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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 2025 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp will be held on May 2.

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

Apply Here

Application closes 11:59 pm on May 23rd 2025.

NOTE: Clinical affiliates without an @harvard.edu email address, please complete the questions listed at the bottom of this page and email them, along with a cover letter and resume to Sona Barthakur and Charles Li.

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

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
  • May 23: Initial applications due
  • May 30: Distribute case report assignment
  • June 13: Cases due
  • June 16-27: Internal review of cases
  • June 27: Send invitations to schedule interview
  • July 7-11: Interviews
  • July 18: Notify accepted candidates
A participant in the 2018 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp reads a scientific paper. Image credit Tony Rinaldo Photography.

How to apply

Please complete the application here.

Clinical Affiliates:

Please complete the following questions and email them, along with a cover letter and resume directly to Sona Barthakur and Charles Li.

1. Email Address

2. First Name

3. Last Name

4. Currently held position

5. If you are a doctoral student, what year are you currently? (G2, G3...)

6. School, department and/or clinical affiliation (e.g. FAS, SEAS, SCRB, CCB, HMS, MGH...)
You must be a current Harvard affiliate to be eligible for the fellowship.

7. What area of expertise would you be most interested in working with within Harvard OTD (Business Development, Intellectual Property, Alliance Management etc.)?

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