In pursuit of those goals, Tech Launch Arizona (TLA) has continued to integrate the functions of technology transfer, commercialization networks and Tech Parks Arizona.
As TLA has continued to evolve and grow, a few new positions have been brought on to fulfill key roles. New personnel hires brought on at the end of FY 2015 and in FY 2016 include:
| Name | Title | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Su Jun Lim | Business Intelligence Manager | 5/9/2016 |
| Taylor Hudson | Technology Marketing Associate | 7/20/2015 |
| Iona Brinson | Patent Docket Clerk | 2/1/2016 |
| Eric Smith | Commercialization Network Manager | 2/29/2016 |
| Lisa Lin | Licensing Manager, College of Medicine | 7/6/2015 |
| Bruce Burgess | Mentor-in-Residence, Biomedical Devices | 3/28/2016 |
| Michael Sember | Mentor-in-Residence, Biotech | 3/28/2016 |
| Kevin McLaughlin | Mentor-in-Residence, Engr & Physical Sciences | 3/28/2016 |
In 2016, TLA restructured its business development team to better prepare and support startup efforts. This included transitioning Joann MacMaster into the role of director, adding Samantha Bankston Bares to the NSF I-Corps Site team, and launching the Mentors-in-Residence program (with the hiring of Burgess, Sember and McLaughlin).
During the report period, TLA accomplished the following: executed 95 agreements, including 47 exclusive licenses and options; continued service to the faculty to maintain increases in key metrics (including 250 invention disclosures and 36 patents issued) that fuel the technology transfer process; created 14 new companies based on UA technologies (for a total of 45 startups over the past 5 fiscal years).
Licenses, options, and other major agreements represent key steps in the technology transfer pipeline of idea creation, technology translation, product realization, and royalty generation. In FY 2016, Tech Transfer Arizona executed 95 licenses and options, 47 of which were exclusive agreements, which involve considerable effort and produce the most impact. Conversely, nonexclusive licenses are often executed for freedom to operate purposes.
Total revenues from licensing activity and related legal reimbursements in FY 2016 were $2.7 million from royalties and patent reimbursements, representing a 15 percent increase over FY 2015. The university maintains our diligent management of the patent portfolio; a continued strong deal flow has resulted in an increase of patent expenditures in advance of licensing opportunity. In FY 2016, TLA’s legal expenditures to legal reimbursements ratio was 35 percent, reflecting a disciplined approach to patent asset management.
