OSU's tech commercialization office is helping to create a brand new day for ohio's economy

You’ve got to get up pretty bright and early if you want to be an innovator in Ohio’s high tech sector.

Once per month on a Friday, your morning begins at 7:30 a.m., well before the start of a typical business day. That's when entrepreneurs and innovators who attend WakeUp StartUp, a new monthly event created by the Technology Commercialization Office at the Ohio State University, are already pitching their startup concepts to an audience of potential collaborators.

The fast-paced, monthly critique gives would-be company founders the opportunity to share their ideas with Central Ohio’s leading entrepreneurs, investors, Ohio State students and faculty. WakeUp StartUp is the brainchild of Brian Cummings, the recently appointed Vice President of Technology Commercialization at OSU.

“We have the ability to help and connect so many people, and if we can educate entrepreneurs or support breakthrough ideas, it helps all of us,” says Cummings of OSU’s role in supporting entrepreneurship on and off campus. “The more experts and willing supporters we bring into this process, the more we’ll all benefit.”

You won’t find anyone nodding off at WakeUp Startup’s lively monthly pitch sessions, which offer an on-your-toes, rapid fire format in an open, collaborative atmosphere. Cummings moderates the 7:30 a.m. brainstorming sessions with a team of mentors that include Central Ohio entrepreneurs and business leaders. Following two main and two cameo pitches, there is a general panel discussion, and then the podium is opened up for one minute pitches.

Budding entrepreneurs present their startup ideas before the 100-plus crowd. Following each pitch, audience members provide feedback on each business idea. They offer brief advice on revenue model effectiveness, key differentiators and what each pitch needs to grow into a successful company.

WakeUp StartUp is just one example of how OSU’s Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) is working to catalyze high tech innovations across Central Ohio. From initially assessing the patentability of an invention to negotiating licensing agreements, the TCO manages all OSU inventions from conception to marketplace.

With the TCO’s recent move from central campus to the new thriving, mixed-use, commercial development at South Campus Gateway, it is now poised to fully integrate into Central Ohio’s entrepreneurial and creative communities.

“I believe Ohio State is so vital to the community that it always needs to play a stewardship role in reaching out beyond its campus,” says Cummings.

WakeUp StartUp, which Cummings and his colleagues launched last October, is one of many events that the TCO plans to host regularly at South Campus Gateway. Cummings recently brought in students from OSU’s NeuroMuscular Biomechanics Lab for a productive pitch session. He is also planning to host hack-a-thons (short, intense software development and coding sessions).

“It was fun and informative, and we challenged them to think differently about their approach to creating breakthrough ideas,” he says of the NeuroMuscular Biomechanics group. “I’ll think you’ll see some cutting-edge new products.”

The move to South Campus Gateway was critical for the TCO. The space features open meeting areas, which foster a culture of innovation and are available for regular use by students and faculty. “Our move has already made a significant impact in our early success,” says Cummings. “By creating an engaged, creative space on the edge of campus, we’ve created a gateway for innovation.”

Innovation is, of course, abundant at a large research institution such as the Ohio State University. The TCO's critical role is to ensure that on campus innovations have an impact well beyond the classroom. The TCO’s reach spans every major field of development -- technologies licensed through the office include biomedical research tools, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, veterinary technologies, chemical engineering and manufacturing, software and computing technologies, civil engineering, electronics, green energy and automotive advancements.

One of the ways that OSU reaches beyond its labs, classrooms and offices is by soliciting inventions and business proposals from the general public. The TCO’s website is a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurial resources, including sample disclosure agreements and submission forms for would-be inventors.

When Ohio State hired Cummings as VP of Commercialization, leaders here undoubtedly hoped that he would replicate his success as Director of the Technology Commercialization Office at the University of Utah, where he previously worked. According to a 2007 survey by the Association of University Technology Managers, it ranked among the nation’s top licensing revenue generators and company incubators under his guidance.

During Cummings’ first year at OSU, the TCO has already undergone substantial changes. In addition to the move, the office is now reorganizing its internal structure and support programs to engage the entire campus, including students, faculty and researchers, with the goals of tech commercialization and knowledge transfer. “Our primary goals have been to begin to build a culture of innovation, service, responsiveness, creativity and accountability at all levels,” says Cummings. “This sets the foundation for growth and high impact change.”

Though Cummings is certainly a vital addition to the campus, the success of OSU-developed technologies also hinges upon the support of university faculty, the board of trustees and business and government leaders statewide.

“It’s been so gratifying to witness the level of support from so many leaders within Ohio State and throughout the region. Alex Fisher and Kenny McDonald from Columbus 2020, Mark Kvamme with Jobs Ohio and Governor Kasich have been very involved in our success,” says Cummings. “They've taken the time to engage and brainstorm and support new ideas. It’s been amazing.”