Paths towards commercialization: evidence from NIH proof of concept centers

Proof of Concept Centers (PoCCs) are important mechanisms for supporting technology transfer and enabling the commercialization efforts of academic innovators. However, there is limited evidence on the success of PoCCs in supporting projects towards commercialization, especially in the life sciences. We examine how principal investigator (PI) and technology characteristics impact initial actions and commercialization strategies within a PoCC. Through a unique data set that tracks 275 biomedical technologies funded by the National Institutes of Health Centers for Accelerated Innovations (NCAI) and Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH), we find evidence of differing priorities and strategies based on characteristics of the Principal Investigator such as gender, commercialization experience, and title, as well as the type of biomedical technology. We also find empirical evidence that greater levels of PoCC support is associated with a higher frequency of licensing agreements. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of the role PoCCs have in promoting academic commercialization in the biomedical technology sector and insight into the determinants of varying trajectories of projects funded by PoCCs in pursuit of commercialization.