GG19_D1_2_1_Liat_trsoref

1. The Tech Transfer Experience, warts and all
Technology transfer, startup vs.
large corporate perspective
May 13, 2019
Liat Tsoref, Ph.D.
Director R&D Collaborations and Acceleration
Biosense Webster, Israel
Email: ltsoref@its.jnj.com

2. Israel, Startup Nation
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• Between 1,100 to 1,380 startups are established in Israel every year.
• In 2018, the total exit value reached $12.63 billion, of which a record number of 4 exits exceeding $1 billion
each accounted for approximately 65% (IVC-MEITAR 2018, High-tech exits report )
• Total investments of 6.47 Billion across 623 companies
• #1 in VC investment as percentage of GDP in the world
• Strong government support with 4.3% of GDP invested in R&D
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/

3. Personal Milestones
Startups
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Corporates
Tech Transfer
Originated

4. Slender Medical, a tech transfer startup story
• Using high intensity focused ultrasound to treat tissues
• Non-invasive treatment of lipomas, fatty growths
• Non-invasive treatment of fatty tissues for aesthetic indications
• Using ultrasound for treatment and for monitoring the
treatment process
• Core technology developed at the Technion following
many years of research of Prof. Haim Azhari
• IP: Over 20 patent applications
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5. Challenges as a young startup
• Establishing a team with the relevant knowhow
• Lack of expensive lab equipment
• Quickly creating IP for technology protection and for value creation
• Raising funding in a very competitive market
• Bringing the startup company up to speed with a minimal budget
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6. Mitigating the Challenges
• Establishing a team with the relevant knowhow ->
Our first engineer was recruited via the Technion. In addition, Prof. Azhari
consulted to the company
• Lack of expensive lab equipment ->
The Technion’s lab was used during the initial stages of the company
• Quickly creating IP for technology protection and for value creation->
Existing Technion’s IP + Technion’s advisors were involved in the IP creation
• Raising funding in a very competitive market ->
- Using the Technion as a "brand” to create credibility
- Using the Technion’s network and connections to connect with investors
Using the academy “assets” Slender Medical was able to quickly and effectively
progress and have a successful fund raising round
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7. The Corporate vs. Startup Perspective
• Field of interest is
flexible
• Can agree to a long
time to market
• The academy is
more involved and
may have more
impact
• Short in funding
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• Field of interest
should directly
influence the
corporate business
• Usually looking for a
short time to
market
• Many times not
interested/no need
for involvement of
the academy team
• Deep pockets (still,
tough negotiators)

8. Biosense Webster, Defining the Field Of Electrophysiology
• Biosense Webster, a division of Johnson & Johnson Medical is recognized worldwide as a leader in
the science behind the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias
What are we looking for?
• Collaborations with academy, medical institutions, physicians, startups and large companies
• Key Fields of Interest:
• Arrhythmias monitoring and treatment
• Cardiac mapping technologies
• Catheters technology, diagnostic and therapeutic
• Contact Email: ltsoref@its.jnj.com
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9. Thank you!
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