Academy Overview 

The academy runs Monday through Wednesday from approximately 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. To gain the full benefit of the academy experience, you should plan to attend all sessions. Participation in all listed sessions is an important part of receiving the certificate of completion for the academy. Please come prepared to work hard—you won't regret it!

Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided all three days and snacks are available throughout the day. Lunch is also provided on all three days. During the networking mixer on Day 1, heavy appetizers will be served. Buffet dinner is provided on Days 2 and 3.

Academy Format

You will come to the academy with projects or ideas in various stages of development. You are asked to bring a research topic and/or idea you want to investigate during the week. This may be an innovation based on your research at your university, or something you have been working on outside of your lab. No need to bring research papers or technical information with you—just the information about your idea. Sessions are designed to teach the key elements of evaluating the commercial potential of your idea.

During the three-day academy, you will learn how to ask the right questions, identify key uncertainties, map your needed network, and set the milestones to move your idea forward. More specifically, you will learn to investigate the market, technical and business potential of your idea as well as learn to build a team, protect your intellectual property (IP), develop a compelling presentation, and expand your network.

On the evening of Day 1, mingle with fellow participants and the general public over drinks and appetizers at the networking session and keynote presentation. This event is open to the public, so please invite your colleagues and fellow students who may not be part of the academy to join us!

On the evening of Day 2, you will meet with a group of mentors for feedback. The mentoring sessions are essential, as they provide an opportunity for you to meet with mentors from the investment community, entrepreneurs, and industry executives who can give you real-world feedback and guidance on your ideas.

On the evening of Day 3, you have the opportunity to be selected as one of a small handful of participants/teams who will pitch in front an audience of fellow participants and a plenary panel of mentors. The panel and audience will provide feedback and discussion on your pitch. Whether or not you are selected to pitch, this open feedback format has consistently been one of the most valuable sessions for all academy participants.