The University of Minnesota’s Technology Commercialization office is launching the new Tech Comm Ambassador Program in order to help University researchers learn about technology transfer and entrepreneurship from their peers. The program aims to raise awareness about the services Technology Commercialization offers and ultimately increase translation of University of Minnesota-developed technologies into products and services that benefit the public.
Ambassadors in the program inspire innovation by encouraging and motivating fellow researchers to explore the translational and commercial potential of their work. Startups like Niron Magnetics, Jord BioScience, Darcy Solutions, among others began in a lab as ideas, but are making real-world impact since being commercialized. Ambassadors also serve as a bridge to Technology Commercialization’s suite of services, while sharing their experiences with intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization process. Overall, ambassadors serve as liaisons for the Technology Commercialization office by referring innovators to the office in order to secure detailed support and services.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our ambassador bios below and reach out to a peer to learn about their experience with the commercialization process.
“Commercializing research is a team sport and we’re excited to add some incredible talent to our roster with this inaugural cohort of Ambassadors. By harnessing their expertise and experience, we plan to build a peer-to-peer bridge where innovation is accessible to everyone,” said technology portfolio manager, Vaughn Schmid.
The first cohort of Ambassadors includes:
Jaideep Srivastava
Department of Computer Science & Engineering, College of Science and Engineering (CSE)
Jaideep Srivastava has worked with Technology Commercialization since 1995. Since then, he has filed 23 invention disclosures with a portfolio of issued patents, pending applications, and copyright protected assets. He also launched a startup company called Ninja Metrics and has substantial experience with startup companies prior to his involvement with Technology Commercialization.
Samira Azarin
Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, CSE
Samira Azarin has been working with Technology Commercialization since 2016 and has a portfolio of invention disclosures and patent applications, as well as an issued U.S. patent in the area of thermal ablation therapy. She has also been able to secure translational funding through Office of Discovery and Translation (ODAT) to advance her innovations.
Matthew Clark
Department of Horticulture Science, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Matthew Clark has been working with Technology Commercialization since 2016 as a grape breeder and now leads the fruit breeding program at the University. He has experience in plant IP, including plant patents and trademarks and worked with the Technology Commercialization team to recently launch the Superior Fruit Innovations program, a new commercialization model for expanding the reach of the University's apple varieties.
Daniel Harki
Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy
Daniel Harki has worked with Technology Commercialization since 2010 and has disclosed more than 10 technologies. He is a cofounder of ApoGen BioTech, a venture-backed startup focused on commercializing small-molecule oncology therapeutics.
Jiarong Hong
Mechanical Engineering, CSE
Jiarong Hong filed his first invention disclosure in 2013. Since then, he has filed multiple invention disclosures, with a portfolio of issued patents, pending applications, and copyright protected assets. He also founded the startup Particle4X and took a 1-year entrepreneurial leave to focus exclusively on the company.
Yingling Fan
Urban and Regional Planning Area, Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Yingling Fan has worked with Technology Commercialization since 2014. She launched a startup company called Daynamica around a smartphone application for capturing human activity, travel, and well-being.