What I Wish I Knew: Lessons from Emerging Tech Transfer Professionals at the Canadian Region Meeting 

At the Canadian Region Meeting, a panel session titled "What I Wish I Knew: Tech Transfer Truths They Don’t Teach You" brought together emerging voices in the world of technology transfer. This lively and candid conversation, hosted by David Hobson from the University of Guelph, provided a refreshing take on the realities of the field filled with teachable moments, unexpected lessons, and, of course, a little bit of humor. 

The session featured five tech transfer professionals from across Canada: Shoma Sinha, Assistant Director of Innovation and Partnerships at Carleton University; Leah Labib, Technology Transfer Officer at Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Amy Hector, Business Development Manager at McMaster University; Nnanna Ukoji, Tech Transfer Manager at University of Manitoba; and Juan Perez Casanova, Innovation Advisor at Memorial University. What tied them all together was their shared experience of navigating the often unpredictable and fast-paced profession of tech transfer. 

The Challenge of “Figuring It Out” 

The discussion kicked off with the panelists reflecting on their career paths, many of which took unexpected turns. From backgrounds in everything from biochemistry to nanoelectronics, they all found themselves drawn into tech transfer by a desire to make a broader impact. 

Shoma Sinha’s experience highlighted the diverse paths that lead into the field. With a PhD in nanoelectronics and an MBA in innovation entrepreneurship, she initially worked in government economic development and then at Queen’s University before moving to Carleton. She acknowledged that, much like many in the field, she never quite knew what she wanted to do initially, but tech transfer offered an avenue to apply her diverse experiences in a meaningful way. 

David Hobson reflected on the unexpected paths many take into tech transfer, saying, "It’s interesting that it seems like everybody kind of just fell through the cracks into the spot and actually really liked it. I’m another one of those. I was asked to do this job for three months, 17 years ago, and I’m still here." 

The Surprises of the Job 

One of the biggest surprises for many panelists was the amount of institutional knowledge needed to succeed in tech transfer. The reality was that much of the learning happened on the job. There was an ongoing need to understand institutional policies, both written and unwritten, and apply that knowledge in real-time. 

Amy Hector, who transitioned from patent law to tech transfer, reflected on the difference between her expectations and the actual experience, "When you're in school, it's quite obvious what you're studying for the test that you're taking. But with tech transfer, you kind of just need to know a lot about everything. You're studying to raise plans—what could be an issue, or something you need to follow up on, or a connection you need to make. For me, that was very hard. You can't make a template for anything. I mean, we all try to make templates. Every project is so nuanced, and it’s a process that evolves from its beginning, with no clear idea of where it’s going to go." 

For many on the panel, managing diverse personalities, especially those of researchers, was another unexpected challenge. Nnanna Ukoji shared that he wished he had known just how different each researcher could be. Some were incredibly supportive, while others were more difficult to work with. Learning how to navigate these varied relationships was critical in this field. 

Building Trust with Researchers 

A key takeaway from the session was the importance of communication in building trust. Many of the panelists emphasized the need for tech transfer professionals to be approachable, honest, and proactive when engaging with researchers. 

One panelist shared a story about a researcher who had been hesitant to engage with the tech transfer office. By reaching out and offering help, even for matters outside of the office’s typical scope, the tech transfer professional was able to establish a connection and open the door for future collaboration. 

Transparency also emerged as a central theme. As tech transfer professionals, our primary goal is to help protect researchers' innovations and guide them toward commercialization. Tech transfer is about providing support to researchers and helping them realize the potential of their work in the real world.  

Juan Perez Casanova offered simple yet vital advice for success in tech transfer: "Just be open, be honest, and be willing to learn—and keep learning."  

Delivering Bad News (With a Smile) 

Delivering bad news, particularly in a field where rejection is sometimes necessary, was a topic of discussion. Panelists agreed that while it’s never easy to say no, it’s important to maintain a positive outlook and help researchers understand the broader context. 

Rather than just saying no, the panel emphasized the importance of offering alternative paths or solutions. Even if a project is not ready for patenting or commercialization, the conversation can still be productive by providing feedback or directing the researcher to other resources that may help them move forward. 

Advice for New Tech Transfer Managers 

For those just starting in the field, the panelists offered some helpful advice. New tech transfer professionals should take their time, ask a lot of questions, and embrace the reality that they won’t know everything right away. Learning on the job is inevitable, and being patient with oneself is key. 

Building strong relationships with colleagues is also crucial. Tech transfer is a collaborative field, and support from others who have more experience can make all the difference. Additionally, new professionals should embrace the uncertainty of the job. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to every challenge, and being flexible and adaptable is essential. 

The Joy of Tech Transfer 

As the session wrapped up, the panelists reflected on what they loved most about their jobs. For some, it was the diversity of the work and the constant opportunities to learn about new technologies. For others, it was the satisfaction of seeing a project grow from an early idea into a successful startup. 

Shoma Sinha shared that she loves being part of the entire process, from helping researchers understand the potential of their ideas to watching those ideas come to life and make an impact on the world. Others echoed this sentiment, expressing their appreciation for the ability to witness the journey of a project, from research to commercialization. 

Lea Labib explained what motivates her in tech transfer, stating, "a drive of love of learning. That's what keeps me around. That's what helps you deal with these situations and And conversely, not being driven by praise. If you're looking for being praised for what you do, you're not going to be super happy in tech transfer, but if you're happy understanding the impact of the effort that you put in and having learned the process, then you'll be happy in tech transfer." 

In the end, this session was a powerful reminder that while tech transfer may not always be glamorous, it is an essential part of the innovation ecosystem. The challenges can be significant, but the rewards of seeing a project thrive and make a difference are immeasurable.