AUTM Updates

AUTM Takes Notable Strides in International Outreach in 2024


This year has been a dynamic and productive one for AUTM, marked by more than 60 virtual and in-person events and tireless advocacy for key legislation that supports the technology transfer profession. A standout highlight has been AUTM's expanded international outreach, fostering new global collaborations and solidifying AUTM’s role as a leader in sharing knowledge and driving innovations that benefit people worldwide. 

AUTM’s growing global influence is reflected in its increasing participation in critical discussions and events across the globe throughout 2024, including: 

  • Association of European Science and Technology Transfer Professionals (ASTP) Annual Conference 2024: AUTM Board Members Andrew Maas, Anji Miller and Almesha Campbell traveled to Spain in May to present and participate in various discussions around tech transfer. 
  • Global Bio-India 2024: AUTM Chair-Elect Joy Goswami was invited to speak at two pivotal sessions during this prominent conference in September. ​
  • KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards: In October, AUTM Board Chair Andrew Maas delivered the keynote presentation in New Zealand, where he also engaged with stakeholders in the country’s energy ecosystem. His insights, drawn from leading the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engine: Louisiana Energy Transition Engine, contributed to important dialogues on energy innovation. 
  • ​World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Also in October, AUTM CEO Steve Susalka addressed the WIPO Standing Committee on the Law of Patents, encouraging vigilance and diversification in the innovation ecosystem. 
  • AUTM-WIPO Leadership Summit: Susalka then traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, to encourage vibrant innovation through collaboration, education and adaptability  

AUTM’s professional development programs also reached new and diverse audiences.

  • At the 2024 AUTM Annual Meeting in February, eight technology transfer professionals from Egypt traveled to San Diego as part of an AUTM-led training initiative, developed in partnership with U.S. and Egyptian government agencies.
  • In May, AUTM staff and volunteers traveled to Cairo to lead the Egypt Technology Transfer Training Program, designed to equip Egyptian professionals with essential skills in technology transfer, commercialization and innovation. 
  • AUTM's Software Course was offered in Hong Kong in August, leaving attendees with tools to navigate basic to complex softwaqre asset management and licensing situations.
  • In December, AUTM's Essentials of Tech Transfer Course was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, providing a deeper understanding of the fundamental goals and processes of academic technology transferdeeper understanding of the fundamental goals and processes of academic technology transfer.

The organization continues to look ahead and proactively seek new opportunities for global collaboration. In August, AUTM leadership met with six key organizations in Washington, D.C., including the National Science Foundation, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the National Academies of Sciences. These discussions showcased AUTM’s successes in Chile and Egypt while laying the groundwork for future partnerships. 

As AUTM strengthens its international footprint, the organization remains committed to fostering innovation, building meaningful partnerships and empowering technology transfer professionals worldwide. By connecting people, knowledge and ideas across borders, AUTM is helping drive solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges—demonstrating the truly global impact of the technology transfer community.