Integrated Technology Transfer Network Finalist - Outstanding Specialty Entrepreneurship Program

About IECE Focal point on campus and the local community to promote and encourage entrepreneurial activity. Facilitate the development of entrepreneurs and innovators

ITTN Program Overview In Collaboration with the US Army Research Lab (ARL): – Deliver an intensive graduate-level program in technology commercialization & entrepreneurship – Transform STEM students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) into entrepreneurial scientists that make contributions in a wide range of environments STEM Student ITTN Program Government Business Academia

ITTN Program - Genesis Addresses Key Issues for ARL – Congressional directive issued to the U.S. Department of Defense Become more entrepreneurial – “thinking outside the box, in the box” – Concern about the future availability of domestically trained U.S. scientists – Concern about the number of minority graduate students choosing science as career

Program Objectives Through the ITTN Experience, Students Learn : – The entrepreneurial mindset and behaviors – The difference between ideas and opportunities – Skills and tools to assess, shape, and take advantage of emerging opportunities – Their personal capacity for entrepreneurship – How to apply entrepreneurial skills and knowledge in research and lab settings

Program Composition Three Phases – Immersion – Discovery – Launch Program Features – Coursework – Experiential Learning Course and non-course based

Phase II – Knowledge & Experience Building Course 3 Entrepreneurship and New Ventures Course 1 Overview of Technology Transfer and Commercialization Course 2 New Venture Opportunity Analysis Course 4 New Venture Resource Requirements Course 5 New Venture Planning and Strategy Course 6 Managing a Growing Business Experiential Project 2 Technology Commercialization Market Assessment Project Experiential Project 1 Technology Commercialization Market Assessment Project Experiential Project 3 Technology Commercialization Market Assessment Project Capstone Experiential Project Army Research Lab (ARL) Comprehensive Exam & Reflective Portfolio Phase III – Launch: Applying Knowledge & Experience Phase I – Immersion Pre-course “boot camp" Fall QuarterWinter QuarterSpring Quarter Summer Quarter

Program Composition Phase One – Immersion – Move-in – Orientation – 40-hour “pre-course” Learning the language of business and entrepreneurship

Program Composition Phase Two – Discovery – Nine-month series of coursework and experiential learning projects Six graduate-level courses Intensive workshops in special topic areas “Exploring the field” opportunities Three technology commercialization projects Investment due diligence research for Tech Coast Angels

Program Composition Phase Three – Launch – Comprehensive Examination – Reflective Portfolio – week summer consultancy at ARL Tactical Information Fusion Branch

Program Funding Current funding – ARL annual funding of $1,389,000 – Program is currently in its fifth funding cycle with over $8 million invested by ARL – In-kind support from University including facilities, materials, cost share. Future funding – ARL – Potential partnerships being developed with USDA and NSF

Program Outcomes 52 students representing 45 different HBCU’s Continuing education – Five $75,000 scholarships awarded to complete MBA in Entrepreneurship – 19 Fellows have continued on to complete additional graduate education including Ph.D. and M.D.

Program Outcomes Tech transfer & commercialization Federal lab & Corporate sector Startup ventures Hamilton Pressley Medical Systems

Program Outcomes 67 percent of Alumni felt strongly that the knowledge gained and experiences during the ITTN Program has helped them achieve their current success 83 percent of Alumni feel strongly that they have the ability to conduct themselves as scientific entrepreneurs as a result of the ITTN program 67 percent of Alumni feel strongly that they are more than qualified to start a business, lead other scientists or work in the technology transfer field after attending the ITTN program

Summary Unique program that helps transform scientists into entrepreneurial thinkers Program continues to evolve and improve based on experience, feedback and ideation Continued funding from ARL is secure, continuing to seek new initiatives and funding with additional partners – USDA, NSF, & Morgan State University – One of top funding initiatives of President Karnig’s “legacy” project Model can be replicated in any academic setting – Key is to have University support and collaborative partners to ensure experiential learning component