Shattering the Glass Ceiling in Innovation and Patents With Dr. Marianne Privett And Dr. Aardra Kachroo
Description
Did you know that despite being behind many groundbreaking inventions and patents, women are less likely to turn their ideas into commercial products? It's a trend that's holding us back, and we're here to explore why. To discuss the experiences and insights of leading women scientists, researchers, and inventors. We have two prolific and leading women with us today.
Dr. Marianne Privett, is a Partner and patent attorney with extensive knowledge in chemistry and materials science. Marianne manages patent portfolios for a diverse range of clients, including multinationals and universities, with a focus on clean tech. She's a strong advocate for women inventors and entrepreneurs and actively participates in networks like Women in Health Tech and the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network.
Dr. Aardra Kachroo, a Professor at the University of Kentucky specializing in plant pathology. Her research delves into the intricate signaling mechanisms in plants, particularly how they adapt and respond to various pathogens. Aardra has received numerous awards for her work and is deeply involved in outreach, including workshops for youth and presentations to farmers.
In This Episode:
[02:18 ] Marianne shares her journey in science and innovation. She discovered that patents were a good way to marry business with science.
[03:26 ] Aardra always loved science, and she's a researcher. She didn't want to work with animals so she chose plant research. She has two patents and a company based on one of those.
[05:12 ] Challenges that women inventors face navigating the IP landscape. Research shows that women aren't engaging as much with the patent process.
[06:59 ] There are fewer girls and young women studying STEM subjects.
[08:13 ] We need to have uncomfortable conversations about why women aren't showing up as inventors.
[08:32 ] Aardra shares her patent experience. Her company was patented by her husband. She refers to studies where women want everything to be 100% where a man is more confident and will go ahead before the project reaches that point.
[09:38 ] Women being unwilling to commercialize their innovation because of perfectionism.
[10:21 ] Women also seem to face more barriers than a man in the same position.
[12:05 ] The low percentage of women that get VC funding is scary. Role models also have something to do with this. We need to normalize women entrepreneurs.
[14:04 ] Aardra talks about outreach contributing to the commercialization of research. She shares a story about how what she was doing in the lab was able to make it into society.
[16:35 ] It's easier for a student to understand what you're studying if you show them that it's applicable in the real world.
[18:44 ] Marianne talks about networking groups such as Women in Health Tech and the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network.
[21:44 ] She also shares global innovation advice for women to protect their inventions.
[25:10 ] Opportunities on the horizon for women inventors. The CHIPS and Science Act creates a more streamlined pathway to innovation and commercialization. There's also a lot of focus on supporting women and minorities.
[26:59 ] Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) has funding programs for every step of the way.
[28:19 ] The UK also has similar programs just on a smaller scale.
[29:35 ] How tech transfer professionals can better support women.
Resources:
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