Research Foundation names director of licensing for tech transfer
June 3, 2014
CLEMSON, SC – Clemson University has named August “Chris” Gesswein director of licensing for technology transfer in the Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF). Gesswein joins Clemson from Ultradian Diagnostics where he was the vice president of business development.
Technology Transfer is the process of moving knowledge and discoveries from the research laboratory into the marketplace where they can benefit the public. In a university environment, technology transfer takes many forms, such as research publications, graduating students and public service projects.
CURF, on behalf of Clemson, transfers technology by supporting faculty innovation through the invention disclosure process, the patenting process and the licensing of university intellectual property to third parties.
“Chris brings more than 20 years of experience as a business and product development professional to his new role at Clemson,” said Casey Porto, executive director of CURF. “His experience includes small as well as multinational companies, including X-ray Optical Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Becton Dickinson, where he successfully navigated numerous technologies from concept to market.”
Gessewein’s arrival strategically positions Clemson for success in a technology transfer environment that demands the ability to work closely with faculty who are innovative and entrepreneurial, identify opportunities for commercialization of technologies and respond rapidly and expertly when those opportunities materialize.
Gesswein earned an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Science in Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University.
He also possesses six years experience in an academic technology transfer environment at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Office of Technology Commercialization.
Clemson University
Ranked No. 21 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit and a competitive drive to excel.
