The Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC) demonstrated its growing national impact at the 2026 Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) Annual Meeting in Seattle, joining thousands of innovation management leaders to advance best practices, share insights, and cultivate strategic connections across the academic tech transfer community.
Multiple CTTC team members were invited to contribute as speakers, panelists, instructors, and mentors, representing Vanderbilt and its reputation for operational excellence and thought leadership.
“The AUTM annual meeting is a one-stop shop for companies to engage with academic technology management professionals,” remarks Alan Bentley, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property Development. "Every R1 institution is represented and benefits from the industry partnering activities, educational and training opportunities, and sharing war stories and best practices.”
Those featured at this year’s annual meeting included:
Cameron Sargent, Licensing Officer
As a panelist, Cameron brought forward-looking perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence in tech transfer, including practical applications and AI-enabled tools he has developed with colleagues at CTTC to enhance licensing strategy, execution, and operational efficiency.
Philip Swaney, Licensing and Strategic Initiatives Manager
Philip serves on AUTM’s Mentorship Committee, where he and his fellow committee members manage the 200+ person mentorship program. Philip and two CTTC colleagues will also be serving the broader technology transfer community as mentors this year. Their role in the mentorship program exemplifies CTTC’s commitment to talent development and cross-institutional leadership in licensing strategy and professional guidance.
Michael Villalobos, Assistant Director of Life Sciences Licensing
Michael contributed deep expertise in licensing terms and negotiation strategy during a session focused on balancing institutional values with industry needs. Drawing from CTTC’s experience facilitating complex deals, he offered insights on structuring agreements that support both long-term commercialization and meaningful societal impact.
Donna Ingles, Director of Operations
Donna served as a panelist in a session dedicated to designing and implementing operational systems that scale and evolve with organizational needs. Her contributions highlighted CTTC’s approach to building sustainable infrastructure that supports innovation workflows from invention disclosure to market launch.
Alan Bentley, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property Development
Alan volunteers as an AUTM Mentor and led AUTM’s flagship Negotiations course, a core professional development offering that equips participants from around the country with advanced skills in effective deal-making and relationship management. His practical and strategic insights helped attendees elevate their negotiation outcomes and strengthen campus-industry partnerships. Alan was also presented with an AUTM Volunteer Service Award at the Annual Meeting.
“Alan’s dedication to training the next generation of technology transfer professionals, and the way he connects with others when teaching, is without parallel, ” remarks Brian Shedd, Executive Director of the University of Texas Permian Basin’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization, and co-faculty with Bentley of the AUTM Negotiation Course.
CTTC’s attendance and leadership at AUTM 2026 reflects a team-wide culture of excellence and inter-institutional collaboration. From licensing and operations to new venture support and industry engagement, Vanderbilt’s technology transfer professionals continue to expand the institution’s impact on a national level.
