What’s Ahead for Federal Tech Transfer in 2026
Tue Feb 03 2026
Happy New Year and welcome back! While the podcast is between seasons, we’re continuing to bring you brief FLC updates so you can stay connected to what’s happening now and what’s coming next across the Federal Laboratory Consortium. These short check-ins will drop every two weeks until the show returns with full-length episodes when Season 3 launches in March.
For this update, I’m joined by Paul Zielinski, Executive Director of the FLC. Paul walks through what 2026 is shaping up to look like, including plans for the upcoming National Meeting, leadership elections, and several new tools and resources in development. We also touch on how AI is showing up more frequently in tech transfer work and what the FLC is doing to modernize its support for the community.
In This Episode:
[00:02] We’re kicking off with a quick FLC update.
[00:46] Paul Zielinski joins me to talk about what’s ahead for the Federal Laboratory Consortium in 2026.
[01:34] Paul shares the latest on the federal budget outlook and why it supports plans for an in-person National Meeting.
[02:01] We confirm the National Meeting is planned for May 12–14 in Seattle and why that matters for the community.
[02:32] Paul explains how the National Meeting serves as both the FLC’s business meeting and a major networking opportunity.
[03:15] We discuss awards, sessions, and how funding disruptions affected submissions this year.
[03:33] Paul outlines the upcoming elections, including board and regional leadership positions.
[04:25] He talks about the importance of volunteer leadership and ways members can get involved at different levels.
[05:39] We reflect on how interest in AI has grown rapidly within tech transfer offices over the past two years.
[06:03] Paul previews modernization efforts, including website improvements and member input opportunities.
[06:54] He shares updates on the Green Book, including the new online version and plans for print.
[07:42] Paul introduces plans for an interactive Green Book app designed to stay continuously up to date.
[08:25] We discuss the upcoming T2 Mechanisms Matrix and how a guided, bot-based tool could help users choose agreements.
[09:39] Paul explains why the FLC is beginning work on a new three-year strategic plan.
[10:19] We talk about how member surveys and feedback directly shape FLC priorities and tools.
[12:06] Paul highlights existing and upcoming AI tools and what may return in the year ahead.
[12:36] We wrap up with a look forward to Seattle and continued updates over the coming months.
Resources:
The Transfer Files
2026 FLC National Meeting
Paul Zielinski - LinkedIn
Paul Zielinski: The Federal Budget and Its Impact on Research and Tech Transfer
More
Happy New Year and welcome back! While the podcast is between seasons, we’re continuing to bring you brief FLC updates so you can stay connected to what’s happening now and what’s coming next across the Federal Laboratory Consortium. These short check-ins will drop every two weeks until the show returns with full-length episodes when Season 3 launches in March. For this update, I’m joined by Paul Zielinski, Executive Director of the FLC. Paul walks through what 2026 is shaping up to look like, including plans for the upcoming National Meeting, leadership elections, and several new tools and resources in development. We also touch on how AI is showing up more frequently in tech transfer work and what the FLC is doing to modernize its support for the community. In This Episode: [00:02] We’re kicking off with a quick FLC update. [00:46] Paul Zielinski joins me to talk about what’s ahead for the Federal Laboratory Consortium in 2026. [01:34] Paul shares the latest on the federal budget outlook and why it supports plans for an in-person National Meeting. [02:01] We confirm the National Meeting is planned for May 12–14 in Seattle and why that matters for the community. [02:32] Paul explains how the National Meeting serves as both the FLC’s business meeting and a major networking opportunity. [03:15] We discuss awards, sessions, and how funding disruptions affected submissions this year. [03:33] Paul outlines the upcoming elections, including board and regional leadership positions. [04:25] He talks about the importance of volunteer leadership and ways members can get involved at different levels. [05:39] We reflect on how interest in AI has grown rapidly within tech transfer offices over the past two years. [06:03] Paul previews modernization efforts, including website improvements and member input opportunities. [06:54] He shares updates on the Green Book, including the new online version and plans for print. [07:42] Paul introduces plans for an interactive Green Book app designed to stay continuously up to date. [08:25] We discuss the upcoming T2 Mechanisms Matrix and how a guided, bot-based tool could help users choose agreements. [09:39] Paul explains why the FLC is beginning work on a new three-year strategic plan. [10:19] We talk about how member surveys and feedback directly shape FLC priorities and tools. [12:06] Paul highlights existing and upcoming AI tools and what may return in the year ahead. [12:36] We wrap up with a look forward to Seattle and continued updates over the coming months. Resources: The Transfer Files 2026 FLC National Meeting Paul Zielinski - LinkedIn Paul Zielinski: The Federal Budget and Its Impact on Research and Tech Transfer