This July’s Tech Tuesday, hosted by the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office (TLO), brought together representatives from both academic and industry therapeutical backgrounds to discuss the relationship between the two settings in research and innovation.
The event focused on technology commercialization and the blend of industry and academia in therapeutics, with over 85 people in attendance.
This panel was moderated by Randall Peterson from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Utah, and featured Bob Wynalek, the COO of DiscGenics Inc., and Wesley Sundquist, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the U and one of TIME’s 100 most influential people this year.
A Blend of Academia and Industry
Much of the discussion during the panel focused on the relationship between academia and industry, specifically in Utah, where the two are constantly being blended in new and innovative ways.
Both panelists shared their thoughts on the translational aspects of innovation between academia and industry.
Wynalek emphasized the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and industry, as both have much to offer in research and product development through the technology commercialization process. He, as a representative of the industry side of commercialization, talked about the vital responsibility that industry scientists have to be “good stewards” of the process.
In a similar vein, Sundquist shared how he got his start in the industry, working with the University of Utah at a lab studying the unusual protein structure of HIV. He and his team focused on the protein assembly of the capsid, or cone-shaped molecule, understanding that it could someday impact studies on HIV prevention.
After ten years of lab work, having found mutations that blocked viral replication in the HIV protein, his team joined a partnership with Gilead, a company looking to develop a drug to prevent HIV transmission.
As Gilead worked to commercialize the project, there remained plenty of collaboration and back and forth with Sundquist’s lab at the U.
Advice from the Panelists
Both panelists talked about the teamwork and collaboration that has to happen in order for translational research to take place, and for innovation and commercialization to succeed.
With this teamwork in mind, Wynalek offered up advice to “think with the end in mind and structure a plan that will help you get there with the right people on the bus.” In order to find solutions to specific and complex problems, both academia and industry must work together and think translationally. This collaboration fosters an environment where innovation can happen and progress can be made.
Stay Connected
The University of Utah Technology Licensing Office works to connect industry leaders, researchers, and innovators alike, building relationships between institutions and companies through series like this one. Each event inspires collaboration and leadership, sharing expertise and insights into Utah’s booming innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To stay involved with these events, check out our upcoming Tech Tuesday events in September and November. We’d love to see you there!
