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OTD Business Development Fellowship

A rewarding program for Harvard graduate students and postdocs

Harvard researchers discuss a marketing summary at the 2018 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp. Image credit Tony Rinaldo Photography.

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 2024 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp was held on April 26.

Harvard researchers discuss a marketing summary at the 2018 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp. Image credit Tony Rinaldo Photography.

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
Harvard researchers discuss a marketing summary at the 2018 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp. Image credit Tony Rinaldo Photography.

Important recruitment dates (2024)

  • April 19: Deadline to apply to participate in the Bench-to-Business Boot Camp
  • April 26: Bench-to-Business Boot Camp, 8:30AM to 5:00PM Eastern Time [IN PERSON, Harvard Square]
  • April 26: Fellowship application opens
  • May 14: Deadline to apply to the Fellowship (see below)
  • May 17: A select group of applicants will be asked to complete a case study
  • June 3: Completed case study due
  • June 11: Next-round interviewees notified
  • Mid-June: Interviews begin
  • Late June: Accepted Fellows notified
  • July: Training and work begins
A participant in the 2018 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp reads a scientific paper. Image credit Tony Rinaldo Photography.

How to apply

Upload your résumé and a cover letter through the online application form by 5:00 PM on May 14th.

NOTE: Registration opens on April 26, 2024. If you have any trouble with the form (clinical affiliates especially), please email us.

Questions? Please contact Sona Barthakur and Charles Li.

Looking for something else?

Current Harvard postdocs and recent MBA graduates of Harvard Business School may be interested in the Blavatnik Fellowship in Life Science Entrepreneurship.

Photos from the 2018 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp / credit Tony Rinaldo Photography