Today, I was invited to participate in a panel discussion at Ben Gurion University, moderated by Nimrod Goor of Precede, that addressed turning scientific research into start-ups. Participants included Orni Petrushka (Precede), Neta Cohen (BGN technology transfer office), Prof. Dan Sadot (BGU), Dr. Itai Baruchi (Pythagorus Solar) and myself (“ex-VC”).
Turning research into commerce is not obvious. A University’s technology transfer office is typically responsible for commercialization of IP, with an objective of returning income to the inventor and to the University to support further research. Every venture capitalist that dealt with technology transfer offices has something to say about the matter (not always very nice BTW). However, getting a licensing agreement from the University is only the first baby step in the direction of building a company.
Much of today’s discussion surrounded the fact that an invention (with or without patents), is just not enough to create a start-up. Ideas have to become products, which will be purchased by customers. The development of the business plan is not typically included in the curriculum of an engineering student. During my under graduate Math/CS studies at Tel Aviv University, we had no exposure whatsoever to the concept of commercialization. In fact, I don’t recall a single opportunity to speak with anybody from industry. Glad to see that things change.
Hi Tali,
I enjoy reading your blog from time to time, can we get in touch to discuss an idea of mine? 054-5703535
Posted by: Sharon Weshler | March 25, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Dear Tali,
I regularly read your blog. It's my understanding that all this guys are former founders of optical communication start-ups and currently switched on clean-tech. Know most of them - agree with definition of "refugees"..
Currently I live in Europe and dealing with Russian speaking venture community. Will be in Israel on 7 - 14 april and would like to meet with you. My phone +36-30-2352511
Some references and my CV
http://www.mit-forum.org.il/2004events/tech_incubators/
I was a founder of nano-electronic start-up http://www.innolume.com and sold my shares in 2005 ( made some profit on nanotechnology).
Ed Mlavsky helped me to get a slot at MIT Forum and probably remember my persistence
I spend few years in useless efforts to raise money from Israeli VC funds supporting exclusively native Israeli entrepreneurs.
Yours sincerely,
Dmitry Tseitlin
tseitlin@yahoo.com
Posted by: Dmitry Tseitlin | March 31, 2008 at 12:19 AM
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