The Technology Development Office, the commercialisation office of Boston University (BU), named Mike Pratt (pictured) its new permanent managing director on Monday.
Pratt had held the same position in an interim capacity since August 2015. His appointment is in part in recognition of his instrumental work in refocusing the office’s goals as part of a critical review by the university’s executive.
Gloria Waters, vice-president and associate provost for research, said Pratt’s work had allowed “further enhancing BU’s ability to interact with industry” in order to promote “the institutional goal of widespread dissemination/use for societal benefit.”
Pratt joined the office in 2000 as a licensing associate responsible for the physical sciences, moving through a variety of roles over the years – director of corporate business development, director of translational research and corporate relations, executive director of business development.
Ed Damiano, founder of medical device spinout Beta Bionics, recalled the help of Pratt when establishing his business as a public benefit corporation. He said Pratt and his team “accomplished in six weeks what most academic institutions would not be able to do in six months.
“Boston University is extremely fortunate to have Mike’s dedication, talent, and commitment to lead its Technology Development Office.”
– Image courtesy of Boston University
