MSK commemorated the 15th anniversary of its Technology Development Fund (TDF) at a recent MSK Innovation with Lasting Impact event. Held at the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Research Center (ZRC), the event included a program presentation followed by a networking reception. Members of MSK’s laboratory, clinical, digital health, strategy, business development, IT, and other communities were joined by healthcare executives and financial investors who share a common purpose of improving the treatment and care of cancer patients around the world.
MSK’s TDF program launched in 2009 to provide essential “gap” funding for MSK inventions and initiatives with the potential for future commercialization and public availability. Administered by MSK’s Office of Technology Development (OTD), the TDF program has played an invaluable role in supporting innovation at the institution.
Yashodhara Dash
“The TDF has provided invaluable gap funding to our talented innovators, advancing close to 60 promising life sciences and digital health technologies, including two that went on to become FDA-approved drugs,” notes Yashodhara Dash, MBBS, MBA, PhD, MSK’s Vice President of Technology Management & Commercialization.
Among many measures of success, TDF funding has advanced technologies to more than 30 industry partnerships and successful startups, generating valuable dollars that help MSK fuel future research and support its institutiona mission. “TDF funding is essential to get MSK’s high-quality innovations to a point where they can be successfully partnered and return value back to fund MSK’s mission,” Dr. Dash explains.
Anaeze Offodile II
Each year, MSK investigators submit applications and compete for support from either the TDF or its sister program, founded in 2022, known as the flexTDF. Each program is designed to provide critical funding for MSK innovation, but in different ways.
The TDF’s dedication to exemplifying leadership in pioneering research and innovation strongly aligns with MSK’s 2030 strategic plan and priorities. “Now in its 15th year, the Technology Development Fund has established itself as a cornerstone of our institution’s commitment to innovation,” says Anaeze Offodile II, MD, MPH, MSK’s Chief Strategy Officer.
“Widely acknowledged as a dedicated source of support for the brilliant innovators in our community, the TDF enables them to catalyze their ideas into impactful realities. This impact extends beyond financial support, as it directly fosters an environment and culture where pioneering ideas can thrive.”