POSTDOCTORAL
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
PROGRAM

In recognition of the invaluable role postdoctoral researchers play in commercialization success at UW, our program funds talented commercially focused individuals to work in UW labs on key translational experiments to identify and obtain company funding and to further develop the business model, without the obligation of academic grants or the pressure of having to find a job upon graduation. The program provides funds to cover salary for a full-time position as a Postdoctoral Entrepreneur plus UW employee benefits for one year. The salaries are aligned with the NIH postdoctoral pay scale. The Postdoctoral Entrepreneurs work closely with both their faculty advisor and the CoMotion Innovation Development team to advance commercialization activities and project development. This program builds upon CoMotion’s commitment to provide focused resources and training needed to successfully transform UW technology into economic and societal impact.

• Strong preference to UW Postdoctoral researchers or graduating PhD students.
• Working on a technology that has been disclosed and under management at CoMotion.
• Preference given to candidates who have demonstrated engagement in commercialization activities, such as I-Corps, Idea to Plan, Dempsey Business Plan Competition, Holloman Health Challenge, Environmental Innovation Challenge, Innovation Gap Fund, or other similar programs.

Invited proposals are selected based on their commercial potential, candidate’s prior commercialization experience, and desire to spin the technology out into a company.

Postdoctoral Entrepreneurs work with their CoMotion Innovation Manager and industry mentors to delve into 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.

Since 2010, the Postdoctoral Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) has equipped postdoctoral entrepreneurs with skills, funding, and support to launch 31 startups, attract $900M in investment, and bring innovative products and services to market.