The Transfer Files: Inside the World of Federal Innovation

Every time the Coast Guard sends a crew out, it's making a decision about where to put limited people, boats, and resources. And sometimes that decision starts with an alert that turns out to be nothing. What if an uncrewed boat or aircraft could take a closer look first, gather information, and help determine whether a crew needs to respond? That's one of the possibilities the Coast Guard is exploring as it looks for better ways to carry out its missions. My guests today are Shelly Wyman and Derek Meier from the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center. Shelly is a research scientist who graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 2006 with a background in civil engineering. She's worked in Coast Guard sector operations and at headquarters, taught engineering at the Academy, and later moved into aviation research at the R&D Center. Derek is a research engineer who earned his mechanical engineering degree from UConn and worked in submarine construction at Electric Boat before joining the Center in 2019. Much of his work has focused on uncrewed surface vessels and finding ways to put that technology to use in Coast Guard operations. We talk about their work on RIPTIDE, a research initiative exploring how uncrewed aircraft and boats can work together, share information, and help operators make better decisions. Shelly and Derek share what they've learned from field demonstrations, the challenges of adapting technology to the maritime environment, and how partnerships with other military branches and research organizations are helping move the work forward. We also get into what it takes to move a technology from testing into the hands of the people who will actually use it. And throughout our conversation, there's a common theme: the goal isn't to replace Coast Guard crews, but to give them better information and help them focus their time and resources where they're needed most. In This Episode: [02:14] Shelly Wyman shares her path from the Coast Guard Academy through civil engineering, teaching, and aviation research before moving into autonomy. [05:17] Derek Meier discusses early research into maritime domain awareness, uncrewed surface vessels, and a demonstration in Hawaii that helped identify new Coast Guard applications. [08:34] How uncrewed aircraft and surface vessels can work together, with lessons from a demonstration off the coast of Puerto Rico. [11:32] Testing autonomous technology along the Maine-Canada border to improve maritime awareness and help Coast Guard personnel focus their enforcement efforts. [14:21] Using AI and automated target recognition to reduce information overload, identify potential threats, and ease the workload on Coast Guard watchstanders. [17:25] Adapting technology developed for defense applications to support Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue and maritime law enforcement. [20:32] Why reliable sensor data, automated analysis, and reducing the need for constant operator supervision are central to autonomy research. [24:02] Introducing RIPTIDE and its focus on collaborative autonomy, connecting uncrewed systems, and developing capabilities the Coast Guard can put to use. [27:36] Testing autonomous technology under realistic conditions to identify limitations, evaluate performance, and guide further development. [30:15] Building a framework that allows the Coast Guard to integrate autonomous systems, share information, and move research into operational use. [33:02] How AI could learn from mission data, recognize changing patterns, and improve decisions based on conditions in different operational areas. [36:01] Partnering with the Navy, Marine Corps, and other research organizations to share expertise, coordinate technology development, and avoid duplicating efforts. [39:32] Moving autonomy into the field through secure systems and tools such as the Tactical Awareness Kit, which can deliver information directly to responding crews. [42:48] Involving Coast Guard operators in research and testing to make sure new technology addresses practical needs and can be used aboard cutters. [45:39] How RIPTIDE has adapted to funding and procurement challenges, and why flexibility and persistence matter when developing new technology. [48:20] Lessons from earlier demonstrations in Brownsville, Texas, and the importance of making sure successful research can transition into Coast Guard operations. [50:53] How industry partners can connect with the Coast Guard Research and Development Center through research inquiries, technology solicitations, and procurement opportunities. Resources: FLC The Transfer Files Shelly Wyman, PE - LinkedIn Derek Meier - LInkedIn Tech Transfer Stars: Derek Meier’s RDC Work Helps Accelerate Acceptance of Autonomous Technology for USCG Missions United States Coast Guard - RDT&E

The way we tell the story of a technology can be just as important as the technology itself. That idea is at the heart of what our guest calls “narrative capital,” the accumulated value of a founder’s experience, reputation, choices, and story. In the world of tech transfer, where complex science has to connect with investors, industry partners, and customers, that narrative can help determine whether an innovation gains traction or gets lost in translation. Adam Matalan is here to bring an unusual perspective to that challenge. Before moving into the innovation economy, Adam spent decades working in theater and television, eventually producing and running television series and working alongside prominent business leaders. Today, as the founder of Message HQ, he works with startups, scientists, and innovators to turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories. His concept of narrative capital reflects the idea that a founder’s past experiences, including the detours and setbacks, can strengthen credibility rather than diminish it. We discuss why great science does not always become a great company and why scientists and investors often hear the same technology very differently. We also talk about identifying real market pain points, looking beyond a technology’s original application to ask “where else?” it might create value, and gather meaningful customer feedback before a formal licensing conversation begins. Adam also shares why understanding the buyer’s perspective, listening closely, and communicating like a real person remain essential parts of successful commercialization. In This Episode: [02:00] Adam Matalan shares how his early career in theater and television taught him to understand audiences, shape stories, and communicate complex ideas clearly. [07:13] The concept of narrative capital shows how a founder’s experiences, choices, setbacks, and reputation can build credibility and strengthen the story behind a company. [09:50] Storytelling connects with commercialization strategy by helping companies understand where their technology can create real value in the market. [11:37] Scientifically strong technologies can still stall when companies hesitate to test them in the marketplace or assume the science alone will drive adoption. [15:43] Three important signs that a technology may be ready for industry engagement are that it is proven, scalable, and capable of solving a meaningful problem. [18:49] Developing and commercializing new technology requires persistence, and innovators sometimes need to stay committed even when progress is slow. [21:23] Scientists and investors often hear the same technology differently because investors are focused on outcomes, adoption, and potential returns. [24:16] Different types of investors have different goals, making it important for founders to understand the perspective of the person hearing their pitch. [28:07] Companies should focus less on technical details and more on how a product can help customers save money, increase revenue, or solve an expensive problem. [30:25] Giving potential buyers the right context helps them understand why technology matters in the market right now. [32:29] Tech transfer offices can begin gathering customer feedback by identifying real pain points before entering a formal licensing or partnership conversation. [34:46] Conversations outside a company’s usual industry can reveal unexpected applications and new commercial opportunities for a technology. [37:36] Approaching potential industry contacts by asking for insight and advice can be more effective than immediately trying to sell them something. [39:20] Authentic human communication is becoming even more important, and AI generated outreach still needs a personal voice and thoughtful editing. [41:28] Customer discovery should extend beyond an innovator’s immediate industry to include the people and organizations affected further downstream. [42:12] There are no simple shortcuts or universal formulas for commercialization, and market development requires the same kind of discipline as scientific research. [45:03] Curiosity, listening, and observation are habits that help innovators better understand markets, customers, and new opportunities. [46:25] Understanding the buyer’s perspective can make it easier for internal champions to explain the value of a technology to decision makers. [48:41] Every company, founder, and technology must ultimately develop its own commercialization approach rather than rely on a single blueprint. Resources: FLC The Transfer Files Adam Matalon Adam Matalon - LinkedIn MessageHQ Adam Matalon - Substack

The Department of War is sitting on a massive portfolio of federally developed technology, including more than 6,000 active patents. The challenge is making sure those inventions don’t just stay in a catalog, but actually find their way into the hands of companies that can turn them into useful products. That’s the thinking behind the Defense Patent Holiday, a new pilot program designed to make government-owned intellectual property easier for industry to explore. In this episode, I talk with Stephen Luckowski, Director of Technology Transfer, Transition, and Commercial Partnerships for the Department of War, about how the Patent Holiday came together and why removing upfront fees can make such a difference for startups and small businesses. Stephen explains how commercial evaluation licenses give companies room to test the market potential of federal technologies, work with government laboratories, and decide whether an invention fits into their product plans. We also discuss how the program is growing beyond patent licensing itself, with manufacturing resources, funding opportunities, and other support intended to help companies move promising technologies toward commercialization. Stephen shares what the department is learning from the pilot, why success means more than simply counting licenses, and how a more intentional approach to commercialization could strengthen both the industrial base and the technologies available to the warfighter. In This Episode: [01:11] Stephen Luckowski introduces his role leading Technology Transfer, Transition, and Commercial Partnerships for the Department of War and explains his responsibilities for patent licensing and intellectual property reporting. [04:13] The department is creating a strategic view of federally funded intellectual property and strengthening commercialization opportunities across its research portfolio. [05:08] Conversations with Undersecretary Emil Michael led to the creation of the Defense Patent Holiday and the idea of making government patents more accessible to industry. [07:52] The first Patent Holiday offered hundreds of curated patents in critical technology areas with no upfront fees to encourage participation from startups and small businesses. [11:00] The program changes the way the department views billions of dollars in research investment by treating patents as dynamic assets with commercialization potential. [13:02] Commercial evaluation licenses allow companies to assess government-owned technology, work with federal laboratories, and determine whether an invention fits their market and product plans. [15:44] The department is learning from the Patent Holiday pilot, and feedback from participating companies could influence future technology transfer policies. [17:13] The NextFlex Industry Day connected companies with curated microelectronics patents, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and additional resources to support commercialization. [22:15] Companies exploring the Patent Holiday portfolio can use curated patent lists, TechLink assistance, and other federal resources to evaluate opportunities. [25:11] Success for the Patent Holiday means moving federally developed technologies into commercial products that can also meet the needs of the warfighter. [28:39] Future Patent Holidays could involve other government agencies while expanding the economic and national security benefits of commercializing federally funded innovation. [31:31] The Innovation for Impact forum provides an opportunity to focus on national security technology transfer, connect with industry, and showcase the department’s evolving commercialization strategy. Resources: FLC The Transfer Files Stephen Luckowski - Department of War Defense Patent Holiday Innovation for Impact: A National Security Technology Transfer Forum

A career in federal technology transfer can take unexpected turns, but for Paige George, stepping into the role of executive director of the Federal Laboratory Consortium felt like the natural next step. After beginning her Navy career as a high school intern, Paige went on to become a mechanical engineer, technology transfer manager and longtime FLC leader. Paige shares how the relationships she built throughout the federal laboratory community prepared her for this new chapter. She also discusses the leadership lessons she learned from Paul Zielinski, the opportunities ahead for the FLC and why connecting people, laboratories and resources remains essential to moving federally funded innovation into the world. In This Episode: [02:00] Paige George explains how a high school internship at the Navy base introduced her to engineering, military technology and the career possibilities available within the federal laboratory system. [05:00] Attending her first FLC national meeting revealed the remarkable range of backgrounds within technology transfer and helped Paige recognize that she had found the professional community where she belonged. [08:25] Stepping into the executive director role felt like a natural progression after years of serving as a regional coordinator, committee chair, board member and technology transfer leader. [11:32] A closer look at the organization’s daily operations has deepened Paige’s appreciation for the staff members who work behind the scenes to deliver programs, resources and major events for federal laboratories. [12:55] New strategic priorities create opportunities for the FLC to expand access to federal laboratory expertise, strengthen partnerships and help federally funded research produce practical benefits for the nation. [15:33] Looking ahead, Paige wants the FLC to remain the leading resource for federal technology transfer while connecting more laboratories, new professionals and national partners to its network. [17:28] Federal laboratory professionals are encouraged to get involved with the FLC because strong relationships can provide career support, institutional knowledge and valuable connections across agencies and regions. [18:51] The conversation closes with a reminder that successful technology transfer depends on connecting people, laboratories, resources, partners and ideas to move innovation into real-world use. Resources: Federal Labs Consortium Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook Inside T2 at the Navy With Paige George Federal Laboratory Consortium Names Paige George Executive Director Paige George - LinkedIn

Federal technology transfer can be difficult to navigate, especially for someone approaching a government laboratory for the first time. From CRADAs and licensing agreements to material transfer agreements, each option serves a different purpose. Simply figuring out where to begin can become a hurdle before a conversation ever takes place. Stephen Crutchfield helped develop the Federal Laboratory Consortium’s T2 Mechanisms chatbot, a tool designed to make that first step easier. Users describe what they hope to accomplish with the government and what resources they need. The chatbot then points them toward a mechanism that may fit their situation while offering a straightforward explanation of how it works. In this episode, Stephen shares how the team turned dozens of federal authorities into a much simpler decision tree. We talk about the work involved in refining the chatbot and why it is meant to guide users rather than replace a technology transfer professional. He also explains how a clearer starting point could make federal laboratory partnerships feel more accessible to companies and researchers. In This Episode: [02:32] Stephen explains how the T2 Mechanisms chatbot helps people outside the federal government find a possible starting point. [04:08] The team reviewed federal laws and agency authorities before narrowing them into simpler concepts. [06:45] An extensive spreadsheet evolved into a decision tree built around what non-federal partners hope to accomplish. [08:25] Each result includes a recommended mechanism with an explanation and references to the authority behind it. [09:02] The tool introduces users to their options while leaving the final recommendation to technology transfer professionals. [11:12] Testing the decision tree required repeated adjustments when certain answers produced the wrong result. [11:40] Feedback from the technology transfer community could help shape future versions of the chatbot. [12:33] The generated recommendation also teaches users about the basics of each mechanism. [13:08] A reminder to explore the chatbot with different inputs and see how its recommendations change. Resources: Federal Labs Consortium Federal Labs Consortium - Facebook Stephen Crutchfield - LinkedIn T2 Mechanisms Chatbot Stephen Crutchfield: Commercializing Navy Research Through Strategic Matchmaking