Photo Gallery: Jennifer Barton and Tech Launch Arizona collaborate to inspire U of A researchers

Today
Emilia Gazman, BIO5 Communications and Marketing Assistant

Over 20 researchers and innovators gathered in late October to learn about IP, patents, and start-ups.

Four individuals participating in a panel discussion at the University of Arizona's BIO5 Institute. The panelists are seated on stage with microphones, in front of a backdrop featuring the BIO5 and University of Arizona logos.

On Friday, October 25th, University of Arizona faculty and researchers gathered for a collaborative event co-hosted with Tech Launch Arizona (TLA), “How Commercialization Maximizes Your Impact.” BIO5 Institute director Jennifer Barton and TLA specialists Rakhi Gibbons, Doug Hockstad, and Tod McCauley held a panel discussion in the Thomas W. Keating Bioresearch building to discuss the importance and scope of commercialization in the sciences. The goal of the event was to inspire U of A scientists to think about how they could further the impact of their own projects through the services offered by TLA.

A key part of the BIO5 mission is impacting the Arizona community through inventions and innovative discoveries. But lack of proper resources or insight can make this a daunting and challenging task for U of A researchers. That’s where TLA comes in. With a goal to commercialize inventions and technological innovations created in the university research space, TLA helps researchers create lasting social and economic impact by assisting researchers in areas such as intellectual property rights, patents, and start-ups.

The event began with an overview of the various services provided by TLA, but as the conversation progressed, researchers were able to ask specific questions about their own innovations and projects. 

The BIO5 and TLA panelists revealed that no matter how small, any innovation can make a positive contribution to the community—or to follow researchers. Even something which makes minor tasks in the lab easier can be protected with a patent and commercialized. Many in the audience seemed inspired to connect further with TLA to share their inventions with the world and develop their ideas.

Fostering conversation regarding confusing topics such as IP, patents, and start-ups can help researchers skyrocket their impact. BIO5 working in conjunction with TLA can support its researchers in translating their scientific work into tangible products.