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The IGB Early Innovator Program (EIP) is a 10-week summer program hosted by the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) designed to teach participants the skills necessary to become innovative leaders in their fields, and to support IGB scientists in considering creative ways to bring science to society. Trainees will learn from subject matter experts about the process of innovation, protecting and developing discoveries beyond the laboratory, and bringing new technologies and services to the marketplace. Participants will also be matched with a mentor with related startup / industry experience.

To be considered for the Early Innovator Program (EIP), applicants must be University of Illinois graduate students or postdoctoral researchers doing work related to an IGB theme.

Apply here for the IGB Early Innovator Program, application deadline is February 15, 2025. 

Time commitment: The program begins meeting the week of May 22. Participants should expect to meet for one weekly two-hour session for the duration of the 10-week program, plus additional time outside of class to apply the concepts discussed in sessions and prepare their final presentations. Participants will also attend 2 I-Corps sessions in addition to the EIP sessions. The program will conclude at the end of July. 

The summer session will culminate in a product pitch competition with up to $5,000 in proof-of-concept funding for the top winners!

The program will include sessions about:

  • Market analysis and customer discovery
  • Invention disclosures
  • Intellectual property
  • Regulatory considerations
  • Building professional networks
  • Personal branding and storytelling

Participants will have opportunities to interact with peers and staff members from other campus entrepreneurship programs.

IGB is working in partnership with iVenture, the Technology Entrepreneur Center (TEC) and Research Park’s Entrepreneur in Residence program to provide a more comprehensive experience for our future entrepreneurs across campus.

 

What experiences did our 2024 cohort value the most?

“Being paired with a mentor who provided invaluable insights with their firsthand experience of transitioning from being a scientist like me to the CEO of a successful startup. The guidance I received from all these experts helped me fine-tune not only my technical approach but also how I communicated my innovation to non-scientific stakeholders, such as investors and business leaders.“ – Shraddha Shirguppe

“The emphasis on personal branding, networking, and storytelling. These skills are essential for researchers who aim to bridge the gap between innovation and societal benefit. The feedback I received during the product pitch competition has been instrumental in refining my project and will continue to guide me as I work toward bringing my technology to the market and improving diagnostic solutions in healthcare.” – Jongwon Lim

“All the workshops organized for the EIP cohort were of utmost relevance … The I-Corps Short Course provided an opportunity to showcase our startup ideation to experienced instructors and receive constructive feedback. The panel discussions with on-campus entrepreneurs and local venture capital investors has been extremely inspiring. Overall, EIP was such an enriching experience and has motivated me to continue my journey as a Researchpreneur. I strongly recommend this program to colleagues.” – Shivali Banerjee
 

Final pitch competition participants

Stories about past cohorts:
Young Innovator program successfully concludes its second year
Graduate students awarded for their innovative proposals
Early Innovator Program pitch contest winners announced