November 6, 2024
Brandt to serve as associate vice president for technology transfer and commercialization
Submitted by the Office of the Vice President for Research
Following a national search, Chris Brandt has been selected to serve as associate vice president for technology transfer and commercialization at the Kansas State University Research Foundation, or KSURF.
In this role, Brandt will be responsible for leading the strategic direction and operational management of the technology transfer and commercialization functions within the institution. Reporting to the vice president for research, Brandt will oversee the development and implementation of strategies to effectively transfer research innovations into commercial products and services, fostering partnerships with industry and driving the successful commercialization of intellectual property.
"Chris will play a critical role in enhancing K-State's impact through successful tech transfer activities and advancing our mission of innovation and economic development," said Hans Coetzee, interim vice president for research. "His proven history of working with administrators, faculty and staff across the institution demonstrates the knowledge and dedication he brings to the role."
In his previous role as chief technology innovation officer, Brandt played a key role in developing and implementing cross-campus strategies to advance the university's interests in innovation generation, technology transfer and commercialization.
Prior to joining K-State, Brandt spent more than a decade in the food industry, managing the intellectual property portfolio of a large multinational corporation with annual sales exceeding $12 billion.
"I am honored and excited to lead KSURF into a new era of innovation and impact," Brandt said. "Together, we will accelerate the translation of groundbreaking research into real-world solutions."
Brandt holds a law degree from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas.