Applications Open for Innovation Scholars Program

Applications are open for the Innovation Scholars Program.

The Innovation Scholars Program is a free, virtual program for STEM graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at the University of Arkansas who have an interest in bridging their academic research with applied environments.

The eight-week program will pair virtual workshops with one-on-one mentor sessions. Participants do not need prior experience with commercialization or entrepreneurship.

By the end of the program, participants will have gained exposure to principles of technology commercialization, intellectual property, identifying market opportunities and communication. They will have an opportunity to develop a customized commercialization plan for their own technology or line of research. Where appropriate, participants will be able to advance their plan to the next stage — whether that be a commercialization fund proposal, the development of an NSF I-Corps team or the identification of promising federal funding opportunities.

Applications are open April 27-May 3. A cohort of up to 15 participants will be selected based on their level of commitment and the degree to which the aims of the program complement their professional and academic pursuits.

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Office of Technology Ventures have partnered to present this program in response to needs expressed by U of A graduate students, postdocs and faculty. The program is led by Sarah Goforth, executive director of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation; David Hinton, associate director of Tech Ventures; Douglas Hutchings, Entrepreneur in Residence at Innovate Arkansas and the Academy Director for the Arkansas Research Alliance; and Katie Thompson, founder and CEO of Rooted Startups.