Abstract of Talk
Can You Make BIG Bucks from Your Research?
-Ron Jennings
Abstract: This talk is an overview of the characteristics and concepts involved with commercializing university research innovations from a venture capital perspective. Among the subjects covered are, what does it take to become an entrepreneur? Phases of starting and maturing a successful company, technology areas of interest for venture investment, how to develop and sell a great idea, how ideas are evaluated for investment, and challenges in moving from the lab to disruptive products.
Biography: Mr. Ron Jennings joined STARTech in 2000 as a partner and chief technical officer. He has over 25 years of experience in technical and executive roles in a variety of industries including telecommunications, supercomputers, electric power, oil and gas exploration, defense, health care, and broadcasting. Ron is responsible for supporting a broad range of technology sector initiatives as well as managing STARTech's information systems infrastructure. Most recently, Ron served as vice president of development at TelOptica, Inc., an early stage company specializing in optimization of telecommunications networks. Prior to that, he was vice president of development at Orametrix, Inc., another Dallas start-up company. He has also worked for Hewlett-Packard, Convex Computer Corporation, and Texas Instruments where he was a senior member of technical staff. Ron holds a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Michigan State University and is a Texas registered professional engineer. He is also a holder of six patents.