Vaughn Schmid

Technology Portfolio Manager

Vaughn Schmid, J.D., joined the University of Minnesota’s Technology Commercialization office in January 2017 and works primarily with Medical Device and Creative Works technologies, although his portfolio covers many diverse technology spaces.

As a Technology Portfolio Manager, he is often the first contact for University inventors and his job is to identify, evaluate, and protect new innovations that may have commercial potential

Vaughn enjoys working with UMN researchers of all levels to help navigate the often complex pathway from lab to market, focusing on early-stage IP and business strategies tailored to each specific innovation’s unique needs.

Vaughn received his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School, focusing on intellectual property and business law. While in law school, he worked as a student attorney for the UW Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic, providing intellectual property and other business-related legal services to local startup companies and small businesses.

Prior to attending law school, Vaughn received a B.A. in biology from Carleton College. When not working with wonderful UMN researchers, Vaughn enjoys spending time outdoors biking, boating, grilling, walking his dog Franklin, and cross-country skiing.