AUTM Foundation Secures $155,000 Grant from Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to Build Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
NOVEMBER 20, 2025 – The AUTM Foundation today announced it has received a $155,000 grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support a critical initiative focused on building technology transfer capacity, beginning in Kansas City and expanding nationwide. The funding will fuel a 12-month planning phase to design and pilot customized regional support networks in Kansas City and Milwaukee, creating a scalable model for engaging diverse communities in entrepreneurship.
The initiative employs a discovery approach to develop programs, mentoring, and resource utilization strategies that will build commercialization ecosystems. The customized regional support networks will engage the customers of technology transfer professionals, including early-stage entrepreneurs, academic innovators, research institution program administrators, and startup leaders, especially those from smaller and underserved institutions who often lack access to commercialization pathways.
“This generous support from the Kauffman Foundation allows us to dramatically expand the vision of what technology transfer can achieve,” said Laura Savatski, Co-chair of the AUTM Foundation. “Our profession is evolving to play a direct role in educating and mentoring entrepreneurs. By creating these targeted regional networks, we are investing in the future of academic innovation.”
The planning phase will involve conducting stakeholder interviews, surveys, and workshops to identify specific regional gaps. Following the pilot phase, AUTM plans to apply its discovery-driven approach to establish additional entrepreneurial network hubs across the country.
“An equitable commercialization ecosystem starts with accessible, tailored support,” Savatski said. “Our commitment is to build networks in Kansas City and Milwaukee that are truly responsive to local needs. This grant is the catalyst for a data-driven, scalable model that will empower innovators from all backgrounds to bring their ideas to market.”
The AUTM Foundation will leverage its existing volunteer infrastructure, collaborative platforms, and national benchmarking tools, such as the Licensing Activity Survey and the Better World Project, to ensure long-term continuity and impact. To further support the profession, the Foundation invites organizations to partner on setting up programming to fill their unique workforce development needs. Additionally, institutions are encouraged to help advance their new associates by supporting their applications for the Howard Bremer and Susan Riley Keyes.
About the AUTM Foundation
The AUTM Foundation is dedicated to investing in workforce development and broadening opportunities in the technology transfer profession. Beyond supporting new venture creation and economic development, the Foundation runs the annual Howard Bremer Scholarship, launched in 2002. The Foundation continues to enhance current educational courses and develop new training opportunities that reflect the evolving needs of the growing profession.