The Origin of Technology Transfer Professionals Day with Chad Riggs

Every now and then, someone inside a Tech Transfer office tries something small, something meant for their own team, and it ends up resonating far beyond their campus. That’s the path our guest followed, and it’s a great reminder of how ideas in this profession can ripple outward in ways we don’t always expect.My guest today is Chadwig “Chad” Riggs, former marketing associate at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Office of Technology Licensing and the creator of Technology Transfer Professionals Day, which is celebrated each year on December 12, the anniversary of the Bayh–Dole Act. Chad talks about how this whole effort began with a quick holiday video meant to help colleagues understand the licensing process, and how it slowly turned into a day of recognition, education, and connection. He also shares small touches, like custom inventor mugs or light-bulb candy favors, that helped bring faculty into the conversation and made tech transfer feel more approachable.From there, the idea eventually made its way to AUTM, and Chad explains what it took to turn an internal activity into a national recognition day. Along the way, we touch on why acknowledgement matters, especially now, and how stories like St. Jude’s ALK gene journey show the real-world impact that can come from sustained licensing and partnership work. It’s an encouraging reminder that shining a light on the people behind commercialization can strengthen the whole ecosystem.In This Episode: [00:33] We discuss Chad Riggs’ background at St. Jude’s Office of Technology Licensing.[01:20] How marketing, outreach, and internal engagement became central to his Tech Transfer role.[02:45] He recalls how a simple holiday video sparked the idea for broader year-round education and recognition.[04:13] Chad describes the early holiday videos at St. Jude and why Tech Transfer needed its own presence.[05:40] We learn how he wanted to build excitement around disclosures and increase faculty participation.[07:05] The team brainstorms their first set of activities for Technology Transfer Professionals Day.[08:10] Chad talks about St. Jude’s culture of celebrating different professional groups across the hospital.[09:30] The realization hits: Tech Transfer deserves its own day, too.[10:15] He outlines the initial reaction from colleagues and leaders when he proposed the idea.[11:00] Chad explains why choosing December 12, the anniversary of Bayh–Dole, was non-negotiable.[11:43] The team launches their first celebration with inventor mugs, quizzes, and creative giveaways.[13:10] He discusses the importance of pairing recognition with education about the disclosure and licensing process.[14:30] Chad shares how elevator screens, newsletters, and repeated messaging helped build internal awareness.[15:45] He breaks down why the Bayh–Dole Act remains central to Tech Transfer’s identity and purpose.[17:25] The story shifts to how Chad brought the idea to AUTM and pushed for national adoption.[18:50] He talks about navigating committees, lobbying concerns, and sticking to the holiday’s true intent.[20:15] Chad reflects on watching institutions nationwide make the celebration their own.[21:40] Creative examples, like office competitions, stickers, and venture program spotlights, start appearing.[23:00] The AUTM toolkit expands the day with graphics, hashtags, and award ideas.[24:10] Chad shares how recognition days help fight burnout and remind researchers that TTOs are real people.[25:35] He emphasizes the importance of visibility and human connection in a “black box” profession.[26:50] The conversation turns to morale, retention, and why small acknowledgments matter.[27:55] Chad explains how giving people ownership of ideas increases engagement and buy-in.[29:15] He talks about the value of creative exercises and “batting practice” for building stronger innovation habits.[30:40] Chad shares the ALK gene story as a powerful example of the long-term impact of Tech Transfer.[32:20] The discussion covers how one discovery evolved into multiple FDA-approved therapies.[34:05] He highlights the economic and clinical reach of ALK inhibitors around the world.[35:10] Chad reflects on decades of work that eventually returned to benefit pediatric patients.[36:00] Tech Transfer is the bridge that takes research from the benchtop to the bedside.Resources: Celebrate the Contributions of Tech Transfer ProfessionalsBetter World ProjectBayh–Dole CoalitionSt. Jude Children’s Research HospitalChad Riggs - St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalChad Riggs - LinkedIn