8A: PANEL: Intellectual Property and Start Up Companies

Translating biomaterials research into impactful products requires more than scientific innovation—it also demands strategic navigation of intellectual property (IP) and entrepreneurship. This panel will bring together experts from academia, industry, and legal sectors to discuss key considerations in protecting intellectual property and launching start-up companies in the biomaterials and biomedical space.

- The discussion will cover topics such as:
- Basics of IP protection: patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing
- Timing and strategy for patent filings during academic research
- Common pitfalls and best practices for academic inventors
- University tech transfer office roles and collaboration
- Forming and funding a start-up: from SBIR/STTR to venture capital
- Navigating conflicts of interest and maintaining research integrity
- Case studies of successful (and failed) commercialization efforts

This interactive session will be especially valuable for trainees, early-career researchers, and faculty interested in translating their work into commercial applications. Attendees will gain practical insights into how to protect their ideas, engage with tech transfer professionals, and build a roadmap toward commercialization. Panelists will represent a diversity of perspectives, including academic founders, IP attorneys, investors, and technology transfer officers.

Moderator:

Aliasger Salem, Ph.D
Lyle and Sharon Bighley Endowed Chair & Professor / Associate Vice President for Research
University of Iowa | College of Pharmacy