Women faculty, researchers, and professionals in the STEM fields recently gathered for Understanding the Entrepreneurial Landscape: What Women STEM Faculty Need to Know, an event held at the University of Houston Hilton.
Hosted by the UH Cullen College of Engineering, the UH College of Natural Science and Mathematics, the UH College of Technology, and Rice University, the one-day conference gave women faculty and post-doctoral researchers an inside look at the business of successfully commercializing university-based science and technology.
Leaders from the entrepreneurial and academic communities discussed the unique experiences that women researchers and entrepreneurs face in a business environment. Relevant and practical points included evaluating an invention’s potential for commercialization; working with angel investors; assessing incubators; and building translational partnerships.
Cheryl Vickroy, Interim Associate Director of the Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, University of Wisconsin-Extension and Interim Director of the Wisconsin Entrepreneur’s Network, kicked off the program with her presentation titled Commercialization of University-Based Technology and the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. "University-based technology is a special breed," Vickroy said. "It is the nexus of academics and business." She discussed ways in which women can establish patents in the academic life sciences, by cultivating connections in the business arena. Citing studies on gender differences in the scientific community, Vickroy noted that, by understanding and utilizing the networks that exist between academics and entrepreneurship, women STEM researchers will be poised to recognize the potential of their research in the commercial realm, with regard to the product development process, risk analysis, and financing for science-based startups.
Teresa Esser, Managing Director of the Silicon Pastures Angel Investment Network, delivered a particularly energizing and candid talk about male and female approaches to entrepreneurship. Esser’s presentation reflected elements from her background in brain and cognitive science, and creative writing at MIT. Esser delivered a clear picture of what it takes to succeed in the entrepreneurial world, specifically, the role of risk-taking and trust in establishing business partnerships.
Mary C. (Cindy) Farach-Carson, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Translational Bioscience, Science Director of BioScience Research Collaborative at Rice University, presented Building Translational Partnerships and Commercialization of Research at Academic Universities Without a Medical School. To facilitate research and commercialization, Farach-Carson posited ways in which universities can transform undergraduate and graduate education to focus on solving real world problems.
Speakers also included Danong Chen, CEO of MetronomX, who spoke of her experiences in corporate strategy, and product development and commercialization; David M. Schubert, Executive Director of the Houston Area Translational Research Consortium, who addressed existing opportunities for investment of research and development of marketable products to treat diseases; Lauren Flanagan, Managing Partner, Belle Capital, LP; Managing Partner, Phenomenelle Angels Fund; and CEO of SCIO Corporation, who delivered practical advice on establishing connections with angel investors; and Cathy A. Trower, Research Director, COACHE at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, who moderated a panel discussion regarding the economic impact of women entrepreneurs.