Wednesday, Mar 12, 2025 • Brian Lopez : contact

Technology transfer is a crucial process that 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 at The University of Texas at Arlington, is part of a program that trains academic researchers on taking this next step.

Dr. Ashraf is learning how to pitch her research to those who can help her commercialize it through Equalize Startups, a pitch competition and symposium program that aims to create a pathway for academics who want to commercialize their innovations. Participants receive regular mentoring sessions with experienced leaders in their field, as well as seminars to help develop business ideas, understand the essential aspects of startups and prepare pitch decks. Through the program, they gain new connections and a toolkit of knowledge for navigating the startup world.

Ashraf believes this training will enhance her ability to mentor students interested in entrepreneurship and commercializing their research. It will also align her with the technology transfer goals of federal sponsors. She has previously received grants from the U.S. government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative and the National Science Foundation's Partnership for Innovation, both of which focus on commercializing innovations from academic research. Ashraf holds seven provisional and published patent filings from federally funded research projects, most of which are co-invented with her mentored students and junior scientists, highlighting her commitment to developing future innovators.

“We publish our research, but often it gets stuck in the lab and doesn’t get to people who could benefit from it,” Ashraf said. “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. There’s often a communication gap, and this program will help me bridge that gap and be a better collaborator.”

Mentors from Equalize Startups are training Ashraf in key areas such as licensing, developing a business model, recruiting top talent and crafting a compelling pitch—ensuring she has the confidence and skills to engage potential industry partners. She is focused on presenting innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint and extend the lifespan of concrete by leveraging naturally abundant resources. At the end of the program, she will apply what she has learned by pitching her business model to mentors for feedback.

In addition to working with Equalize Startups, Ashraf is collaborating with UTA’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Development (CETD) to develop a plan for bringing two products to market. CETD provides training and support for UTA students, faculty and staff, helping them maximize their opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“The sessions I’ve been to through Equalize Startups have been exciting, and the assistance I’ve received from them and from CETD has been very helpful in guiding me in the right direction to successfully bring my products to market,” Ashraf said.

—    Written by Jeremy Agor, College of Engineering