November 2, 2010 — University of Virginia researchers considering starting a company are invited to hear colleagues' "true confessions" of their own experiences at a unique lecture and networking series.

"True Confessions of a Faculty Entrepreneur" features conversations with U.Va. faculty who have translated their research discoveries into successful start-up ventures. The series was launched last March to harness the collective wisdom of U.Va.'s growing entrepreneurial technology community.

The next "confession" will be "Lessons Learned in the Trenches of Entrepreneurship," featuring Barry W. Johnson, senior associate dean and associate dean for research at the U.Va. School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Johnson is co-founder, chairman and chief technology officer of Privaris Inc. Founded in 2001, the company offers high-security biometric applications designed to grant access to facilities, networks and other systems.

In his talk, Johnson will discuss how Privaris has navigated the areas of intellectual property protection and commercialization, funding and establishing a global marketing presence.

The talk will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the Rotunda's Dome Room. A networking reception will follow in the Rotunda's Lower West Oval Room. Central Grounds Garage parking will be validated for attendees.

RSVP by Nov. 5 to Crystal Ballif at crystal@uvapf.org. For information, visit here or contact Morgan Estabrook at morgan@uvapf.org or 434-982-4191.

The event is hosted by the U.Va. Patent Foundation, the Office of Economic Development], the Office of the Vice President for Research, the School of Medicine Office of Research, the T100 Program, the Wallace H. Coulter Translational Research Partnership, and the Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Darden School of Business.