By Emily Hubbell

L to R: Department Chair Dr. Joe Sheilds, Dr. Howard Lee Mosbacker, Dr. David Ingram and Dr. Arthur Smith pause for a photo following their discussion.   

Ohio University alumnus Dr. Howard Lee Mosbacker returned to his alma mater in November to discuss ways for researchers to marketing their technology and ideas to businesses.  

Mosbacker, who earned his bachelors of science in physics at OU, held a small discussion with NQPI members prior to giving a colloquium entitled, “The Physics of Entrepreneurship.”

When it comes to marketing one’s research to companies, creating a business plan and finding a niche market are important, the alumni said. He added that securing a patent for one’s ideas is crucial because once a researcher goes outside of a university with an idea, it is no longer protected.

Mosbacker started Traycer Diagnostic Systems—a Columbus-based company that specializes in the use of microwave and tetrahertz imaging for medical applications—in 2008. He stressed that the entrepreneur route of tech transfer is less risk averse than selling an idea to a large corporation that provides little room for error.

This process is one percent the technology and ten percept the business idea. The rest of the process is up to the business team that finds a market for the technology, he said.

“The technology is rarely the hurdle. It’s about gauging the market’s receptiveness to buy,” Mosbacker said, adding that scientists see things horizontally, which makes them natural at developing products.

During the discussion, the alumni and NQPI members discussed the hurdles of bringing industry to Southeastern Ohio.

One strategy is to build a “technology pipeline that you’re a key component to.”  Another is to network with other state universities, Mosbacker said.

After completing his undergraduate studies at OU, Mosbacker completed his graduate work at Ohio State University. He developed the idea for Traycer Diagnostic Systems while working there.