SCIENCE AT THE EDGE SEMINAR SERIES

Interdisciplinary Physics Seminar

Friday, 28 September 2012 at 11:30am

Room 1400 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Bldg.

Refreshments at 11:15

Speaker: David Luzzi
         Northeastern University
         Executive Director, University Strategic Security Initiative

Title:   Nanotechnology: From Research Lab to Commercialization

Abstract:

In recent years, there has been increased interest at universities in bringing
positive outcomes of research programs into the commercial marketplace. It can
be argued that altruism and sense of mission are important motivators for this
effort.  Commercialization of a discovery or technology can be an efficient
mechanism for rapid and widespread penetration of a new good for the benefit of
society, in resonance with the primary mission of universities. New discoveries
in nanotechnology provide fertile opportunities for technology transfer and
commercialization, especially through the creation of new business ventures.
It is in the best interests of universities to promote the transition of
nanotechnology research to commercialization.

In this talk, I will discuss my experiences with the transition of two
technologies developed in my research laboratory into two separate startup
ventures.  I will also discuss methods by which universities can assist the
development of new ventures using lessons learned from my experience as the
co-founder of the Nanotechnology Institute in Philadelphia, which now has
over 740 intellectual property assets under management and has fostered the
creation of 30 companies.