2023 speakers

WILLIAM lafontaine

FORMER GENERAL MANAGER, IP & VP RESEARCH BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT IBM

William LaFontaine is a recognized leader in the areas of technology licensing, technology partnerships and intellectual property.  Dr. LaFontaine is currently a Senior Advisor to Columbia Technology Ventures and an Executive in Residence. In July 2023, Dr. LaFontaine retired from IBM as General Manager of Intellectual Property at IBM. In this role, Dr. LaFontaine and his team worked at the intersection of Research, Business Units and Clients to accelerate market introduction of new technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing and Semiconductor technologies.  Dr. LaFontaine was responsible for annually delivering over a billion dollars in joint development, technology transfer and patent licensing over the last nine years.

In his 30-year career at IBM, Dr. LaFontaine has been the Chief Operating Officer for IBM’s Research division, General Manager of Global Technology Services in Middle East and Africa as well as General Manager of Worldwide Semiconductor and Technology sales.

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