The standard model of achievement within academic medical centers is the production of peer reviewed publications and the securing of external funding. This model has been extraordinarily successful in the acquisition of new knowledge, the development of improved treatments of medical conditions and in the provision of funding for continued scientific investigation. However, pursuit of a pathway that prioritizes the commercialization of research including but not limited to the acquisition of intellectual property derived from institutional research, conducting of stringent IND-enabling preclinical research studies, conducting of superiorly designed clinical studies, market industry and financial projections/return on investment, private company formation (spinoffs), fundraising including but not limited to convertible debt, equity financing including straight equity financing and SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) notes and the pragmatic considerations when assessing and determining company valuation  could potentially produce financial returns, both for the institution and for the researcher, that far exceed levels that are attainable from the granting agencies. The intellectual property pathway requires the ability to recognize when a scientific discovery meets the qualifications of an invention and an assessment of the commercial value of the invention. It also requires a sophisticated knowledge of how to protect intellectual property, raise funds for its development to a functional state and to move it through the regulatory process. In addition, high quality personal relationships with sources of local and worldwide capital from private, industry and from government sources are essential.   We are very pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the intellectual property pathway with the UMKC community of scientists and administrators. 

Zoom: go.umkc.edu/NovemberLecture | Meeting ID: 925 9121 4623 | Passcode: 469979