Powering Your Growth with University Research

This session bridges the gap between entrepreneurs and the invaluable research resources available at universities. Discover the strategies and pathways to tap into the wealth of knowledge, innovation, and expertise that academia has to offer. Learn how to access cutting-edge research, forge collaborative partnerships with universities, and leverage this wealth of information to drive innovation and growth in your entrepreneurial endeavors. This session is your gateway to unlocking the untapped potential of university research to power your startup product offerings.

Panelists:
Chris Wright, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Tulsa, is dedicated to advancing TU and the Tulsa region's leadership in entrepreneurship and venture development. As a co-founder and investor in several thriving Tulsa-based tech companies, including Reliant, Medefy Health, Mein3, and Plannly Health, Chris is highly regarded as an advisor to numerous startup founders, providing invaluable guidance. He has also played pivotal roles within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, chairing The Forge incubator's Advisory Board and serving as a venture advisor for organizations like Techstars Build in Tulsa, 46 Capital, and Hurricane Ventures. Additionally, Chris holds a Research Faculty position at the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa, where he imparts his expertise by teaching a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate-level courses, spanning entrepreneurship, marketing, leadership, human resource management, and I/O psychology, contributing significantly to the future of entrepreneurship in Tulsa and at TU.  

Andrew Pollock is the Managing Director for the Office of Technology Commercialization, having joined the University of Oklahoma in 2014.Andrew manages the overall day to day operations of Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) and serves as a technology manager for non-life science related inventions from the Norman and HSC campuses. In these roles Andrew works directly with faculty, other members of OTC and outside counsel to formulate protection strategies for intellectual property developed at the University, as well as engaging with industry to amplify the impact of these discoveries through commercialization.  He has lead multiple initiatives to improve the outcomes of University IP including the recent launch of the upfront licensing of IP in research agreements.

Daniel Will is the Executive Director of Oklahoma State University's Cowboy Technologies. Will’s background includes 14 years with Agilent Technologies with positions as Business Segment Manager, Marketing Operations Manager, Distribution Channel Manager, and Quality Process Manager. He holds a Summa Cum Laude BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State University (2000) and an MBA degree in Finance from Colorado University at Colorado Springs.