The Translational Bridge: Ramot’s Role in Bringing TAU Science to Market

Dr. Ronen Kreizman, CEO of Ramot, on what makes research ready for commercialization, and how early, open collaboration can unlock the real-world impact of Tel Aviv University’s life science discoveries

Ramot, Tel Aviv University's technology transfer company, serves as a vital bridge between life science research and industry. It supports faculty researchers by securing intellectual property rights, providing targeted funding, facilitating commercialization pathways, and fostering strategic collaborations with industry partners.

Dr. Ronen Kreizman, Ramot CEO

One person who embodies the bridge between academia and industry is Dr. Ronen Kreizman. The Ramot CEO is responsible for managing and commercializing all technologies and intellectual property arising from the university’s research and innovation initiatives. “I’ve always been drawn to the practical impact of scientific research, how expanding knowledge can ultimately lead to real-world applications”, Dr. Kreizman unveils. Beginning his academic career in materials sciences, Kreizman was always intrigued by the intersection between science and the commercial world. “This became especially clear to me during my time at a university spinoff company, where I came to understand just how critical it is to view science through a business lens.”

What does Ramot do, and how does it specifically support researchers in the life sciences?

"Ramot’s mission is to create and nurture a portfolio of sustainable assets by licensing intellectual property developed at TAU to both startups and established companies. Our goal is to generate revenue for the university and its researchers while also delivering value to society. Life sciences, in particular, hold significant potential for both financial return and societal benefit, and Ramot plays a critical role in unlocking that potential."

The Translator 

Having extensive experience in startups, business development and technology licensing, including a highly-ranked position that involved overseeing the commercial pipeline and dealmaking activities across the entire life sciences field, along with commercial due diligence for global and local companies and governmental organizations, Dr. Kreizman’s vast academic background as a scientist and professional experience come into play in his current role, endlessly interacting with researchers and evaluating various technologies.

"Having firsthand experience with the research process and understanding the mindset and motivations of researchers is incredibly valuable. It helps build trust and ensures we can engage with them in a meaningful and effective way. Being fluent in both worlds is key to what we do.” Building trust and bridges is a key element in Ramot’s role, and for Kreizman, defining himself as a ‘translator’ between the languages of science and business. Beyond his self-definition, the term "translator" has a broader meaning in the context of Ramot. “‘Translational’ means helping research reach a key inflection point, where it becomes relevant and compelling to industry stakeholders like investors or companies", Kreizman explains.

How do you assess whether early-stage biological or ecological research is ready for industry engagement?

"Our team of professionals is skilled at making these assessments, but the most valuable insights often come from market feedback. We strive to be data-driven and continuously engage with industry to validate our evaluations."

Real-World Impact Starts Early

From your experience in science and business, what mindset shift is most important for academic researchers who want their work to have a real-world impact?

"It’s important to stay open-minded and be willing to listen to feedback from the market. Researchers often seek knowledge and insight, while the market looks for solutions, and these aren’t always the same thing. Trusting experts in both technology and business, and being willing to let go of certain elements, can make all the difference in translating academic work into real-world impact.”

While trust and having the right mindset are crucial in any capacity, whether it be academia, high-tech, or another professional field, many students or researchers aren’t necessarily aiming for a future career in entrepreneurship. According to Dr. Kreizman, “many successful tech transfers have taken place without the PI or student taking on an entrepreneurial role. Ramot’s job is to find the best commercialization path for TAU technologies. While forming companies with TAU-affiliated entrepreneurs is one option, we frequently bring in external founders and experienced business professionals. Working with seasoned entrepreneurs often improves commercialization outcomes."

How can life sciences students, especially master’s or PhD candidates, engage with Ramot or begin thinking about the commercial potential of their work?

"We always encourage TAU researchers and students to reach out to us early, ideally before publishing any results, to ensure proper intellectual property protection," Dr. Kreizman explains. "We also proactively connect with research groups to learn about their work. Any MSc or PhD student with an idea or question can contact the Ramot business development manager assigned to their PI. We’re always happy to engage, provided the student is aligned with their PI."

What types of industry partners are most interested in collaborating with researchers in life sciences?

"Both multinational corporations and startups are active in this space. In recent years, much of the innovation has been funnelled through startups that later partner with larger players. At the same time, many big pharma companies remain highly engaged with academic research, often through corporate venture arms and other platforms."

Over the years, collaborations between the life sciences and industry have led to numerous success stories. One such story, which originated from Tel Aviv University’s Life Science Faculty, is matricelf, a biotechnology company founded in 2019 by Prof. Tal Dvir, now a publicly traded company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: MTLF). "The company develops personalized, curative therapies for severe neurological injuries. Using a proprietary platform, Matricelf creates 3D neural implants from each patient’s tissue and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Its lead program targets spinal cord injury, a condition with no curative therapy and a $40 billion annual burden in the U.S."

What more would you like to see from the academic side to make translation smoother and more successful?

"We’re always eager to collaborate with faculty and students. The most important factor is open, early, and collaborative communication. When we engage early in the process, we can help identify industry partners that are a strong fit and can meaningfully advance the technology. The earlier and more openly we work together, the more value we can add."