Purdue’s Entrepreneurial Learning Academy seeks faculty interested in commercialization and entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurial Learning Academy is accepting applications from Purdue University faculty interested in finding out more about the commercialization possibilities for their research. (Image provided) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Entrepreneurial Learning Academy is accepting applications from Purdue University faculty interested in finding out more about the commercialization possibilities for their research.

The Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship in Discovery Park is seeking Purdue faculty for the 2020-21 Faculty Entrepreneur Learning Academy (ELA).

“The ELA is a fun professional development program designed for strongly motivated faculty who have an interest in understanding the commercialization possibilities for their research, learning or engagement activities,” said Arnold Chen, the managing director of the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship at Purdue.

The program introduces faculty to the vast resources available throughout the Purdue entrepreneurial ecosystem, and provides them with the essential skill sets needed for entrepreneurs and innovators. The ELA provides faculty fellows with a comprehensive understanding on how to incorporate their entrepreneurial concepts and innovations into commercial opportunities.

Applicants should have an interest in leading innovation in discovery and learning or developing and commercializing new technology. Although commercialization interests are highly encouraged, faculty applicants do not need to have a bench-ready technology to commercialize in order to participate.

Past projects have included the licensing of a technology or starting a company, the creation of strategic business plans for core research facilities at Purdue, the development of a business plan that will facilitate the submission of large-scale research proposals, and the creation of a sustainable nonprofit entity.

The academy meets two hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Faculty who have previously participated in ELA are eligible to reapply with a new idea or project.

Each 2020-21 ELA faculty fellow will be eligible for a development award upon completion of the program. Faculty fellows will be mentored by the Purdue Foundry to use the monetary award for continued development of their technology project.

To apply for ELA, faculty should submit:

* A condensed two-page bio/CV.

* A description of the project/commercialization interest (up to two pages) with the expected impact/outcome following ELA participation.

* A letter of support from the department head.

These materials should be submitted by June 5. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance by July 1,  and participation will begin in August. Approximately 10 faculty fellows will be chosen to participate.  

Submit applications to Emily Bear at knight67@purdue.edu. For additional information, contact Arnold Chen at acchen@purdue.edu.

About the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship

Discovery Park’s Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship is Purdue University’s gateway for innovation and entrepreneurship on campus. It houses a number of programs and competitions for student and faculty entrepreneurs designed to encourage innovation and discover big ideas that have potential to benefit society. The Burton D. Morgan Center works closely with the Purdue Foundry and Purdue Ventures to enhance the university’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and to provide meaningful access to capital and talent for Purdue entrepreneurs. The center also houses the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, which is administered through Purdue’s Office of the Provost, and is the primary vehicle for delivering entrepreneurship education to over 1,800 students across campus each year.

Purdue Research Foundation contact: Chris Adam, 765-588-3341, cladam@prf.org 

Source: Arnold Chen, chen2503@purdue.edu