SIGs: Bringing Together Those With Common Interests
AUTM Special Interest Groups (SIG) bring together AUTM members with a common area of interest within the technology transfer field. SIGs convene as discussion eGroups.
How to Join a SIG
SIG Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about joining any AUTM SIG, email info@autm.net.
Administrative Professionals
Hey administrative professionals, here's an opportunity to connect with fellow TTO support staff and be heard! No question is too broad or too limited to post. If you are experiencing it, chances are one of your peers is as well. This is the place to disseminate, collect and share knowledge. Post your creative successes. Get tips and tricks from others in the field. Collaborate and grow via this knowledge repository!
Artificial Intelligence
Join AUTM's latest SIG dedicated to exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology transfer. As technology rapidly evolves, so too does the role of AI in streamlining processes, analyzing data, and unlocking new opportunities. This group provides a collaborative space for AUTM members interested in harnessing AI to enhance their tech transfer practices. Whether you're exploring AI-driven market analysis, lead generation, partnership cultivation, or commercialization strategies, we will offer a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and innovative approaches. Don't miss out on the chance to be at the forefront of AI integration in tech transfer.
Ops & Compliance
Bayh-Dole compliance is no small feat. Avoid the pitfalls of complacency, poor record-keeping, time constraints, and compliance challenges by sharing your concerns and learning from others. Best practices, helpful tips, and tricks of the trade are at your fingertips.
Likewise, the day-to-day operations of a technology transfer office come with their own complexities. From workflow bottlenecks to process optimization, this SIG is a space to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and support one another with practical operational insights.
Drug Repurposing & Reformulation
The Drug Repurposing & Reformulation SIG supports innovators pursuing new therapeutic approaches using existing drugs and their tech transfer officers. Though frequently pursued as the low-hanging fruit, successfully commercializing a repurposed/reformulated drug requires thorough commercial planning – often beginning before the invention is made. Further, as drug repurposing/reformulation projects are commonly researchers’ first introduction to patents and technology transfer, clearly communicating their commercial benefits and challenges is essential to build strong working relationships with new innovators and orient fledgling start-ups for success.
People & Practice
This SIG brings together tech transfer professionals committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across our field. It’s a space to share ideas, explore strategies, and foster a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered. Together, we’re building a more inclusive tech transfer community—one that reflects and serves the world we innovate for.
Egyptian Region
Technology transfer is a borderless profession. However, some challenges are region specific. This SIG gathers tech transfer professionals from across Egypt to discuss and share ideas. Bring your questions, help find solutions and mentor others to achieve success.
IP Portfolio
IP management is complex. This SIG provides a platform for sharing and learning from those who manage global portfolios.
Mexican Region
Different global regions face issues that are region specific. This SIG brings together tech transfer professionals from across Mexico to discuss and share ideas. Bring questions and help find solutions with your peers and colleagues to benefit all.
Model Agreements
Support efficient, consistent technology transfer through shared agreement templates. Join the Model Agreements SIG to help develop, refine, and maintain model agreements that reflect best practices across the tech transfer community. We convene working groups around specific agreement projects, share practical guidance, and collaborate with AUTM staff to promote, maintain, and publish model agreements and related resources that advance the field.
Plant
Plant and agricultural IP continues to be a hot topic. Here’s where you get the dirt on breeder’s rights, cannabis, crop productivity, genetic engineering and more. Join like-minded individuals who want to share tips and experiences on all types of plant IP. Offer up your expertise, share relevant announcements, or your latest success.
Small Offices
A small office doesn’t mean small ideas. If you are starting a new TTO, or your office is five or less people, this is the SIG for you! From marketing, to licensing, to human resources to legal counsel, you'll find answers to your questions here. Gather best practices that will take your office from good — better — best!
Social Innovation
Turn good ideas into social good. Join this SIG to discover how the innovation ecosystem can tackle the most daunting environmental and social challenges — from climate change to inequities in wealth, healthcare and education. We foster mentorship, guidance and the sharing of best practices in our efforts to increase awareness and engagement of Social Innovation within tech transfer.
Software & Copyright
This SIG is where you can share ideas, ask questions and help others with challenges and opportunities related to licensing intellectual property covered by copyright law.
Startups
Connect with peers focused on launching and growing university startups—sharing strategies on licensing, founder support, and building a strong startup pipeline.
TTO/Classroom Connections
Interested in helping students of tech transfer? Join this discussion of internships, business plan competitions, entrepreneurship and commercialization programs. Discuss and share your ideas, provide feedback, and garner best practices to grow the future of our professions.
VC Relations
This SIG addresses the latest trends and challenges of working with VCs. Topics include various forms of investment (external VC, university-managed VC, angels, venture philanthropy), and is not institution only based — input from VC firms is welcome as well.&
Women Inventors
Research shows that women at universities submit their work to technology transfer offices at a lower rate than their male counterparts. This often has more to do with social norms, networks and support than the patentability of their work. This SIG focuses on those concerns and explores ways of leveling the playing field.