Postdoctoral Entrepreneurship Program
Are you a postdoctoral researcher with a passion for innovation? At WSU, we believe in empowering our postdocs to transform groundbreaking research into real-world solutions. Discover a unique ecosystem that nurtures creativity and entrepreneurship. WSU provides tailored resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to turn your research into impactful ventures. Our commitment to innovation sets the stage for you to thrive in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
About the program
The program provides funds to cover salary for a full-time position as a Postdoctoral Entrepreneur plus WSU employee benefits for one year, with the salaries aligning with the NIH postdoctoral pay scale. The Postdoctoral Entrepreneurs work closely with both their faculty advisor and the technology licensing associate that will advance commercialization activities and the associated project development. This program builds upon WSU’s commitment to provide focused resources and training needed to successfully transform WSU technology into economic and societal impact.
Eligibility
- Strong preference to WSU Postdoctoral researchers or graduating PhD students.
- Candidates will need to be working on a technology that has been disclosed and managed by the WSU office of commercialization.
- Preference given to candidates who have demonstrated engagement in commercialization activities, such as the commercialization gap fund, or other similar programs.
How it works
Postdoctoral Entrepreneurs work with their technology licensing associate and industry mentors to develop IP strategy, market validation, competitive landscape analysis, and funding opportunities for their innovation. Beyond this core engagement, the program offers bespoke opportunities to enhance both new and experienced Postdoctoral Entrepreneurs’ understanding of how to build and run a successful startup during the monthly luncheon meetings. These meetings offer an intimate environment that features subject matter expert guest speakers, past Postdoctoral Entrepreneurs, and a unique path to pursue collaborations and networking. The Postdoctoral Entrepreneurs will also have access to year-round resources and special events to keep up with the latest market trends in their fields.
FAQ
The PEP is open to postdoctoral candidates from all academic disciplines within WSU. Candidates/applicants will need to be working on a technology that has been disclosed to and managed by the WSU Office of Commercialization. You can disclose an invention here (link to inventor’s portal).
Preference is given to candidates who have demonstrated engagement in entrepreneurship and commercialization activities, such as the NSF I-Corps, WSU Commercialization Gap Fund (CGF), or similar programs. Feel free to reach out to the Office of Commercialization (link) if you have a project that you would like to discuss.
The Office of Commercialization accepts applications via the online portal beginning in September. A sample application form is provided for reference. For additional questions please reach out to the Office of Commercialization.
The PEP is an annual (12 month) program. The application will be open for submissions from September 1 through October 31. All applications received by the submission deadline will then be reviewed in November, and final decisions made in early December. All candidates will be informed of the final status of their applications in January. Successful candidates begin their PEP in Early January to February.
Once submitted, applications are reviewed by a committee that provides recommendations to the Office of Commercialization.
The program funding provides covers a postdoctoral salary for a full-time appointment plus WSU employee benefits for one year. Salaries align with the NIH postdoctoral pay scale.
The PEP program selects two (2) qualified candidates during each annual cycle.