Fellowships

OTD Business Development Fellowship

A rewarding program for Harvard graduate students and postdocs

At Harvard Office of Technology Development (OTD), the Business Development Fellowship provides current Harvard graduate students and postdoctoral researchers an opportunity to participate in the crucial early stages of technology development. By analyzing technologies’ commercialization potential and crafting marketing strategies, Fellows help us achieve our mission of translating research discoveries into products that reach the public.

No prior training is necessary to apply for the program. However, we strongly recommend applicants attend OTD's Bench-to-Business Boot Camp, an in-depth, full-day educational workshop, and preference will be given to those who attend. The 2025 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp will be held on May 2.

Program highlights

• Over the course of a year, gain a valuable practical introduction to the fields of technology transfer, intellectual property, business development, alliance management, and marketing
• Expand your network through exclusive events with outside experts, through interactions with OTD’s highly experienced professional staff, and by connecting with other researchers who share an interest in commercializing science
• Develop marketable skills for alternative careers in science
• Receive compensation for your time

Eligibility

• Harvard or Harvard-affiliated PhD students or postdocs
• PhD students must have completed qualifying exams
• Ability to commit up to 5 hours per week for 1 year
• Preference will be given to applicants who have participated in OTD's Bench-to-Business Boot Camp

Important recruitment dates (2025)

• April 18: Deadline to apply to participate in the Bench-to-Business Boot Camp
• May 2: Bench-to-Business Boot Camp, 8:30AM to 5:00PM Eastern Time [IN PERSON, Harvard Square]
• May 2: Fellowship application opens