership timelines from the beginning

[21:48] A newly approved in-shell peanut moisture meter that gives farmers faster results and supports better grading decisions

[25:37] Moving the peanut moisture technology from early field testing to licensing, collaboration, and USDA approval

[29:58] What FLC’s Laboratory Director of the Year recognition means to Deana and the team behind the work

[31:44] Emerging opportunities in poultry research, including artificial intelligence, diagnostics, and avian disease mitigation

[34:07] How federal labs can shorten the path from discovery to practical solutions through stronger partnerships

[35:29] Advice for early-career technology transfer professionals on showing up, learning the science, and building trust

[38:42] Why agricultural innovation depends on broad, collaborative teams that look at the whole problem

[40:11] Making the most of long-term agricultural research projects by gathering as much useful information as possible

[42:07] Closing thoughts on Deana’s work, the FLC Learning Center, and resources for listeners

Resources: 

Federal Labs Consortium

Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook

Dr. Deana Jones: Advancing Feed Safety

USDA Agricultural Research Service

Dr. Deana Jones - LinkedIn

Technology transfer is already challenging, but it gets even more complicated when national security is involved. Federal labs are trying to move important research and capabilities out into the world, while also protecting sensitive information, managing risk, and making sure the wrong details do not end up in the wrong hands.

That is the thinking behind Innovation for Impact: A National Security Technology Transfer Forum, a new FLC event taking place December 1 through 3, 2026, in Leesburg, Virginia. I am joined by FLC Vice Chair David Lee and FLC Promote Committee Chair Annie Bullock Yoder to talk about why this forum was created, who it is meant to serve, and what attendees can expect from the federal-only training tracks and Industry Engagement Day.

This conversation looks at the larger moment facing the federal innovation community right now. There is a real need for speed, collaboration, and practical training, but there is also a need to protect the research, resources, and partnerships that matter most. David and Annie share how this new forum is being shaped around those realities and why bringing the right people into the same room could make a meaningful difference.

In This Episode:

[02:43] Annie Bullock Yoder explains how the idea for Innovation for Impact grew out of the FLC’s post-COVID shift away from regional in-person training events.

[03:28] National security has become a critical focus for federal technology transfer, especially as labs balance accelerating innovation with protecting sensitive resources and data.

[04:35] David Lee describes the forum as a way to bring together practical in-person training and stronger engagement with industry partners.

[05:26] The event is designed to give tech transfer professionals and supporting attorneys focused training, then connect that critical mass of federal lab expertise with industry.

[06:57] The event will take place December 1 through 3 at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia.

[07:27] The first two days will focus on federal-only legal and tech transfer training tracks, while the third day will serve as an Industry Engagement Day.

[08:12] Potential partners include academia, defense contractors, companies interested in entering the defense space, and state or local agencies working in homeland security.

[09:19] Possible training topics include handling classified material in CRADAs, working with security offices on DD 254s, and managing university partnerships with foreign collaborators.

[10:52] Success will be measured partly through feedback, but also through the longer-term relationships, agreements, and technology outcomes that may follow the event.

[12:09] Strong attendance would be an early sign of success and would show whether there is real demand for this kind of focused FLC-led event.

[13:16] Survey responses and return attendance would help the FLC understand whether the training and partnering opportunities provided meaningful value.

[14:19] If the model works, similar forums could eventually be adapted for other federal lab focus areas such as biotech, pharma, energy, environment, infrastructure, or agriculture.

[15:30] Practical reasons to attend include training, knowledge-sharing, networking, and the chance to make industry partners more familiar with federal lab capabilities.

[16:51] The planning timeline includes the June 15 topic submission deadline and the goal of opening registration before the end of August.

Resources: 

Federal Labs Consortium

Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook

Innovation for Impact: A National Security Technology Transfer Forum

FLC Vice Chair David Lee

FLC Promote Committee Chair Annie Bullock Yoder

Federal laboratories play a critical role in moving ideas from research into real-world use, but that work depends on more than technical expertise. It takes leadership, strong partnerships, and a clear understanding of how innovation supports the mission. At Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, that mission is centered on delivering capability to the warfighter, and technology transfer has become an important part of how that work gets done.

Dr. Angela Lewis, Technical Director at NSWC Crane and the 2025 FLC Lab Director of the Year, brings more than three decades of experience across operations, strategy, and leadership. She has helped shape how one of the Navy’s most mission-critical labs approaches innovation, builds external partnerships, and connects research with outcomes that support national security. She was also featured in last year’s Lab Directors Forum at the FLC National Meeting, where she shared perspective on leading in complex environments and using technology transfer as a strategic tool.

This conversation follows Dr. Lewis’ career journey, including how her understanding of technology transfer evolved and why culture matters so much when building a strong innovation ecosystem. She also shares practical lessons for other federal labs, from engaging leadership to creating the structures, incentives, and partnerships that help technology transfer move from good ideas to measurable mission impact.

In This Episode:

[02:16] Dr. Angela Lewis shares how she first came to Crane as a high school intern, knowing very little about the organization but recognizing it as a place that offered strong career opportunities in her community.

[03:10] Her career path at Crane has included continuing education, leadership development, and opportunities to grow while staying connected to the daily mission of supporting warfighters.

[06:09] Technology transfer helps Crane build the right team for each phase of a project, from academic research to small business prototyping to large defense partners capable of fielding solutions at scale.

[07:07] Dr. Lewis explains that her view of technology transfer changed while serving as chief of staff and hearing Crane’s T2 director explain the range of mechanisms available for working with outside partners.

[09:14] Because Crane operates much like a zero-profit business, the organization has to deliver on cost, quality, and schedule in order to maintain demand from program offices.

[12:01] Dr. Lewis frames technology transfer as part of being a good steward of taxpayer-funded intellectual property and making sure federally developed ideas have a path to broader impact.

[15:17] Crane’s innovation ecosystem includes research and education partnerships across 39 states, 60 universities, and more than 168 industry partners.

[16:03] Dr. Lewis says technology transfer could not remain the responsibility of one office if Crane wanted it to become part of the organization’s DNA.

[18:50] Building a true innovation ecosystem requires more than a list of contacts; Dr. Lewis describes it as an active process of seeking out the right partners and maintaining meaningful engagement.

[20:10] Crane deepens outside relationships through efforts like the Distinguished Lecture Series, temporary faculty programs, and collaborative joint research projects.

[21:03] The Indiana Research Consortium shows how shared vision and active collaboration can make a multi-party CRADA work at scale.

[22:37] The consortium’s turning point came in 2024, when Purdue University, Indiana University, and Notre Dame signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a formal structure around shared defense technology priorities.

[24:53] By its third event in 2024, Silent Swarm had grown from 17 participating technologies to more than 50, creating a larger venue for industry, academia, and government labs to collaborate.

[26:34] Silent Swarm brings together realistic environments, platforms, data collection, government subject matter experts, and operators who can evaluate technologies in a warfighting context.

[27:35] Dr. Lewis says metrics matter, but the real measure of technology transfer success is whether partnerships are aligned with the Navy’s most pressing mission needs.

[29:26] Strong technology transfer culture depends on leadership behavior, especially making T2 visible, measured, and clearly tied to the organization’s priorities.

[30:05] During annual strategic alignment discussions, Crane’s leadership team reviews technology transfer and partnership activities alongside budgets, workload, and project planning.

[32:09] For technology transfer professionals, Dr. Lewis’ practical advice is to use the Federal Laboratory Consortium network and learn from peers rather than trying to build programs alone.

Resources: 

The Transfer Files - Federal Labs Consortium

FLC Learning Center

Dr. Angela Lewis - Federal Labs Consortium

Dr. Angela Lewis - Naval Sea Systems Command

NSWC Crane Announces Its First Female Technical Director

Dr. Angela Lewis - LinkedIn

Turning research into something people can actually use sounds straightforward, but in the federal world, it’s anything but. It takes people who can move between science, business, and policy, people who know how to translate complex ideas, build the right partnerships, and guide innovations out of the lab and into the real world. That “in-between space” is where a lot of the real work happens, and it’s where this conversation begins.

My guest today is Andy Myers, who leads technology transfer activities at the Kansas City National Security Campus. His career spans small business research, academia, and nearly a decade in federal tech transfer, and it all traces back to a simple but important skill of learning how to explain science to people who aren’t scientists. We talk about how that ability shaped his path, what his day-to-day work actually looks like, and how his role within a Department of Energy national security environment brings a different perspective, especially with its focus on manufacturing and moving technologies closer to real-world use.

We also dig into something new that’s taking shape across the field. The Federal Laboratory Consortium is rolling out a verification for Professional Registered ORTAs, or PROs, and Andy walks through what it is and why it matters. In a space where most professionals don’t follow a traditional path, the goal is to create more consistency with shared standards, clearer expectations, and a sense of progression that helps both individuals and the broader tech transfer community move forward with a little more direction.

In This Episode:

[02:21] Andy shares how his career began in chemistry and gradually shifted toward communication and tech transfer

[03:08] The importance of explaining science to non-scientists and operating in that “in-between” space

[03:47] What technology transfer really involves, from commercialization to legal and business considerations

[04:33] Moving from small business research into academia and eventually federal tech transfer

[05:18] A look at Andy’s role leading tech transfer at the Kansas City National Security Campus

[06:12] How DOE labs operate under a government-owned, contractor-operated model

[06:58] The unique national security mission tied to the campus and its broader ecosystem

[07:34] Why the campus focuses more on production and manufacturing than pure research

[08:13] How their work brings technologies closer to real-world commercial applications

[08:49] Examples of tech transfer areas including additive manufacturing, electronics, and cybersecurity

[10:07] The challenge of entering a field with no clear or traditional career path

[11:12] Why shared standards and a common language matter across federal tech transfer

[12:27] Introducing the PRO designation and how it fits into the broader professional landscape

[13:43] How PRO compares to other certifications and why the federal space needs its own

[14:58] What PRO (Professional Registered ORTA) actually represents for practitioners

[16:06] The balance between experience, training, and community involvement in earning the designation

[17:14] Why PRO is designed to be meaningful but not overly burdensome to achieve

[18:08] How the designation builds trust with partners and external stakeholders

[19:13] Walking through the application process and key requirements

[20:07] Timeline expectations and how applications will be reviewed

[21:02] Why ongoing learning and participation in the community are part of the criteria

[21:47] How PRO could have accelerated Andy’s own professional development

[22:33] The value of having a clearer roadmap instead of learning through trial and error

[23:12] Advice for experienced professionals considering applying for PRO

[24:02] The shift from learner to mentor and how PRO supports that transition

[25:08] The growing importance of federal tech transfer in national competitiveness

[26:04] Real-world examples of tech transfer success, from airport scanners to everyday tech

[27:02] Reflecting on the broader impact of federal innovation and why the work matters

Resources: 

The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation

Andy Myers - FLC

Andrew Myers - LinkedIn

Kansas City National Security Campus

PRO (Professional Registered ORTAs)

Strong science doesn't automatically lead to commercial success. There's a gap between breakthrough research and real-world impact that trips up even the most promising technologies. Business development or the art of building relationships, positioning innovations, and navigating markets is where many tech transfer offices find themselves stretched thin or stuck.

My guest Ernesto Chanona the CEO of American Business Development knows both sides of this world. He earned his PhD in pharmacology and did postdoctoral work at the National Cancer Institute developing immunotherapies. But instead of continuing down the traditional academic track, he made a sharp turn into business development at Maryland's Department of Commerce, helping life science companies expand internationally. Years later, he founded American Business Development to work with tech transfer offices, startups, and foreign companies trying to break into the U.S. market.

In this conversation, he walks through what business development actually looks like in life sciences including equal parts sales, technical expertise, and strategic consulting. We talk about the bandwidth crunch hitting tech transfer offices, building frameworks that scale, and why he insists the best marketed technology usually wins over the best science. He shares hard-won lessons about pitching investors, navigating the fragmented U.S. healthcare system, and why his best advice is deceptively simple: ask for help. People in this field genuinely want technologies to succeed, and trying to figure it all out alone is where most innovators get stuck.

In This Episode:

[02:08] Ernesto's unconventional path from pharmacology PhD to business development.

[06:58] Defining what a business developer does in life sciences—more than just sales.

[07:49] The three pillars: salesperson, subject matter expert, and consultant.

[11:20] Why business developers hold critical relationships that can't easily be replaced.

[13:45] The underappreciated role of federal labs in the innovation ecosystem.

[17:04] Where tech transfer offices struggle most with business development.

[19:00] Bandwidth challenges and why being short-staffed creates the biggest gaps.

[20:00] First steps when evaluating whether a technology needs partners or better positioning.

[21:13] Building scalable BD frameworks—internal operations and external consistency.

[22:53] What separates commercially ready technologies from those needing development.

[23:44] The role of luck and market validation in commercial readiness.

[24:46] Deploying demo units to universities for voice-of-customer feedback.

[26:03] Balancing high-risk innovations with near-market technologies.

[28:20] The biggest mistakes organizations make when pitching to investors.

[28:51] Why the size of your ask matters more than you think.

[30:12] The importance of detailed, well-researched outbound messaging.

[33:08] ABD Capital Connect event during J.P. Morgan Healthcare Week.

[35:02] International expansion challenges and competition from China.

[36:28] Why the fragmented U.S. healthcare system confuses foreign companies.

[38:18] The problem with one-person in-country hires versus team-based approaches.

[39:40] Why the best marketed technology wins, not just the best science.

[42:01] Final advice: It takes a village, so leverage your network and ask for help.

[43:06] How willing people are to help when you're motivated to bring something to market.

Resources: 

The Transfer Files Podcast - FLC

American Business Development

ernesto@americanbizdev.com

Ernesto Chanona - LinkedIn

Ernesto Chanona - Johns Hopkins

ABD Capital Connect

Welcome back, everyone and welcome to Season 3 of the Transfer Files! We are so glad you're here, and we're kicking things off with a conversation that gets at the connective tissue of innovation, the organizations that help move ideas out of the lab and into the world. Today we're joined by Joanne Wong and Cassandra Carothers, two guests from IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity. 

Joanne is an engineer by training with a career spanning IBM, HP, SAP, and Cisco, who later founded her own startup and found her way into venture capital and now volunteers with IEEE Entrepreneurship. Cassandra brings a global perspective, having started her career advising C-suite executives in Asia before moving into early stage deep tech investing and founding Departure Capital, a firm focused on frontier tech for existential resilience. Together they've been building something really exciting within the IEEE ecosystem that we'll get into today.

If you work anywhere near research, standards, startups, or industry partnerships, chances are you've touched IEEE in some way whether through their publications, conferences, standards development, or their growing work in entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. That reach is exactly why this conversation matters so much for the federal tech transfer community. 

We talk a lot about moving inventions to market, but standards, industry alignment, and global technical networks are often the difference between a promising prototype and a technology that actually scales. So today we're digging into how IEEE connects researchers with industry, where standards intersect with commercialization, and what opportunities exist for federal labs and tech transfer offices to plug into that ecosystem. 

We also have an important update from the broader FLC community. Our Executive Director Paul Zielinski recently announced that he'll be retiring. His leadership has shaped not just the FLC, but the federal tech transfer ecosystem more broadly including expanding programs, strengthening interagency collaboration, and helping position tech transfer as a core part of the federal innovation mission. Paul is here to reflect on that journey, talk about what's changed in the field, and what he sees ahead for our community. 

In This Episode:

[02:18] Joanne shares her background as an engineer, moving from IBM and major tech firms to founding her own startup.

[02:54] Joanne describes how she fell into venture capital and connected with REDD's Capital out of California.

[03:11] She introduces her volunteer role with IEEE Entrepreneurship and gives an overview of the organization.

[03:55] Cassandra takes over and walks through her global career path from Hong Kong consulting to US-based venture capital.

[05:33] Cassandra introduces Departure Capital and her focus on frontier tech for existential resilience.

[06:02] The conversation turns to why they launched the Hard Tech Venture Summit and what "hardware is hard" really means.

[07:22] Discussion of Moore's Law limitations and why innovation must return to hardware fundamentals to support AI growth.

[08:47] The case that the world's biggest problems are physical, requiring atoms not just bits.

[09:14] The roots of venture capital and the US government's early role as the first tech investor are explored.

[10:28] Why manufacturing is a critical and often overlooked piece of the hard tech startup puzzle.

[11:10] Where hardware founders most commonly get stuck between the lab and the market.

[12:00] The challenges of team building, go-to-market strategy, and moving from prototype to mass manufacturing.

[12:48] Funding gaps, regulatory hurdles, and the stigma around investing in hardware-heavy startups.

[14:30] Stakeholder misalignment explored with manufacturers, engineers, investors, and regulators all optimizing for different things.

[15:44] The origin story of the Hard Tech Venture Summit and its inaugural event in San Francisco.

[16:30] Why startups and investors are regional and why that drove the decision to host multiple summits.

[17:22] How the summits are volunteer-driven through IEEE and interest in expanding to Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

[18:52] What makes the Hard Tech Venture Summit different from a typical startup conference or demo day?

[20:09] How attendees are hand-selected and vetted to ensure genuine hardware focus with no deep tech tourists.

[21:35] The roundtable format explained with small curated groups designed for real conversation, not pitching.

[22:02] How the safe, judgment-free environment encourages honest feedback between founders, investors, and ecosystem partners.

[23:29] Day two of the summit is a half-day manufacturing workshop designed for early stage founders.

[24:13] How mentors help founders understand manufacturing contracts, yields, and timelines in a personalized setting.

[25:59] Future goals around tracking data, capital mobilization, and measuring real outcomes from the events.

[27:00] Where federal labs and the FLC fit into the hard tech ecosystem and how they can get involved.

[29:14] How people from federal labs can find and connect with the Hard Tech Venture Summits.

[30:23] Hopes for a joint partnership between IEEE Entrepreneurship and FLC and spreading the word to 500,000 IEEE members.

[31:43] Three to five year vision includes concrete metrics, capital mobilized, and building a true sense of community and continuity.

[34:08] FLC Executive Director Paul Zielinski has announced his retirement.

[35:05] Paul reflects on how difficult it was to walk away from something he's been passionate about for decades.

[36:24] Paul is most proud of the sense of community that the FLC has built over the years.

[37:42] Why modernization was a priority from launching the podcast to redesigning FLC Business and embracing digital tools.

[38:20] How COVID unexpectedly accelerated digital transformation at FLC while reinforcing the value of in-person connection.

[39:04] The focus on professional development, learning tracks, and positioning tech transfer as a respected profession.

[40:43] The mentorship program, online learning, and a teaser about an upcoming announcement to raise the prestige of the profession.

[42:02] How the FLC has evolved and grown its facilitate pillar and moving from administration to action.

[44:06] How Paul has seen the role of federal labs in the innovation ecosystem evolve over his 30-plus year career.

[45:04] The parallel growth of environmental law and tech transfer law in the 1980s and how that shaped his career.

[46:09] Looking ahead to AI, quantum science, and how FLC platforms are beginning to adopt AI tools.

[46:44] What qualities Paul hopes to see in his successor including passion, advocacy, vision, and the ability to listen and act.

[49:25] Reflections on serving at the White House level and across multiple agencies throughout his career.

[50:03] Paul shares his retirement plans and his hope to stay connected to the tech transfer world and see the many friends he's made along the way.

Resources: 

Federal Labs 

IEEE

IEEE Entrepreneurship

Hard Tech Venture Summits

Joanne Wong - LinkedIn

joanne.wong@ieee.org

REDDS Capital

Cassandra Carothers - LinkedIn

cassandra@departure.vc

cassandra@ieee.org

Departure Capital - LinkedIn

Paul Zielinski - LinkedIn

Happy New Year and welcome back! While the podcast is between seasons, we’re continuing to bring you brief FLC updates so you can stay connected to what’s happening now and what’s coming next across the Federal Laboratory Consortium. These short check-ins will drop every two weeks until the show returns with full-length episodes when Season 3 launches in March.

For this update, I’m joined by Paul Zielinski, Executive Director of the FLC. Paul walks through what 2026 is shaping up to look like, including plans for the upcoming National Meeting, leadership elections, and several new tools and resources in development. We also touch on how AI is showing up more frequently in tech transfer work and what the FLC is doing to modernize its support for the community.

In This Episode:

[00:02] We’re kicking off with a quick FLC update. 

[00:46] Paul Zielinski joins me to talk about what’s ahead for the Federal Laboratory Consortium in 2026.

[01:34] Paul shares the latest on the federal budget outlook and why it supports plans for an in-person National Meeting.

[02:01] We confirm the National Meeting is planned for May 12–14 in Seattle and why that matters for the community.

[02:32] Paul explains how the National Meeting serves as both the FLC’s business meeting and a major networking opportunity.

[03:15] We discuss awards, sessions, and how funding disruptions affected submissions this year.

[03:33] Paul outlines the upcoming elections, including board and regional leadership positions.

[04:25] He talks about the importance of volunteer leadership and ways members can get involved at different levels.

[05:39] We reflect on how interest in AI has grown rapidly within tech transfer offices over the past two years.

[06:03] Paul previews modernization efforts, including website improvements and member input opportunities.

[06:54] He shares updates on the Green Book, including the new online version and plans for print.

[07:42] Paul introduces plans for an interactive Green Book app designed to stay continuously up to date.

[08:25] We discuss the upcoming T2 Mechanisms Matrix and how a guided, bot-based tool could help users choose agreements.

[09:39] Paul explains why the FLC is beginning work on a new three-year strategic plan.

[10:19] We talk about how member surveys and feedback directly shape FLC priorities and tools.

[12:06] Paul highlights existing and upcoming AI tools and what may return in the year ahead.

[12:36] We wrap up with a look forward to Seattle and continued updates over the coming months.

Resources: 

The Transfer Files

2026 FLC National Meeting

Paul Zielinski - LinkedIn

Paul Zielinski: The Federal Budget and Its Impact on Research and Tech Transfer

As we reach the end of the year and settle into the holiday season it feels right to look back and reflect. This podcast has grown so much over its first two seasons. I hope that means you are enjoying these conversations and sharing them with friends and colleagues and planning to come back next season for more.

Today, we’re revisiting the voices that shaped our year. We kick things off with Katharine Ku, the former Executive Director of Stanford’s Office of Technology Licensing, followed by Representative Bill Foster, who offers a unique perspective as both a scientist and a Congressman. We’ll also hear from Phil Weilerstein, founder of VentureWell, on his work with emerging innovators.

Later, we look at the ecosystem as a whole with Gabe Mounce from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Brian Darmody from the Association of University Research Parks, and TEDCO’s Stephen Auvil. Together, these guests remind us what it really takes to move ideas into the world, and why people remain at the heart of innovation.

In This Episode:

[01:46] In honor of the end of the year we are reflecting as we look back at conversations from this past year with ecosystem builders, licensing matchmakers, leaders, and others who helped shape the season.

[05:12] Katharine Ku enters with a story about the early skepticism surrounding Google’s search technology and the quiet confidence that guided Stanford’s licensing approach.

[08:04] Representative Bill Foster shifts the narrative toward the intersection of science and entrepreneurship and how lab resources can spark unexpected commercial breakthroughs.

[11:15] Phil Weilerstein reframes the challenges innovators face by showing how mindset change often matters more than technical ability when pursuing commercialization.

[14:31] Brian Darmody illustrates how research parks and innovation districts formed as universities recognized the need to support startups and attract industry talent.

[16:49] Stephen Auvil offers a pointed reminder that trust and human relationships often determine whether a promising technology finds the right problem to solve.

[20:07] The discussion turns to the operational side of the ecosystem as Paul Zielinski outlines how shutdowns and shifting timelines affect awards meetings and national planning.

[23:03] The upcoming national meeting and the real world constraints that shape participation including travel limits, continuing resolutions and agency approvals.

[27:08] A revealing moment surfaces as new learning tools and structured pathways highlight how education and trust continue to strengthen lab to market work.

[30:34] The season begins its close with a look ahead to March and the steady momentum of the community even during quieter holiday periods.

Resources: 

The Transfer Files

Kathryn Ku - Wilson Sonsini

Lessons From a Tech Transfer Trailblazer With Katharine Ku

Phil Weilerstein - LinkedIn

Phil Weilerstein: Building the Next Generation of Science-Driven Entrepreneurs

Gabe Mounce - LinkedIn

Gabe Mounce: Powering the Space Valley Through Federal Tech Transfer

Brian Darmody - LinkedIn

Brian Darmody: How Research Parks Fuel Innovation Ecosystems

Stephen Auvil - LinkedIn

Stephen Auvil: Advancing Innovation Between Labs and Startups

Paul Zielinski - LinkedIn

Paul Zielinski: The Federal Budget and Its Impact on Research and Tech Transfer

There’s something exciting happening right now in the world of federal innovation, and it feels like the momentum is building faster than ever. When research inside government labs actually finds its way into the hands of entrepreneurs who know how to run with it, that’s where real impact shows up. And that’s the story we’re digging into today, how ideas turn into companies, and how communities working together can make that leap possible.

My guest today is Ben Solomon, the founder and CEO of FedTech. Ben started out as a business-minded student who wanted to be close to technology but wasn’t a scientist himself, and that curiosity ended up shaping an entire ecosystem. After going through the NSF I-Corps program, he realized just how big the gap was between government-funded research and private-sector opportunities, and he built FedTech as a bridge. Ten years later, they’ve helped more than a thousand startups, spun out over 200 companies from federal inventions, and supported founders who have raised billions to bring new solutions to life.

In our conversation, Ben talks about what it actually takes to move a technology from the lab bench into the real world, what separates successful entrepreneurial teams from the ones that stall, and why flexibility, persistence, and community matter more than any single breakthrough. He also shares where he sees tech transfer headed next—simpler licensing, more accessible collaboration, better funding for commercialization, and a stronger pipeline of talent coming into the field. It’s a generous, grounded look behind the scenes at how innovation really gets built.

In This Episode:

[00:02] The power of community at FedTech and how collaboration creates value.

[00:41] How Ben’s path into entrepreneurship began through the NSF I-Corps program.

[01:20] Ben describes discovering the gap between federal research and commercialization.

[02:40] He shares lessons from launching an early robotics startup and what it taught him.

[04:28] Ben explains why customer discovery and market validation drive every FedTech program.

[05:53] The conversation turns to the importance of iteration and learning quickly from failure.

[06:07] Ben defines what FedTech is and its role as a bridge between federal R&D and entrepreneurs.

[06:51] We hear how FedTech’s startup studio forms teams around federal inventions.

[07:40] Ben highlights success stories, including Canopy Aerospace’s acquisition of a NASA spinoff.

[08:54] Discussion of accelerators and researcher training that support companies new to government work.

[12:15] We learn about the common challenges startups face moving technology into a product.

[14:36] Ben identifies the traits that predict founder success: flexibility, grit, and resourcefulness.

[17:38] The rise of AI emerges as a major area of momentum across federal labs and industry.

[19:04] Ben looks ahead at the future of tech transfer and reducing barriers for entrepreneurs.

[21:22] He emphasizes the need for funding dedicated specifically to commercialization.

[22:38] Ben offers advice for tech transfer professionals, entrepreneurs, and students entering the field.

[24:34] We explore FedTech’s upcoming programs and international expansion initiatives.

[26:07] Closing reflections and appreciation for the FLC community and collaborative mission.

Resources: 

FedTech

Ben Solomon - LinkedIn

Researchers are advancing extraordinary science inside our federal labs, but translating that expertise into language the private sector can immediately understand is its own skillset. Oak Ridge National Laboratory decided to tackle that challenge head on. The result is the Catalyst Coaching Program, a high-impact initiative that helps early and mid-career researchers sharpen their message, clarify the value of their work, and engage industry partners with greater confidence and purpose.

In this episode, we take a look inside Catalyst with the people who built it. Jennifer Caldwell, Director of Technology Transfer at ORNL, shares why the lab needed a new model for communication and collaboration. Susan Ochs, ORNL’s Engagements Program Manager with decades of experience across the DOE system, explains how the program evolved from earlier outreach efforts and why it’s resonating with researchers. 

Along with Dr. Angelique Adams, CEO of Angelique Adams Media Solutions and Director of the Leadership in Engineering and Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Tennessee, talks about the communication framework she developed to help scientists present their technologies in a way that lands with industry decision makers.

We break down the shift from the original Safari program to Catalyst, the one-on-one coaching that transforms how researchers talk about their work, and the real-world outcomes that follow, including stronger pitches, new partnerships, successful TCF awards, and industry engagement that begins long before licensing discussions start. You’ll also hear how Catalyst is helping ORNL researchers move faster, connect more effectively, and bring their innovations into the marketplace with clarity and impact.

In This Episode:

[03:00] Jen explains how the earlier Safari program began as a way to break down barriers between ORNL and industry.

[03:31] ORNL shifts toward concierge-style engagement to create stronger private-sector connections.

[04:33] The team discusses why Safari was vital for showcasing ORNL’s breadth of innovation.

[05:13] Safari receives national recognition and becomes a catalyst for modernizing ORNL’s outreach.

[06:18] Susan highlights why long-term relationships are central to tech transfer success.

[07:14] Safari entrepreneurs return as mentors for Energy I-Corps applicants, showing the program’s ripple effect.

[08:03] COVID forces ORNL to rethink its engagement strategy and accelerate virtual communication tools.

[09:01] ORNL collaborates with Angelique to redesign the program around concise, industry-ready messaging.

[10:13] Catalyst launches with strong DOE support and earns internal recognition for its early success.

[11:11] Susan shares why ORNL’s early attempts at virtual engagement didn’t work and what needed to change.

[12:05] The team explains what makes Catalyst different from traditional communication training.

[13:18] Catalyst helps identify researchers who are ready to move their work toward commercialization.

[14:27] Small cohorts ensure each participant receives customized, high-touch coaching.

[15:26] How personalized coaching builds confidence and sparks clarity in researchers’ presentations.

[16:16] Why humility and a beginner’s mindset support real transformation.

[16:51] Catalyst skills begin translating into measurable commercialization outcomes.

[17:11] ORNL sees long-term impacts through stronger licensing, partnerships, and DOE program engagement.

[18:45] The curriculum that helps researchers shift from technical to industry-focused communication.

[19:22] Researchers learn how decision makers think, assess risk, and evaluate potential collaborations.

[20:22] Angelique explains why her industry background builds trust and credibility with participants.

[21:51] A high-stakes capstone event ensures researchers apply what they learn in real conversations.

[22:53] The program teaches researchers to transform traditional presentations into clear, concise pitches.

[23:16] Researchers develop both conversational and slide-driven formats to use across settings.

[24:05] Catalyst helps researchers direct industry interest to ORNL’s partnerships and licensing teams.

[25:10] Participants begin applying Catalyst skills to internal leadership situations as well.

[26:00] ORNL integrates commercialization managers to provide cross-functional perspective.

[27:21] One-on-one coaching becomes the turning point for overcoming fear and refining delivery.

[28:36] Angelique shares where listeners can access her 15-point communication checklist.

[29:02] The discussion turns to audience awareness and reducing jargon for non-experts.

[30:36] Angelique explains how analogies help researchers translate complex science simply.

[31:14] Michelle Kidder’s journey showcases how communication skills led to licensing and major TCF wins.

[32:38] A radiopharmaceutical team uses Catalyst tools to build partnerships and launch a major workshop.

[33:48] Quantum researchers transform their messaging and influence statewide investment discussions.

[35:28] Catalyst skills continue delivering long-term value across research programs.

[36:03] The program strengthens pipelines into TCF, vouchers, and DOE’s I-Corps program.

[37:55] Catalyst becomes part of a larger DOE commercialization arc that amplifies impact.

[38:53] The alignment between Catalyst and DOE funding programs becomes clear.

[39:10] The guests look ahead to the next Catalyst cohort and what’s planned for FY26.

[40:49] The new monthly FLC Update segment with Executive Director Paul Zelinsky.

[41:53] Paul explains how the lapse in appropriations is affecting federal agencies and confirms FLC remains operational.

[42:38] The mixed agency operating status, carryover funds, and essential services during the lapse.

[43:27] He clarifies FLC’s communication boundaries with Congress and highlights the release of the FLC Annual Report.

[44:56] Significant leadership turnover across agencies and why broad distribution of the report matters.

[46:09] Upcoming deadlines, key events, and preparations for the national meeting.

Resources: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Jennifer Caldwell - ORNL

Jennifer Caldwell - LinkedIn

Susan Ochs - ORNL

Dr. Angelique Adams

Dr. Angelique Adams - LinkedIn

It’s easy to assume government contracts are only for the big players. But in reality, small and mid-sized businesses are often the engine behind federal innovation. The challenge is knowing where to begin, even if it feels like a maze of rules, acronyms, and red tape. That’s where APEX Accelerators come in. They help businesses get certified, spot the right opportunities, write stronger proposals, and manage contracts without losing momentum. In short, they make the path to government work far more accessible.

My guest today is Darryl Thomas, Executive Director of NAPEX, the National APEX Accelerator Alliance. He leads a nationwide network of more than 90 accelerators that help businesses of all sizes build the confidence and know-how to succeed with the federal government. Darryl shares how these programs boost local economies, open doors for entrepreneurs, and strengthen our broader innovation ecosystem.

We also dig into NAPEX’s new partnership with the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) with a collaboration focused on connecting more businesses with federal technologies and resources to help them grow. Together, NAPEX and FLC are turning innovation into impact and making sure more American companies have a seat at the table.

In This Episode:

[00:54] Darryl explains what APEX Accelerators are and how they help companies navigate certifications, proposals, and compliance.

[01:23] We learn how these programs strengthen local economies and the national innovation ecosystem.

[02:02] Darryl shares how his career began in auditing and business development before moving into small business support.

[03:51] The Illinois P-TECH program transitions into what is now the APEX Accelerator network under the Department of Defense.

[04:09] Darryl walks through the federal realignment that placed APEX within the Office of Small Business Programs.

[05:05] He reflects on leading the program at the state level and how that experience prepared him to serve nationally.

[06:25] Darryl talks about scaling collaboration and training for advisors across all APEX programs.

[07:45] The conversation turns to how APEX leverages expertise to support accelerators facing challenges.

[08:36] Darryl explains why federal contracts are a massive, often untapped market for small businesses.

[09:14] We hear how APEX advisors use real-world procurement experience to help companies avoid pitfalls.

[10:05] Darryl highlights National APEX Day and how events connect entrepreneurs with real assistance.

[11:11] Discussion of how APEX coaches companies to develop government-focused marketing strategies.

[12:17] How APEX provides access to expensive market research tools at no cost to clients.

[13:39] Step-by-step, Darryl outlines how APEX supports businesses through registration, bidding, and contract performance.

[15:57] Darryl discusses how any business, even startups, can begin conversations with an APEX Accelerator.

[17:04] The role of capability statements and when businesses may need prior performance.

[18:43] Darryl shares examples of retired military members and new entrepreneurs who needed guidance after receiving contracts.

[20:04] The importance of cash flow and client diversity when contracting with the government.

[21:23] We hear success stories that show persistence pays off, including a business that grew from homelessness to millions.

[22:27] A woman-owned business learns the difference between calling itself “certified” and being officially certified.

[23:14] The company goes on to become a $20 million success story after working with APEX.

[24:00] We discuss the new strategic partnership between NAPEX and the Federal Laboratory Consortium.

[25:15] Darryl explains how this collaboration will help grow the defense industrial base and foster innovation.

[26:26] How FLC technologies can bolster contractor competitiveness and align with APEX’s mission to educate, facilitate, and promote.

[27:41] Darryl shares how NAPEX recognizes FLC as a strategic partner and integrates their resources across accelerators.

[28:31] The shared mission and the “tech transfer is a contact sport” mindset.

[29:43] APEX aims to help businesses not just compete for contracts but thrive in them.

[30:18] How APEX now helps strengthen the defense industrial base through innovation and cybersecurity.

[31:37] Discussion of building resilient supply chains and accelerating technology transfer to the warfighter.

[32:31] Darryl describes how APEX reduces government risk by preparing companies to perform and comply.

[33:28] He highlights the importance of solid accounting and audit readiness for federal contractors.

[34:39] The structure of NAPEX and how it unites 90 accelerators nationwide.

[35:45] APEX now includes over 650 trained staff supporting businesses across 300 offices.

Resources: 

National APEX Accelerator Alliance

Darryl Thomas - LinkedIn

Behind every chart and statistic about federal technology transfer is a story about people turning ideas into progress. Economist Michael Hall, from the Technology Partnerships Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), joins us to talk about how numbers reveal the real-world value of science. He traces his path from an early fascination with how innovation drives economies to his current role helping agencies make sense of the data that shape national policy and investment.

Michael describes how federal technology transfer links research to real-world applications across agencies like HHS and DOE, creating jobs, building industries, and fueling measurable growth. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that shows how science quietly powers everyday life.

We also discuss the challenges of collecting and standardizing data across diverse organizations and how his team improved NIST’s reporting system, moving from years of backlog to an efficient, parallel process that keeps federal tech transfer reporting current.

With energy and candor, Michael offers a rare look at how economists support innovation from within the federal system. His reflections remind us that behind every dataset are the scientists, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders whose work fuels America’s innovation economy.

(This interview was recorded in May 2024, so some details may be outdated.)

In This Episode:

[01:08] How technological advancement helps federal agencies address national challenges.

[02:51] Michael’s path from academia to NIST and how economic development connects to tech transfer.

[03:47] Overview of the federal government’s $200 billion annual R&D investment and its link to innovation.

[04:20] What technology transfer means and why reporting to Congress and the White House matters.

[05:07] Examples of interagency collaboration and data-driven questions NIST helps answer.

[06:09] The goal of facilitating understanding across agencies to strengthen their own processes.

[07:00] How surveys and comparative data inform decision-making at federal laboratories.

[08:20] Using NIST’s internal datasets to assess licensing success rates and patent activity.

[09:11] Challenges of managing large, diverse, and often incomplete datasets.

[10:32] Why data-sharing limits exist in government and how relationships help bridge those gaps.

[11:49] The analogy of analyzing team results without individual player stats—useful but imperfect.

[12:59] Developing proof-of-concept analyses to guide other agencies despite limited visibility.

[13:54] How Michael streamlined years of backlogged reports through process redesign.

[15:33] Implementing data timestamping and parallel workflows to prevent future delays.

[16:19] Coordinating agency review through OMB and overcoming logistical bottlenecks.

[17:27] The long, coffee-fueled effort to modernize NIST’s annual reporting system.

[18:20] The balance between routine reporting and the more engaging, problem-solving side of the job.

[18:42] Encouraging agencies to reach out with data and questions for collaborative insight.

[20:02] Curiosity, service, and the shared goal of advancing federal innovation.

Resources: 

Michael Hall (NIST)

When budget deadlines roll around, most of what we hear is the news out of Washington. But if you’re in a federal lab or working with one, the effects show up in very real ways. Projects can stall, collaborations hang in the balance, and sometimes research just stops until things get sorted out. 

My guest today is Paul Zielinski, Executive Director of the Federal Laboratory Consortium. Paul knows the ins and outs of the budget process, and he’s great at cutting through the jargon. He explains what discretionary and non-discretionary spending actually mean, why deficits keep coming up year after year, and how labs adjust when Congress doesn’t pass a budget on time. He also shares what he’s seen from past shutdowns, the ripple effects on joint research, and the kinds of planning labs and their partners need to do to stay on track.

We cover a lot of ground, but the big takeaway is that even with uncertainty, there are ways to prepare and keep partnerships steady. Communication makes a difference, planning matters, and the work of research doesn’t just disappear because of politics. If you’re part of this ecosystem, or curious about how federal innovation weathers the uncertainty, you’ll come away with a clearer picture of what’s at stake and what helps labs push through.

In This Episode:

[02:16] Paul breaks down how the government generates revenue, highlighting income taxes, Social Security contributions, and corporate taxes as key sources.

[03:25] He distinguishes between non-discretionary spending, which includes programs like Social Security and Medicare, and discretionary spending, which is debated annually by Congress.

[04:20] Paul details the $1.9 trillion deficit for 2024 and notes that cutting all discretionary spending would still not eliminate it.

[06:40] The discussion turns to the yearly budget cycle, including how agencies develop budgets, OMB reviews them, and Congress sets targets.

[09:15] Paul describes how appropriations committees are supposed to pass budgets by October 1, but this rarely happens in practice.

[10:17] He explains omnibus bills, which combine all appropriations into a single package, and why some in Congress resist them.

[12:21] Paul outlines what happens when appropriations expire at midnight on September 30, leaving agencies unable to spend funds.

[13:06] He recalls that the last time a budget was passed on time was in 1996, emphasizing how rare timely agreements have become.

[14:08] The conversation covers continuing resolutions, or CRs, which allow government operations to continue at prior funding levels with or without added conditions.

[15:31] Paul notes that CRs come with restrictions, including prohibitions on starting or ending programs and requirements to spread spending evenly over months.

[17:04] He discusses how continuing resolutions and lapses affect federal labs, with licensing agreements less disrupted but joint research and CRADAs often delayed.

[18:21] Paul explains that in a full shutdown, most research stops while only critical services like law enforcement and security continue.

[19:28] The episode looks at the varying length of past shutdowns, from just a day or two to the 36-day lapse during the Trump administration.

[21:13] Paul notes that grants and small business innovation awards may continue or pause depending on agency decisions and the specific agreements in place.

[22:02] He emphasizes the importance of contingency planning and open communication between agencies and their partners during uncertain times.

[23:16] Paul reassures listeners that while research funding is a small slice of the budget, it generally survives periods of political gridlock.

[24:32] He reflects that shutdowns and continuing resolutions have happened many times before, and while disruptive, the government always reaches a resolution.

[25:04] Paul reminds federal employees that they are guaranteed back pay after shutdowns, though contractors face a greater risk of lost income.

[25:42] The conversation closes with thoughts on breaking stalemates and a pointer to additional resources, including Paul’s webinar on the federal budget process.

Resources: 

The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation

Paul Zielinski - LinkedIn

An Overview of the Federal Budget Process (for non-budget professionals)

Federal Lab Consortium

The Birth of Federal Tech Transfer with Special Guest: Paul Zielinski

Sometimes the best conversations are worth hearing again. Today we’re revisiting a Season 1 episode recorded in April 2024 with Chris Campbell, founder and CEO of Simpli-Fi Automation, an electronic systems engineering solutions company.

Chris didn’t follow a straight path into this work. He started out in electrical systems and spent years building automation solutions before COVID forced him to rethink everything. That pivot, along with support from Brown Venture Group, introduced him to NASA’s Tech Transfer Program and opened his eyes to technologies sitting on the shelf that small businesses like his could bring to life.

In this episode, Chris talks honestly about what that journey has looked like including the risks, the learning curve, and the lifeline tech transfer can provide for entrepreneurs. He shares how ecosystems make the difference in helping minority-owned businesses access federal resources, why awareness is still so low, and how his own company went from early prototypes to scaled manufacturing and clinical trials.

In This Episode:

[01:11] Chris explains why tech transfer matters to startups and how it can be a lifeline for innovation.

[01:44] He shares his background in electrical systems and how he spent two decades in building automation.

[02:52] Chris describes the company’s pivot during COVID and how Brown Venture Group connected him to NASA.

[04:08] He recalls discovering the NASA Tech Transfer Program and being overwhelmed by the technologies available.

[04:44] The “electronic nose” stands out as a technology that could transform patient care.

[06:17] Chris talks about the limits of his engineering team and the need for chemistry expertise.

[07:54] He stresses the importance of ecosystems in giving small businesses confidence to take risks.

[09:16] Ecosystems provide relationships and connections that minority entrepreneurs often lack.

[10:29] Chris reflects on the steep learning curve of working with federal tech transfer offices.

[11:36] He describes using a one-year research license to acclimate and prototype with NASA.

[12:08] The discussion turns to technology readiness levels and the long runway to viable products.

[13:18] Funding challenges surface, especially when friends and family rounds aren’t possible.

[15:03] Chris explains how Brown Venture Group de-risks investments by backing companies licensing federal tech.

[16:09] He shares how the USPTO Pro Bono Program helped him file his first patent without major costs.

[17:29] Minority entrepreneurs face unique barriers when family capital isn’t available, making support essential.

[18:11] Chris updates on his company’s progress — moving from development into scaled production.

[19:22] He highlights clinical trials underway with Cleveland Clinic and early tests conducted on cows.

[20:07] A partnership with Australian company Accent accelerates development by sharing data and expertise.

[21:28] Collaborating with Accent cuts 18 months off Simpli-Fi’s development timeline.

[22:55] Chris explains how building U.S. manufacturing capacity supports not only his company but others in the ecosystem.

[23:42] He acknowledges the long road ahead, framing the effort as a ten-year project.

[24:27] Relationships, networks, and partners are what make the impossible feel achievable.

[26:07] Chris describes the struggle of finding ecosystem support when it wasn’t obvious where to turn.

[27:10] The complexity of building sensors highlights why specialized partners are vital.

[28:21] Ecosystems introduce companies to the right partners for scaling and manufacturing.

[29:05] Sometimes building your own ecosystem is necessary when none exists.

[30:24] Chris points out how silos in federal agencies create missed opportunities for collaboration.

[31:56] He calls for more outreach to entrepreneurs, noting fewer than 1% know about tech transfer.

[33:17] Awareness and relationship-building are key to speeding up the process.

[33:49] Chris compares FLC Business to a “dating app” for connecting entrepreneurs with federal labs.

[34:41] He emphasizes the staggering lost economic impact if minority communities lack access to capital.

[36:00] Pilot programs like FedTech are helping introduce small businesses to tech transfer opportunities.

[37:10] Chris explains the pull method of starting with buyers and then connecting them to entrepreneurs.

[38:18] Four minority businesses license technologies in the first pilot program with a major medical device company.

[39:03] De-risking works for both entrepreneurs and tech transfer offices when buyers are part of the process.

Resources: 

The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation

Christopher Campbell - LinkedIn

Simpli-Fi Automation

Brown Venture Group

FLC Business

Fusion energy is one of those ideas that always felt just out of reach. For decades, researchers have been chasing it. Breakthroughs are happening faster, startups are springing up, and suddenly the private sector is putting real money on the table. In the middle of all this excitement is the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, better known as PPPL. That’s where my guest today, David Zimmerman, is helping build partnerships that connect decades of federal research with the momentum of today’s energy market.

David’s path to this role wasn’t exactly straightforward. He started out as a scientist, got frustrated watching great ideas stall out in the lab, and left to join the startup world. He then shifted into patent law, advising inventors and companies on how to protect and commercialize their ideas. Now, as Strategic Partnerships Officer at PPPL, he brings all those experiences together with science, entrepreneurship, and law to help researchers and companies work side by side.

Today, David shares what’s happening inside PPPL and where the lab is headed next. We talk about the rapid growth of fusion startups, new facilities like the Quantum Diamond Lab, and a bold effort called Plasma Forge that was created with support from the state of New Jersey to move technologies out of the lab and into industry. He also talks about the broader ecosystem, from New Jersey’s growing role in fusion to the partnerships that are forming across the Northeast.

We wrap up with David’s perspective on the Federal Laboratory Consortium, or FLC, where he was just elected incoming Northeast Regional Coordinator. He explains why regional collaboration matters, how labs can work across agency boundaries, and why PPPL is actively looking for new partners in areas far beyond energy. It’s a look at the people, policies, and partnerships shaping the future of tech transfer.

In This Episode:

[01:06] David’s background spans research, startups, patent law, and tech transfer at a Department of Energy lab.

[02:00] We learn why he left academia for startups, then shifted into patents and law to better connect science with real-world impact.

[04:55] Returning to academia, David joined university tech transfer offices before moving to PPPL, where he now leads partnerships.

[06:17] PPPL has a 70-year history in fusion research and is expanding into public–private partnerships to move technologies forward.

[07:51] Fusion energy is inherently cleaner than fission, but very hard to achieve. Recent years have brought major breakthroughs and private capital.

[10:40] PPPL is diversifying into AI, microelectronics, quantum devices, and industrial decarbonization alongside its fusion mission.

[12:52] Massachusetts is a leader in fusion with Commonwealth Fusion Systems; New Jersey is also positioning itself with startups like Thea Energy.

[14:11] David describes working with the state of New Jersey on feasibility studies to build a commercial entity next to the lab.

[14:58] Plasma Forge was launched with state and private support, creating a new hub for moving PPPL technologies into industry.

[16:30] The first partnerships are underway, and the lab hosted a fusion supply chain conference to connect industry and government.

[19:50] David explains how these efforts support both economic growth for the state and the lab’s mission to commercialize science.

[20:09] David talks about technology and trade secrets. This includes challenges for an open science lab to do the best science.

[21:30] We learn about the Quantum Diamond Lab, and how David likes being the tour guide and talking about the laboratory.

[22:48] What people should know about the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. Plasma technologies are used in a wide variety of fields around the world.

[23:45] Plasma science has wide applications beyond fusion, including microchip manufacturing and satellite propulsion.

[24:36] PPPL is “open for business” and eager to partner with companies interested in plasma-based technologies.

[25:38] He discusses his election as incoming Northeast Regional Coordinator for the Federal Lab Consortium, stressing regional collaboration.

[30:25] The challenge is breaking down agency silos so that industry partners can access solutions more easily.

[31:49] David closes with an invitation for Northeast colleagues to connect with him and the FLC to strengthen regional ecosystems.

Resources: 

David Zimmerman - Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

David Zimmerman - LinkedIn

Plasma Forge

Virtual Tour: Quantum Diamond Lab

Federal Lab Consortium

When we first launched The Transfer Files, our very first guest was someone who has shaped and lived the history of federal tech transfer, Paul Zielinski, Executive Director of the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer, or the FLC. Today, we’re revisiting that conversation, where Paul shares the fascinating story of how federal technology transfer took root, how the FLC came to be, and why this work matters to our economy, our scientific leadership, and the public good. Drawing on decades of experience as a scientist, engineer, and leader, Paul brings a deep perspective on the people, policies, and partnerships that have defined this field.

When we originally recorded this episode, the FLC was celebrating its 50th anniversary, an impressive milestone, yet still relatively young in the broader sweep of science and innovation. Since then, I’ve often thought back to this discussion during later interviews, especially as I’ve seen how far federal tech transfer has come in just a few decades. It’s a story of steady growth and adaptation.From its early days as a loose network of defense labs working together, to the passage of landmark legislation in the 1980s that gave federal labs the authority and responsibility to move their discoveries into the hands of companies and communities.

In our conversation, Paul takes us through these key moments: the 1945 Science, the Endless Frontier report that first envisioned a postwar role for federal research; the grassroots formation of the Defense Laboratory Consortium; and the pivotal Stevenson-Wydler, Bayh-Dole, and Federal Technology Transfer Acts that formalized tech transfer as part of every federal scientist’s mission. He also explains how the FLC evolved into a cross-agency community, supporting partnerships, cooperative agreements, and intellectual property management. All aimed at ensuring that innovations don’t just stay on the lab bench, but make their way into the marketplace where they can benefit taxpayers.

We also talk about how the FLC’s mission has expanded in recent years, from strategic realignment to new events, showcases, and tools designed to connect labs with industry. Paul reflects on the balance between virtual engagement, which grew during COVID-19, and the personal connections that remain the heartbeat of this work. And he shares what motivates him after years in this field: the satisfaction of seeing a product in the real world and knowing exactly which lab it came from. This is a conversation about history, impact, and the shared drive to turn research into results.

In This Episode:

[01:50] It's been 50 years since the FLC was formed in 1974. In 1945, Vannevar Bush sent Science The Endless Frontier to President Truman.

[02:20] This letter lays out how the laboratory infrastructure that won the war should be converted over to win the peace. It envisioned technology transfer, advancing science, and bringing new technology to the marketplace.

[03:36] Technology transfer is about completing the mission after the research.

[04:14] The Department of Defense formed the Defense Laboratory Consortium. It was a group of people with a similar mission.

[05:14] In 1974, the Department of Defense invited all the other agencies in and the FLC was formed.

[06:21] The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act, the Bayh-Dole Act, and the Federal Technology Transfer Act changed and defined what we call tech transfer today. The first one was making tech transfer a mission for the laboratories.

[07:45] The Bayh-Dole Act formalizes the authorization for laboratories to manage their intellectual property. They can get patents and trademarks and license products.

[08:45] FTA helps set up public private partnerships or cooperative research and development agreements.

[09:49] The FLC Awards program recognizes excellence in the field. It also helps motivate people. If you want excellence and an ecosystem for tech transfer to grow, it needs to be recognized.

[11:08] One of the most prestigious awards is the Harold Metcalf Award. He put his own career on the line to get the consortium finally put into law.

[11:41] This is the FLC's 50th golden anniversary year. The national meeting is going to be in Dallas, Texas this year. They're also going to focus on where they've been and where they are going.

[12:58] Paul is a problem solver. He began his career in the army with a biology degree. He then worked in nuclear waste cleanup. The technology didn't exist and they had to create it. This problem solving was how he became involved in tech transfer.

[15:13] This path also led him to solving problems at the EPA and at the National Institute of Standards and Technology which all led to tech transfer.

[16:26] Some of the FLC's major accomplishments of the past decade include the growth. In 2020, the FLC board was realigned. They put promote, educate, and facilitate in the bylaws.

[17:25] Goals for the FLC in the next 5 to 10 years include expanding what they've already been doing. They are increasing tools and services, and having companies do reverse pitches to know what they are looking for.

[18:32] A lot of challenges stemmed from COVID. The technology and ability for people to work from home has really changed the world. The downside is losing that personal touch.

[20:26] The virtual world does offer a lower bar to entry.

[20:52] The cross agency community is the strength and the greatest part of the FLC.

Resources: 

Paul Zielinski LinkedIn

Federal Laboratory Consortium

Science The Endless Frontier

Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act

Bayh-Dole Act

Federal Technology Transfer Act

The FLC Harold Metcalf Service Award