Unlocking the Future: AUTM's New AI Special Interest Group

In the ever-evolving world of technology transfer, staying ahead of the curve is essential. We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new Special Interest Group (SIG) dedicated to the exploration and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tech transfer.

Dr. D’vorah Graeser, RocketSmart, is one of AI SIG organizers and a thought leader in AI. “I want all members of our community to feel confident that they can make the right choices for their institutions and themselves. I also want to be certain that we can build AI best practices together, including guardrails to prevent unethical use of AI and potential theft of data and IP.”

The Current State of AI in Tech Transfer
Artificial Intelligence is not just a buzzword; it's a transformative force reshaping industries across the globe. In the tech transfer field, AI is beginning to make significant inroads, offering tools that can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and improve decision-making.

But where do we stand with AI? Our recent survey of tech transfer offices paints an intriguing picture. Many of you are already testing AI tools or piloting applications. For example, in her work, D’vorah is finding it useful for market research, generating initial drafts of content, technical research coding assistance and brainstorming. Others feel the pressure to jump on the AI bandwagon but are unsure where to start. And then there are those diligently working to stay educated and up to speed on the latest AI advancements.



Why AI?
The motivations for integrating AI into tech transfer are diverse. Here are a few compelling reasons shared by your peers:

• Increasing Staff Productivity: AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing staff to focus on more complex and creative work.
• Automating Business Processes: From managing patent applications to tracking commercialization efforts, AI can make these processes more efficient.
• Enhancing Analysis and Decision Making: AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data can lead to more informed decisions and better outcomes.

By coming together to share knowledge through the SIG, we can more easily keep pace with the rapid development of AI and support and empower each other to make informed decisions.



Promising AI Use Cases
Our survey highlighted several promising use cases for AI:

• Efficiently Identifying Licensees: AI can sift through data to find the best potential licensees for new technologies.
• Generating Marketing Content: Creating compelling content can be time-consuming; AI tools can help streamline this process.
• Improving Marketing Analyses: AI's data-crunching capabilities can offer deeper insights into market trends and strategies.

Challenges on the AI Journey
However, adopting AI is not without its hurdles. Members reported several pressing challenges:

• Protecting Data and Intellectual Property: Ensuring AI systems do not compromise sensitive information is paramount.
• Selecting Best-Fit AI Tools: With a plethora of AI tools available, choosing the right one can be daunting.
• Staying Ahead of the AI Curve: AI technology evolves rapidly, making it challenging to stay current.

D’vorah acknowledges that “AI can be misused, which can lead to bad outcomes – but a firm grounding in AI knowledge and implementation means that users are able to make decisions that are both effective and safe. Sharing both our excitement and our concerns as a community will help us move forward confidently into the AI future.”



The AI Special Interest Group: Your New Resource
So, what can the new AI SIG offer to help navigate these challenges? Survey respondents provided clear feedback on what they need:

• Developing AI Policy Templates: Clear guidelines and templates to help integrate AI smoothly and securely into your operations.
• Reviewing AI Tools: In-depth reviews and recommendations on the best AI tools for tech transfer.
• Sharing Best Practices and Lessons Learned: Learn from the experiences of others to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your AI journey.
• Educating the Industry on AI: Workshops, webinars, and resources to keep you informed about the latest AI trends and technologies.
• Guidance on Incorporating AI into Business Processes: Practical advice on how to effectively integrate AI into your daily workflows.
• Being a Thought Leader for the Tech Transfer Community: Setting the agenda for how AI can transform our field.
• Refining Prompt Engineering: Enhancing your ability to interact with AI tools to get the best results.

Get Involved!
This is your chance to be at the forefront of a technological revolution within the tech transfer community. Whether you’re an AI novice or a seasoned pro, the AI SIG is designed to support and inspire you.

If you’re interested in AUTM’s special interest groups, click here to learn more and join the AI Special Interest Group. You can also attend one of the many AI webinars and sessions at the Central, Western and Eastern AUTM Region Meetings.

D’vorah welcomes your questions and ideas for AI in tech transfer; email her. She is excited for the SIG to help us “find our tech transfer superpowers through AI. It helps us to do much more with less – and to change the world, one innovation at a time.”