Commercialization of MIT Technologies

Have you ever wondered how technology that’s developed in academic institutions is converted into a product for the public? Have you ever wondered how technology that’s developed in academic institutions is converted into a product for the public? This process is known as technology transfer, and tech transfer professionals at research organizations all over the world evaluate new inventions, protect intellectual property, and license the technology to third parties, such as start-up ventures or existing companies, for development and commercialization. At MIT, the TLO supports MIT inventors throughout this process and plays a vital role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. You'll hear from Lauren Foster and Deirdre Zammit, Associate Directors of the TLO, about the strategic approach MIT takes to move innovations from the bench to the marketplace.

About the Speakers

Deirdre Zammit: Deirdre Zammit is MIT’s Associate Director of Licensing, Physical Sciences, leading the team that evaluates, protects, and licenses MIT innovations in the physical sciences. Deirdre’s professional experience includes roles managing and licensing corporate, academic, and federal laboratory intellectual property assets, with previous intellectual property management and licensing positions at Lucent Technologies, Agere Systems, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Naval Research Laboratory. Deirdre started her career as an engineer in the semiconductor industry and has also held global product manager, market manager, and corporate venture capital positions in industry.

Lauren C. Foster: Lauren focuses principally on licensing and commercialization of technologies in the biomedical, biotechnology, and medical device fields. Prior to joining MIT, she was Senior Director, IP and Technology Acquisition at Antigenics, Inc., a public biotechnology company, where she played an integral role in envisioning and implementing the company’s business, intellectual property, and technology strategies. Lauren was also a Technical Specialist at the law firm Lahive & Cockfield LLP where she focused on strategic development of intellectual property rights for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and universities. Lauren holds a D.Sc. from Harvard University and a B.S. from Haverford College, and is a registered Patent Agent.