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, multi-day educational workshop, and preference will be given to those who attend. (Please note that the 2023 Bench-to-Business Boot Camp was held May 2-3; the next event will be held in Spring 2024.)

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 (2023)

• April 23: Deadline to apply to participate in the Bench-to-Business Boot Camp
• May 2: Bench-to-Business Boot Camp, 9:30AM to 3:30PM Eastern Time [IN PERSON, Harvard Square]
• May 3: Bench-to-Business Boot Camp, 9:00AM to 12:15PM Eastern Time [VIRTUAL, Zoom]
• May 3: Fellowship application opens
• May 21 [EXTENDED]: Deadline to apply to the Fellowship (see below)
• May 23: A select group of applicants will be asked to complete a case study
• June 7: Completed case study due
• June 13: Next-round interviewees notified
• Mid-June: Interviews begin
• Late June: Accepted Fellows notified
• July: Training and work begins