September 2024 Newsletter

The latest innovation and commercialization news from The Texas A&M University System. 

Texas A&M Innovation is implementing a series of new initiatives aimed at enhancing the support provided to inventors, following feedback from a recent survey. The survey was sent to 386 inventors who submitted disclosures in the previous 12-month period, with 112 responses (29% response rate), and focused on key facets of service including promptness, professionalism, overall service, and the likelihood of encouraging future engagement.

The results of the survey reflected a range of inventor experiences, with many respondents offering positive feedback, however, several comments suggested areas for improvement. In response, the Innovation team has outlined a plan to address the feedback and strengthen its support for The Texas A&M University System inventor community. Read more.

Dr. Sarbajit Banerjee pictured in a staff photo.

Sarbajit Banerjee, Ph.D. is the Davidson Chair Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University. His research on developing tetrapodal textured Janus textiles technology based on low-cost materials, offers accessible alternatives for menstrual health and clean drinking water in low-income countries. Dr. Banerjee, a prolific inventor with a portfolio of licensed technologies, including innovative battery material exemplifies Texas A&M’s commitment to leveraging innovation for a better world. Click the link to read more about the impact of Dr. Banerjee’s technology. Learn more.

Outside entrance of Hildebrand Equine Complex.

Innovation Connect: Harnessing New Ideas

Join the Innovation Team for Innovation Connect – at the Hildebrand Equine Complex on September 25, 2024, from 4:30 PM-6:30 PM. Rope in some valuable connections and the chance to win exciting prizes at our first event of the semester. Automatic entry to win fantastic prizes, with an extra entry if you bring a guest!

Enjoy insightful conversations with industry leaders, delicious food and drinks to keep the ideas flowing, and in true Texas fashion, we encourage y’all to show off your favorite cowboy boots as you connect with innovators from our regional community. Register now!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at #IF2024! The agenda is packed with cutting-edge insights, engaging panels, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to shape the future of energy, AI, and sustainability. Whether you're an industry leader, innovator, or someone passionate about the future of technology, IF2024 has something for you! Here's a sneak peek at the groundbreaking topics you can explore at IF2024: Carbon Capture and Industry Impact, Smart Grids and Energy Transformation, and The Future of AI.

Thanks to our founding sponsor, we're offering a limited-time early bird rate of just $699—a savings of $700 off the full price! Secure Your Spot Today! 

An initiative aimed at fostering innovation and supporting new inventors has been launched. The "New Inventor Incentive Program," recently announced by Texas A&M Innovation, will award up to $500 to employees who submit a legitimate disclosure for the first time in the last five years. Multiple inventors will receive a tiered monetary incentive. Inventors can submit the disclosure through Texas A&M Innovation's online portal. For more information about the New Inventor Incentive, contact our office. 

Dr. Jean Njoroge pictured in staff photo.

The Texas A&M University System has invested significant resources to support the growth of commercialization efforts at A&M which has allowed us to add to our team. Please meet Dr. Njoroge, senior licensing manager. Dr. Njoroge’s expertise spans from advanced AI technologies, including Large Language Models and conversational AI systems, to engineering innovations. We are happy to welcome Dr. Njoroge, a former student, back to Aggieland.

Participants attending an outreach seminar.

Texas A&M Innovation’s Ankur Dayal and Chris Scotti, provided a seminar 3last month to faculty and researchers with the College of Architecture, led by Dr. Patrick Suermann, Interim Dean at Texas A&M University. The session included education on different forms of IP, patents, licensing, inventorship, and the benefits of commercialization. Email our team to request a workshop.

On Tuesday, September 16 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m, Texas A&M Innovation is hosting a virtual information session, in partnership with Texas Medical Center Innovation, on the Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics (ACT) program designed for researchers working with cancer therapeutics. This one-year program is for early-stage investigators and biotech executives in Texas seeking business and clinical development milestones. Applications close on October 15. Register today. Applications close on October 15.

Activate empowers scientists to reinvent the world by bringing their research to market. The two-year Activate Fellowship is the most immersive, supportive, and comprehensive program for early-stage hard tech science entrepreneurs to access the funding, technical support, networking, community, and time they need at the outset of their entrepreneurial journeys. Our office is co-hosting a hybrid recruitment event on Tuesday, October 1. Activate’s Cohort 2025 applications are open and will close on October 23! Sign up to be the first to know about upcoming recruitment events and deadlines.

Annual event sponsorship packages are now available. Tailored to suit diverse objectives and budgets, our packages offer opportunities for companies to elevate their brand presence, engage with our audiences, and drive meaningful impact. Packages include varying degrees of pre-event publicity, on-site recognition, post-event continuity, and ongoing engagement. Contact our office to learn more.

Texas A&M Innovation is focused on harvesting new innovations, protecting intellectual property, and facilitating the commercialization process to move Texas A&M University System technologies from the lab to the marketplace. For more information on about how we can partner with you as a university researcher or industry collaborator, please contact us.

innovation@tamus.edu  |  innovation.tamus.edu