Venture Fellows Postdoc Program

Venture Fellows Postdoc Program

Commercializing university research takes more than a great idea. The Venture Fellows postdoc program provides the expertise, structure, and support to move technologies forward.

The Venture Fellows postdoctoral program helps bridge the gap between university research and industry leadership by funding researchers to advance MSU technologies. This one-year program enhances technology readiness, supports the development of MSU intellectual property, and prepares researchers for seamless transitions into startup roles. It is designed to cultivate skilled technical leaders who can drive commercialization, generate new intellectual property, or secure licenses. A successful application will include the following:

Explore the current technology status, including the MSU-T-assigned TEC number and technology readiness level. Identify and address the strength of the core technology, the identified problem in the marketplace, current intellectual property strengths and strategy, and plans for creating and protecting additional IP during the postdoc period.

Explain the commercially relevant aspects of the technology, covering market analysis, competition landscape, commercialization timeline, and potential partnerships.

Outline plans for postdoc education in crucial areas like intellectual property strategy, market analysis, financial modeling, and diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Benefit from resources like the Michigan Small Business Development Center and the Conquer Accelerator education seminar series.

Define the ideal postdoc candidate, including technical qualifications and expectations for postdoc transition.

Budget consideration details, including salary, benefits, and funding sources.

Startup Transition

After completing the Venture Fellows program, postdocs will become eligible for financial support as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR). The MSU Research Foundation sponsors EIRs for up to 18 months, with opportunities for additional pay and benefits from a startup company.