Beyond Federal Funding: Industry, Foundations, Tech Commercialization
Come hear from a panel of representatives from Ohio State's Corporate and Foundation Engagement and Tech Commercialization offices to learn how you can find and navigate new funding opportunities! Bring your questions. Co-hosted by the Center of Microbiome Science and the Infectious Diseases Institute.
When: February 20, 2026
Ohio State Expert Panelists
Mike Deverso – Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Engagement
You’ll learn about:
- Corporate partnership models that support research
- How to navigate introductions and partner alignment at Ohio State
- What information helps corporate engagement teams move faster
Panqing He – Licensing Officer, Innovation and Partnerships, Health Sciences Innovation Team
You’ll learn about:
- How commercialization pathways can open non-federal support
- When to engage tech commercialization (and what to bring)
- Early steps that de-risk translation/innovation planning
Kristina Markel – Senior Director of Foundation Engagement
You’ll learn about:
- How foundation fundraising/engagement typically works (and where researchers fit)
- Practical ways to identify fit and initiate conversations
- Common do’s/don’ts for foundation-oriented outreach
Moderators
Vanessa Hale, DVM, PhD – Co-Director, Center of Microbiome Science, Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge
Vanessa Varaljay, PhD – Chief Research Officer, Infectious Diseases Institute, Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge
Why Attend?
Discover new funding pathways
Learn how industry partnerships, foundation support, and commercialization routes can complement federal awards.
Get Ohio State-specific guidance
Hear directly from teams that help Ohio State researchers connect with corporate partners, foundations, and innovation resources.
Bring your questions
Submit questions when you register — or ask them live during the discussion.
Questions submitted in advance may help shape the moderated Q&A.
Fomat:
This session features presentations by the panelists followed by a live, audience-driven Q&A session.
Schedule:
11:00 AM – 11:05 AM: Welcome and Introduction
11:05 AM – 11:35 AM: Panelist 10-minute talks (3)
11:35 AM – 12:30 PM: Moderated Q&A session (audience questions encouraged)