Rise-Up program
Patents2Products
What is Patents2Products?
P2P is a year-round fellowship program that hires entrepreneurial research trainees, known as Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) Fellows. I&E Fellows will be coached using theoretical & applied entrepreneurship modules and ultimately acquire the necessary tool kit and receive expert mentoring for launching a successful startup venture. Utilizing intellectual property to include those developed and/or patented at URI, I&E Fellows will be transforming great ideas into successful products,services, and companies that are focused on dual use solutions.
Learning outcomes will deliver knowledge on how to manage internal and external stakeholders, investigate the commercial landscape, and especially develop a viable business model. Fellows will receive management and public relations training in effective communication for the exchange of ideas, thought-leadership strategies, and enhancing interpersonal dynamics.
URI affiliated entrepreneurs will provide fellows with venture mentorship and guidance on preparing pitch decks as well as coaching on strategies to raise capital. Coaching will involve collaborative research funding & seed funding challenges, SBIR/STTR application assistance and other startup related challenges.
Fellows will require a faculty sponsor and will select one of two possible tracks.
Track 1 - Lab
I&E Fellows that wish to work in lab research groups with existing institutional intellectual property in product-development will select Track 1 – Lab.
Fellows that do not have a developed business model or minimum viable product are encouraged to select this track.
Track 2 - Industry
To build entrepreneurial skills, I&E Fellows that wish to work on research assignments with real-world entrepreneurs of URI-affiliated companies in product development will select Track 2 – Industry.
The outcome of Track 1 is focused on the translation of early-stage technologies to high-growth companies.
Business & Tech Training
Intellectual Property Modules
Technology Transfer Proficiency
Lean Startup Workshops
Business Development Training
Research Mentorship
Funding & Stipend
Fully Funded Supplies & Equipment
Lab Facilities & Working Spaces
Long-term Funding & Venture opportunities
Networking & Mentorship
Ongoing Coaching
Corporate Partners & Advisors
R&D collaboration opportunities
Who Should Apply?
If you are looking to start a business by ideating and/or utilizing potential and/or patented intellectual property, Patents2Products is a viable and effective match for you. P2P offers a fully funded position for research entrepreneurs in training aspiring to start their successful startups. The curriculum for the program will be tailored around the fellow’s experience, startup opportunity and research area.
If you are unsure about the program and need more information, do not hesitate to reach out!
Application Process
Step 1
Submit Full Application
- Curriculum Vitae/LinkedIn Profile
- Personal Statement (up to 2 pages)
- Reference Letters (at least 1 up to 3 including one from a faculty/industry sponsor
- Unofficial Transcript
- Research Proposal (up to 3 pages) – Template Provided
Step 2
Selection Review
- The selection team will review your application
- Applicants can expect an email notifying status of application – Acceptance, Non-Acceptance, or Provisional Acceptance
- Notification may take up to 2 weeks
Step 3
Next Steps
- In case of Acceptance, applicants will be onboarded immediately
- In case of Provisional Acceptance, applicants will be required to interview with the selection team for more information and further deliberation
- In case of Non-Acceptance, applicants may reach out for more information to possible strengthen their application or join other RISE-UP programs
Meet Our Team
Rebecca Chung
Associate Director (Office of Innovation & Commercialization)
University of Hawai’i
Special Thanks
Special thanks to our all our partners and teammates at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Hawai’i who have collaborated with us over months to make this project a success.