Venture Fellows Postdoctoral Program

Bridge the gap between university research and industry leadership with the 1-year Venture Fellows postdoc program.

Program Overview

Advancing underdeveloped, commercially promising technology requires expertise in commercialization. The MSU Research Foundation is helping bridge the gap between university research and industry leadership by funding postdoctoral researchers. The Venture Fellows postdoc program enhances technology readiness, nurtures MSU intellectual property, and provides training for a seamless transition into startup roles, including CEO. The 1-year program is designed to cultivate proficient technical leaders capable of significantly advancing MSU technology into startups, generating additional intellectual property, or securing licenses. The successful application for a postdoc will include the following:

  • Introduction to the postdoc project with a descriptive title and highlighting key details, such as clear, identifiable benefits and distinct competitive advantages, in a concise executive summary.

  • 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.