Getting to know Jill Helms: Technology Transfer’s ‘next-level mentoring’ brings innovations to life
When it comes to bringing innovations to market, funding is just one piece of the puzzle, according to scientist, educator, innovator, and the AO's Technology Transfer Board member Jill Helms, DDS, PhD. Under a single umbrella, the AO's Technology Transfer brings together innovative ideas, funding, next-level mentoring from its network of surgeon entrepreneurs, researchers, investment professionals, and operations experts with real-life know-how.
Helms knows the innovation landscape like the back of her hand: In addition to her role as a professor of surgery in the Stanford University School of Medicine’s Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, she is leading scientist in the field of stem cell biology and longevity. She is the chief scientific officer of biopharmaceutical company Ankasa Regenerative Medicine, which has developed of novel, protein-based stem cell activation therapy—based on Helms’ own research—to improve tissue repair and regeneration.
“Just do it: Apply for Technology Transfer support. Submit your idea. At the very least, you will get some valuable feedback that will invariably help move your project forward”
Jill Helms
A global network of experts
The AO’s global network of 520,000 surgeons with expertise in trauma and musculoskeletal disorders is another value add for Technology Transfer partners, she said.
“This network is resource for validating ideas with experts in the field who can also offer critical assessments and a supportive environment,” Helms noted. “Even when an idea isn’t quite ready for us, applicants can gain a lot of expertise and insights from going through the application process.”
Innovators who receive AO's Technology Transfer support have access to an array of expertise, she said.
“Our board members’ skillsets range from deep clinical expertise to venture capital experience to biology and engineering expertise,” said Helms. “The AO’s Technology Transfer has vast experience in commercializing ideas, the next steps in the process, and how to get in front of a regulatory board, for example.”
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Visionary leadership
Moreover, she said, the board is visionary enough to confidently take on projects that other partners would decline as being too early or unrealistic.
“In recent years, we’re very interested in—for example—products driven by artificial intelligence and apps that help with diagnosis or treatment planning, or maybe even projection of the healing success rate,” Helms said.
‘Just do it’
Helms’ advice for innovators is simple.
“Just do it: Apply for Technology Transfer support. Submit your idea. At the very least, you will get some valuable feedback that will invariably help move your project forward,” she said. “And persevere. If you get a ‘not yet’ from us, you can take our feedback on board, and apply again. Perseverance is the key here to success”
She also encourages people who might not see themselves as innovators or entrepreneurs to avail themselves of AO's support.
“I would strongly urge people—for example, women and people of color—who may not see themselves represented among entrepreneurs and innovators to submit their ideas,” said Helms. “You know, talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. So, I want to especially encourage underrepresented groups to take advantage of the AO's Technology Transfer opportunities. It’s a fantastic group of people who are eager to help you realize your innovation ideas!”