Tucker Jewell joined the KCV team in November 2024 as a Licensing & New Ventures Manager. We're excited to welcome Tucker to the team!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to be a part of KCV?
I’m wrapping up my fifth year in tech transfer, some of that including time with KCV as a contractor, where I gained insight into their culture and mission. Experiencing their family-like culture and commitment to creating inclusive, equitable environments where every idea can thrive, I felt inspired to contribute to advancing their efforts.
How did you get interested in tech transfer and commercialization?
As a part of my college curriculum, I interned for my university’s tech transfer office. I had no prior knowledge regarding tech transfer and that internship opened up a whole new world to me. I have an engineering background and tech transfer has not only allowed me to stay up-to-date with the newest, cutting-edge innovations but also play a vital role in bringing them to the masses. I quickly developed a passion for it and knew I wanted to grow my career in that direction.
What are you most excited about in your new position?
I am all about this great Commonwealth, so I am most excited about the opportunity to meet and service a wide, diverse range of innovators from such a great pool of institutions that reside within our borders.
Why would you say it's important to help Kentucky higher education institutions explore research & commercialization?
I believe it important to aid Kentucky's higher education institutions in expanding their capacities for research and commercialization for a variety of reasons:
Commercializing research transforms academic discoveries into marketable products and services, driving job creation, new businesses, and economic growth in Kentucky.
Successful commercialization attracts private investment, industry partnerships, and federal grants, strengthening the institutions and the state’s economy.
Commercializing local research has the potential to tackle pressing regional issues, such as health disparities, environmental concerns, and economic inequality, providing tailored solutions that improve the quality of life for Kentuckians and the world.
Commercialization fosters collaboration between universities and businesses, creating a dynamic ecosystem where ideas can move efficiently from lab to market.
Can you share a little-known fact about yourself?
I don’t want to brag, but I have never broken a bone (knock on wood).