Faculty FastStart Mentorship

Pursuing a commercialization grant funding opportunity for the first time or preparing to launch a startup can seem intimidating. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation FastStart Mentorship program supports and collaborates with faculty to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved.

We have assisted faculty across campus by:

  • Exploring opportunities and serving as a sounding board for faculty as they create the best path forward for their ideas and innovations.

  • Co-drafting grant proposals and serving as Co-PI or Senior Staff for training activities in entrepreneurial leadership, commercialization and other related innovation topics.

  • Collaborating with faculty on class lectures, events, and other programs expanding their network across campus and out into the community.

  • Assisting faculty in preparing for the NSF I-Corps program, pitch presentations and SBIR/STTR proposals as well as other startup funding opportunities.

  • Connecting faculty to community industry mentors, funding opportunities, legal, accounting, and other venture creation resources.

If you are interested in exploring an opportunity, please contact Laura Smailes.