Frank Razavi, MS, MBA
Rochester,NY
Summary
Seasoned technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) leader with experience in all facets of technology commercialization and technology transfer including research partnering, teaming agreements, IP licensing, academic-industry partnerships, consortium creation, and similar. Proven experience building and executing technology commercialization programs, in university and research driven institutions (Johns Hopkins and Purdue), with additional experience working the government customers (DoD, national labs, etc).
Broad technical proficiency spanning defense, physical science, software, life science, AI/ML, and biomedical engineering industries
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Technology Transfer Specialist
Cape Fox Facilities Services (A Cape Fox Company)
03.2025 - Current
- Supporting the Naval Medical Research Command for technology transfer services including contract management (NDA, IP licensing, CRADA, MTA, and similar) and commercialization/partnering initiatives.
- Managing over 37 active agreements with special attention to regulatory compliance (FAR/DFARS)
Technology Commercialization Manager
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (JHU APL)
08.2022 - 03.2025
- Recruited by the head of technology transfer to lead the commercialization of a large technology portfolio across 3 key mission areas: National Health (Advanced Science and Technology Development, Life Science Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, and Devices), Strategic Deterrence (supporting U.S. Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile program), and Research & Exploratory Development (multidisciplinary research programs collaborating across AI/ML, multifunctional materials, Alternative computing, robotics/autonomy, chemical, and life sciences)
- Managing a portfolio of IP and developing new business opportunities via technology licensing and strategic partnerships
- Working with the Capture Management teams to identify growth opportunities within the key areas of Defense Health and Navy Ballistic Missile program
- Independently executing technology transfer/licensing agreements and mentoring junior technology managers in the process: NDA/CDA, MTA, co-development, IAA, and similar
- JHU APL is the nation’s largest university affiliated research center and serves as key technical resource to the DoD, NASA, and other government agencies.
Director Technology Commercialization & Licensing
AT Venture Center & Associated Companies (Sanatela Inc & Regenerelle Inc)
02.2018 - 08.2022
- Led all intellectual property (analytical and transactional) and commercialization duties for AT Venture Center & launched companies
- Identified, evaluated, and led the execution of strategic business opportunities: licensing, academic and industry partnerships, M&As, alliances, and/or joint ventures
- Successfully negotiated exclusive licensing agreement with U.S. university to grow Sanatela’s IP portfolio in regenerative medicine
- Negotiated research collaboration agreement with Ivy-league university
- Reviewed and executed licensing, option, NDA, MTA, co-development, and similar agreements to ensure compliance with company policy and adequate preservation of IP rights
- AT Venture Center is a venture building center that commercializes technologies and launches innovative biotechnology companies. Sanatela Inc and Regenerelle Inc are two life science ventures, launched from AT Venture Center, in oncology and stem cell manufacturing respectively.
Director Business Development | Sr. Licensing Manager
Purdue Research Foundation, Office of Technology Commercialization
08.2012 - 05.2017
- Recruited by Vice President of Technology Commercialization in 2012 (Promoted from Sr. Licensing Manager to Director in 2014) to manage technology commercialization and licensing for early-stage technologies (physical science and biomedical engineering)
- Hired, trained, and led the Business Development and Licensing team (7 members)
- IP licensing subject matter expert in office; reviewed all contracts drafted by Business Development Managers for quality and compliance with office policies
- Regularly interfaced with government agencies (DOE, DoD, NSF, FDA, and similar) to support ongoing research grants and evaluate for future partnering
- Collaborated with Research Foundation President to negotiate with the DoD for $1.8M in funding for Indiana companies through the Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership
- Assisted Purdue researchers with the FDA product clearance process
- Negotiated the creation of 2 consortiums: Roll-to-roll Manufacturing and Integrated Thermal Management of Aerospace Vehicles
- Connect Purdue startup to funding opportunities: SBIR/STTR, internal grants, Angel, VC, and pitch competitions
- Managed $6M+ in royalty revenue to support Purdue’s research enterprise
- Implemented technology transfer process and novel licensing terms resulting in a 12% increase in technologies licensed and a 300% increase in startup formation over a 1-year period
- Licensed over 100 technologies to startup and industry partners
- Purdue Research Foundation is the technology commercialization/transfer arm of Purdue University.
Sr. IP Analyst & Strategist
Eastman Kodak Company
09.2006 - 08.2012
- Managed Kodak’s IP portfolio for the Inkjet and Image Capture Divisions; made strategic recommendations on strategy for these patents and technologies to maximize value of the portfolio and help achieve business objectives
- Analytical experience: Evaluated Kodak’s IP for sale, licensing, M&A, and joint-venture opportunities
- Key member of team who performed market surveillance and competitive intelligence analysis resulting in $2B in litigation revenue over 3 years
- Served as strategic advisor on IP strategy (both offensive and defensive) to Kodak’s Chief Technology Officer and Chief IP Officer
- Preformed prior art searches, patent landscaping, freedom-to-operate studies, patent claim charting, and responded to USPTO office actions (500+ responses)
- Preformed reverse engineering on select products and services to uncover infringement by competitors and made subsequent recommendations to senior management
Education
MBA -
Purdue University Krannert School of Management
MS - Electrical Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
BS - Electrical Engineering
University at Buffalo SUNY
Skills
- Technology Commercialization
- IP Licensing
- Contract Management & Negotiation
- Strategic Partnerships
- IP Strategy and Analysis
AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTSS
- Named inventor on 9 granted patents
- Published article on IP licensing opportunities in the semiconductor industry in Licensing Executives Society International (LESI) Magazine
- Named top 300 IP strategist globally by IAM (IAM 300) for consecutive years, 2021-2025
- Recognized as a global leader in IP by IAM for (IAM Global Leader 2022,2023,2024)
Additional work experience
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER, ATVENTURE CENETER, SANATELA MEDICAL, & REGENERELLE August 2022-Present
· Board Member for ATVentureCenter and associated life science companies (Sanatela Medical and Regenerelle); providing strategic support for all IP, commercialization, and partnering initiatives
IP CONSULTANT, HELD IP LLC Sept 2020- Present
· Performing specialized projects for clients pertaining to all facets of IP: patent searching, technology readiness level, strategy implementation, valuation, licensing, and sale
IP LICENSING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT, RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR SUNY, March 2021- Sept 2021
· IP licensing and technology commercialization for semiconductor, optics, and sensor
technologies originating from SUNY’s research enterprise comprised of faculty and researchers
Timeline
Senior Technology Transfer Specialist
Cape Fox Facilities Services (A Cape Fox Company)
03.2025 - Current
Technology Commercialization Manager
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (JHU APL)
08.2022 - 03.2025
Director Technology Commercialization & Licensing
AT Venture Center & Associated Companies (Sanatela Inc & Regenerelle Inc)
02.2018 - 08.2022
Director Business Development | Sr. Licensing Manager
Purdue Research Foundation, Office of Technology Commercialization
08.2012 - 05.2017
Sr. IP Analyst & Strategist
Eastman Kodak Company
09.2006 - 08.2012
MS - Electrical Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
BS - Electrical Engineering
University at Buffalo SUNY
MBA -
Purdue University Krannert School of Management