Jim O’Connell, director of UF Innovate, highlights that the first step to commercializing research is starting early conversations, emphasizing how collaboration and engagement can turn academic ideas into real-world impact.
Turning research into real-world impact is a goal for many researchers, but navigating the path to commercialization can feel risky. Uncertainty is both normal and expected because many academics have never been trained to think like entrepreneurs. That is exactly why institutional support matters.
Rather than treating commercialization as a one-size-fits-all approach, successful pathways begin with a more foundational conversation. Before patents, licences or spin-outs enter the discussion, researchers should be clear and upfront about what they want to achieve.
Read more about The First Step in Commercializing Your Research: Start the Conversation.
