Bridging the Divide

Moving Technology from Lab to Market

Technology transfer bridges the gap between academic research and real-world applications, driving job creation, economic growth, and societal benefits. However, university researchers are not always equipped to bring products to market. Warda Ashraf, an associate professor of civil engineering, is taking part in Equalize Startups, a nonprofit program that offers mentoring and seminars to academic researchers focused on taking this next step.

Dr. Ashraf believes this training will enhance her ability to mentor students interested in entrepreneurship and in commercializing their research. Through the program, she hopes to gain new connections and develop a toolkit of knowledge for navigating the startup world.

“When I started exploring how to commercialize my research products, some of the questions I asked people in the business world were silly. They knew things that I didn't,” Ashraf says. “There's often a communication gap, and this program will help me bridge that gap and be a better collaborator.” ₪