This Life Science Venture Program education session features a conversation with faculty founders who have taken the leap from academic research to building life science companies including Occulothereapy, Orion Therapeutics, and EndoLimb Orthoplastic Solutions. Speakers include: Dr. Monica Joblanski (UTHSC), Dr. Trey Fisher (UTK), Dr. Dustin Crouch (UTK), and Dr.Steven Newby (UTK) These panelists shared their experiences navigating the path from discovery to commercialization, including building strategic partnerships, developing the right networks, and balancing the worlds of academia and entrepreneurship. The conversation gives a candid look at what it takes to move an academic innovation toward a commercial venture, with particular emphasis on: · Recognizing when research may have commercial potential · Making the transition from researcher to founder · Building the right team, partnerships, and network · Navigating the relationship between the startup and university · Finding resources, mentors, funding, and external expertise · Learning from challenges and decisions encountered along the way
