News and Events >Post AUTM West Special Session: the University of Colorado Community-Based Approach to University Spin-Out Companies

Post AUTM West Special Session: the University of Colorado Community-Based Approach to University Spin-Out Companies

Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this session is to acquaint participants with how networks and activities of an organic technology centric entrepreneurial community can augment a university technology licensing operation. In essence this will be a case study of CU's relationships with the local business community and technology enterprise resources of the University, with particular attention on creating companies based on CU intellectual property. Participants from the various organizations will speak.

Although many regions do not have the benefit of a robust entrepreneurial community, nearly all are striving to create such an enterprise eco-system. The case study will demonstrate the possibilities, pitfalls and practicalities of technology transfer activities in such an environment. Participants will be able to share experiences and will take away useful ideas for improving their technology transfer operations.

Date: July 18, 2006
Time: 1p to 3:30P
Location: St Julian Hotel, Boulder, CO
Cost: none

Outline of the Session
I. Introduction to the Colorado technology centric entrepreneurial community.

1. Competitive advantages and some disadvantages
2. The role of the financial and service sectors
3. The role of technology intermediary organizations (incubators and technology associations)
4. The role (or lack thereof) and implications of governmental policy, taxation and expenditures

1. Engaging serial entrepreneurs, business service providers and technology domain experts
1. Identifying leadership and the importance of engaging the most disaffected
2. Value propositions for various partners
3. Key confidence and knowledge building activities
4. Communications and networking events/opportunities
5. Leveraging resources by engaging intermediaries
1. two incubators and their slightly different approaches
2. sorting out conflicts between missions and advising faculty/clients

1. Participation with technology enterprise resources of the University
1. Engaging business school entrepreneurial programs and the leveraging financial contributions
2. Working with the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic and Law School students
3. Use of student interns during summer session and through-out the year
4. Working with the University Foundation, Alumni Association and development officers
5. Working with Engineering capstone courses
6. Communications with key academic administration officers

IV.Summary and implications for participants