Next generation technologies present big opportunities but come with high degree of complexity and associated risk. As the spotlight centres on the innovation economy, and in particular the role of universities and research institutions, understanding innovation as a value chain is key. In this talk, Karen Temple will unpack universities as a source of next generation technologies and workforce, where the responsibility of universities in the commercialization of early-stage technologies starts and stops, and how strong partnering with operating companies accelerates innovation through collaboration.
Karen Temple is a Commercialization Manager in the Innovations and Partnerships Office at the University of Toronto where she works with university faculty and start-up companies to develop their intellectual property to increase their technologies’ business value. Karen has a unique vantage point from 20+ years experience working with growing technology companies from start-up ventures to large corporations. Over the years, she has held a number of technology and business development roles, including securing early-stage public/private investment to finance growth opportunities, and developing and implementing strategies to validate technology/product/market fit. Karen has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, has published papers, is a co-inventor on two patents, and serves on the Board of the Licensing Executive Society USA & Canada.
