Navigating Tech Transfer and Early-Stage Technology Acquisition With Leah Speser
56m | Mar 6, 2024I’m excited to introduce Leah Speser, a seasoned expert in technology transfer and commercialization, currently serving as the Senior Consultant for Knowledge Transfer & Commercialization at the Research and Innovation Foundation of the Republic of Cyprus. Leah's experience and expertise in the world of tech transfer are extensive. She has an impressive career that spans academia, industry, and international development.
Today, we’re discussing early-stage technology acquisition opportunities, a topic crucial for anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of technology. Leah is here to share her insights, drawing from her extensive experience. We'll cover which types of technologies are catching the eye of industry partners, how to pinpoint these opportunities, and the strategies that can make or break successful partnerships.
We also dive into the critical roles of collaboration and intellectual property in tech acquisition, providing valuable advice on navigating these complex areas. We'll discuss the tools and resources that can aid professionals in this journey, along with much more from Leah’s vast reservoir of knowledge.
Whether you’re a professional looking to expand your understanding of technology transfer, an industry partner seeking new opportunities, or simply curious about the world of early-stage technology acquisition, we've got you covered.
In This Episode:
[01:59] When it comes to early stage technology acquisition opportunities, making money is a priority. The technology needs to fit with your product and service portfolio and the company has to have the capacity for R&D, applied R&D, new product development, and a way to exit. Either by selling or licensing.
[03:20] Strategies for finding early stage technologies for acquisition include finding a technology roadmap and do a functional decomposition and see how you fit in with the roadmap. You could also go to industry trade shows to find out what the customer is interested in.
[05:00] Leah shares how early-stage technology acquisition differs across industries and some key considerations for professionals to keep in mind.
[05:14] Deeptech takes long investment periods. How long before an end user will be able to use the technology?
[06:25] Read Winning the Right Game to learn how to work within an ecosystem.
[07:19] How do you deliver value architecture?
[08:13] Are the right people in the company? Do they know anything about new product development?
[09:04] Partnering is a critical element. Internal partners matter too.
[10:34] Recognize what your business is about. Be in the door building business so opportunity can knock.
[11:40] Leah shares a story about licensing a dental x-ray shield. It's about gathering information, connecting the right people, and getting a sale.
[13:15] The magic is in the know-how. Don't blame the customer for your problems.
[15:02] If it's a public company, you can look at their SEC filings and annual reports to begin to understand their portfolio. Get senior management involvement. Another critical factor is to develop a balanced scorecard. Think about the range of factors that are important to universities.
[16:32] IP matters most with deeptech. A big factor is the rate of project replacement or churn. Small tech is something that has a very small market.
[18:49] IP is a business tool that needs to be approached strategically.
[20:59] Recommended tools and resources include finding your value architecture, developing a business model, SWOT Analysis, and eliminating anything not of value.
[22:09] Advice for professionals looking to capitalize on early stage technology acquisition opportunities. Be a trickster.
[24:14] ICA or the Incident Command System. A simple and flexible structure that can be built up as time goes on.
[25:44] We learn how Leah ended up in Cyprus.
[28:37] When Leah arrived, Cyprus didn't have tech transfer. It's a tiny island with about 9,000 people. It's also the highest educated population in Europe.
[31:18] SBIR legislation gave leverage to small research companies.
[31:39] What's really needed in Cyprus is transition and product development companies.
[32:59] In Cyprus, they are developing a structure where they move teams out of universities and into industry with the technology.
[34:38] Dr Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades has developed three spinout drugs and attracted venture capital from all over the world.
[35:26] Another woman is working on hopefully the first medicinal cure of triple negative breast cancer.
[36:02] They also have Centers of Excellence that are partially funded by the EU. Cyprus Maritime Academy is working on an artificial reef.
[38:53] The hub is the central knowledge transfer office. The spokes are in all of the universities and research institutes. The spokes develop IP policies and patent budgets.
[42:10] They're also working on getting people RTTP certified.
[43:22] Their emphasis is on funding and commercialization. They also put a lot of emphasis on outreach to industry.
[44:40] A lot of their programs are consortium programs. They also have a PhD in Industry program. There are also internships and programs to encourage spinouts and startups.
[46:16] They are the primary tech transfer office for the country.
[49:11] Tech transfer is a contact sport. Many collisions and minimal friction. People live in a different world now with digital and the way they interact and think.
[52:48] Leah shares examples of partnerships and collaborations forged with International organizations in Cyprus.
Resources:
Research and Innovation Foundation of the Republic of Cyprus
Foresight Science & Technology Leah Speser
The Art and Science of Technology Transfer
The Wide Lens: What Successful Innovators See That Others Miss
Dr Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades
