Before You Open Source: Key Considerations for MIT Software

Open source software (OSS) has revolutionized the way research and innovation are conducted, particularly within high growth fields such as AI and Machine Learning. We'll delve into the meaning, reasons, and considerations of releasing open source software, from choosing the right license to managing community contributions and beyond. Additionally, we'll explore strategies for expanding, maintaining, and commercializing OSS projects, including potential business models and partnerships that can maximize the impact of university research and software.

About the Speakers

Aidan Fowler: Aidan is a professional in the technology transfer and software licensing spaces, currently holding the position of Copyright Program Associate at MIT’s Technology Licensing Office. With a focus on software copyright, open source, and data, he brings valuable expertise to his role, driving the growth of software licensing and distribution at MIT. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University with a focus on technology innovation.

Kevin Hogan: Prior to joining the TLO, Kevin at Bose Corp in various roles in Software and Embedded Systems product development for over 19 years. His latest role was managing licensing, royalties, compliance, and certifications for Bose consumer electronics products and technologies. Kevin holds an MBA from Boston College and where he participated in the ‘Leadership for Change’ program at the Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics, a year-long cohort dedicated to responsible leadership. Kevin also received a graduate certificate in Business Law from Cornell University and a number of graduate credits in Software Engineering from Brandeis University and UMASS Lowell.