Nidhi Sabharwal, PhD, RTTP
Senior Assistant Director, Business Development & Licensing
The Rockefeller University
AUTM Eastern Region Committee Member-2022
AUTM Online Professional Development Committee (OPDC) Member-since 2015
AUTM Fellowship Program as Mentor-since 2016
 
AUTM Member since 2008
What is your favorite food and why?
Thai food is my all-time favorite! I have never been to Thailand, but the food is so rich in flavors that I’m hooked.

What’s the best advice you ever received?
You can always find a solution, but only if you understand the issue from every stake holder’s perspective! I always try to identify the underlying problems as it makes it easier to navigate the situation when you understand the root. This mantra helps me immensely while finding a beneficial outcome, whether negotiating with my business colleagues at work, or my kids at home.

What do you love most about your hometown?
I grew up in a small town (Roorkee) in India, and I love the people I grew up with and around. I find myself lucky to have been able to spend the foundational years of my life surrounded by people who encouraged me and taught me the value of hard work, empathy and friendship.

How did you get involved in tech transfer?
I moved to the US for my postdoc with a passion to understand more about IP and commercialization. I wanted to know how things move from an academic lab to bedside. University technology transfer provided me that platform. 
 
What’s something that surprised you from your career path?
The magnitude of impact tech transfer makes on the local, national and global ecosystem. It is fascinating to see how things you work on make a global impact, and it is very rewarding to be part of creating that ripple.
 
What’s something you’re working on right now that really excites you?
I am working on a cookbook for my kids with their favorite Indian dishes that they can use when they grow up.

What resource, app, tool, etc., do you use most throughout the day to get your job done?
Wellspring for internal record keeping, LinkedIn and AUTM for connections, Google, Fierce Biotech, Forbes to stay updated with the innovation news and USPTO PAIR website, SEC.gov and clinicaltrial.gov for deal and technology related information.

What advice would you give to someone new to the tech transfer space?
Reach out and talk to the people in the field--everyone is very collegial and helpful in this field.  There are so many supportive peeps that are willing to guide you as you try to establish in this profession. And remember to give back to the community as you prosper.
 
What are you most looking forward to at the Eastern Region Meeting? 
I am super excited to meet old friends and colleagues and making new acquaintances.  There is a great line of panels and networking events--so much to learn and explore. It’s going to be a very productive event!

What is something at the event people shouldn’t miss?
There will be a lot of great panels including reverse pitch. I encourage everyone to attend networking breaks and reception to build their Rolla deck. I will be looking forward to seeing many of you in-person at Boston!

What do you think the next big challenge in tech transfer is and how can AUTM help?
AUTM is now an established global platform that brings everyone from universities, industry, and policy makers together to foster innovation and I wish that continues forever! I think we can leverage this platform to standardize and build best practices to streamline international collaborations and narrow the gap in the way things operate across borders.

What’s your favorite memory from a past AUTM event?
It’s from my very first annual meeting and I had “New Member” tag on my meeting badge--I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people stopped by to say hello, share their stories, and offered to help as I unfolded my career.