Les Nichols

Les Nichols is an experienced professional in technology commercialization and contract negotiation, currently serving as Director at The University of Texas at Austin since April 2009. Nichols leads a cohesive team that negotiates contracts for corporate-funded research and licenses university-owned intellectual property, while also supporting research faculty in securing external funding and establishing startup companies. Nichols has held various leadership roles in the Office of Technology Commercialization at UT Austin, including Director and Program Director for Physical Science Licensing, focusing on advancing inventions from the Physical Sciences. Prior experience includes significant positions at Koch Industries and Ashland Chemical, where Nichols managed operations and business development in the chemical sector. Nichols holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.