S7 E3 - Dr. Michael Johnson | Intellectual Property as an Asset Class
Release Date: 10/15/2025
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info_outlineHow does a PhD student turn university research into a $20M exit? In this episode of Real Returns, host Andrew Reichert sits down with Dr. Michael Johnson, President of the New Jersey Innovation Institute and former biotech CEO, to explore intellectual property as an often-overlooked asset class. Michael reveals his journey from graduate student to successfully commercializing a Rutgers spin-out that worked with all top 20 pharma companies on critical drug discovery programs including COVID-19 and Zika virus treatments. Discover why universities have become America's primary source of breakthrough innovations, how the venture studio model is solving the "founder problem" in New Jersey, and practical strategies for investors looking to gain exposure to IP-based ventures. From PFAS testing technology to defense manufacturing, Michael shares the realities of bridging the gap between academic research and commercial products—and why patience is the secret ingredient to innovation.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Opening Segment
01:20 - Michael's Non-Linear Journey from PhD to CEO
06:05 - Intellectual Property: The Constitutional Asset Class
08:00 - How the Venture Studio Model Works
10:50 - The Rutgers Spin-Out Story: From Students to $20M Exit
13:15 - The Current State of University Funding and Innovation
16:00 - Where Innovation Actually Happens
18:35 - Academia vs. Private Sector: Who's Really Innovating?
20:20 - How Investors Can Access IP Opportunities
22:15 - Lightning Round
Key Quotes:
"Intellectual property is what keeps the country moving forward" - Dr. Michael Johnson
"To make one investment, you have to look at a thousand companies." - Dr. Michael Johnson
"We've done a bad job of actually doing innovation for Americans. When you think of pharma, you think of six and seven figure drugs that nobody can afford." - Dr. Michael Johnson
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Connect with Dr. Michael Johnson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-ph-d-6839b724/
New Jersey Innovation Institute: njii.com
Michael's Book: 1percentdad.com
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