New Director Charts Course for Binghamton‘s Technology Transfer Office
Driven by a desire to fund his education and research, Arun Jain first encountered the potential of technology transfer as an international master’s student. After earning his degree from Texas A&M, Jain spent several years at Advanced Micro Devices, where he developed a passion for entrepreneurship after his division became an independent startup. He subsequently launched a startup focused on promoting diversity in e-commerce, successfully growing the concept before ultimately exiting the company.
This experience led Jain back to technology transfer, with positions at Ohio State University and the University of Texas at Austin. He solidified his commitment to the field, stating, “By then, I think my faith in the industry was sealed. That absolutely became my career at that point.”
Now, as the new director of Binghamton University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), Jain aims to foster a more integrated approach to innovation. He envisions academics engaging with technology transfer earlier in the research process, creating multiple avenues for researchers to translate their discoveries. A key goal is to broaden the definition of intellectual property and proactively work with researchers at the lab level to identify and develop promising ideas.
Jain emphasizes that the TTO’s impact extends beyond licensing revenue. He hopes to accelerate commercialization and contribute to the economic development of the region, fostering a thriving ecosystem that benefits both the university and the wider community.
Binghamton’s recent designation as an R1 research institution, alongside universities like Harvard and Johns Hopkins, further excites Jain about his new role. He notably appreciates the collaborative habitat, noting the TTO’s close ties with initiatives like the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, and New Energy New York.
Having spent eleven years directing technology commercialization and licensing at UT Austin, Jain understands the challenges of moving research from the lab to the market. He believes the TTO plays a crucial role in guiding researchers through this process, ultimately benefiting society.
Jain finds inspiration in witnessing the success of researchers and students. He recounted the story of a UT Austin graduate student who, after approaching the TTO with a single idea, went on to build a thriving company with significant funding and a dedicated team. “To see that progress,where they go through all those steps and flourish,I think that’s the most meaningful and fulfilling thing ever,” he said.
