Innovation Fellows Program
The Eberly College of Science is committed to supporting our researchers in translating their research to benefit society. Translation is an early part of technology transfer where scientific discoveries are aligned to tangible solutions addressing societal challenges. Many researchers want to see their research adopted by society but would benefit from guidance in navigating this process. Our program aims to bridge this gap by offering hands-on training at the earliest stage of idea conception.
The Innovation Fellows Program supports researchers in pursuing impact through planning the technical development of their translational idea. Over the fall and spring semester, researchers will learn how to explore potential use cases, validate the market need, identify the key experiments that need to be demonstrated, and explore implementation mechanisms. At the end of the program, the researchers will be well prepared to apply to Eberly’s Lab Bench to Commercialization Program or any other translational seed funding program.
For any questions regarding the Program, scheduling, letter of intent, or other details please contact science-innovation@psu.edu.
The 2025/2026 Innovation Fellows’ Cohort will be limited to six project teams. Preference will be given to participants with appointments in Eberly College of Science, however the program will consider applicants from other units. Applicants will submit a short description of their translational idea; see the guidelines below. The program will provide seminar style instruction that will guide researchers in evaluating, refining, validating, and planning the technical development for their translational idea. Participation in the program requires active engagement in cohort activities and programming in the Fall and Spring semesters. Activities will be tailored for each project but will include individualized guidance from the Office for Innovation, an assigned industry mentor, in addition to cohort instruction. Participants should be prepared to allocate up to 5 hours per month to the program.
Applications are due August 15, 2025. The letter should be uploaded as a PDF with a file and subject name “[Participant Name] Innovation Fellows [YEAR]” submitted via email to science- innovation@psu.edu. Letter of Intent must be single-spaced,, 11 pt font, and include the following components:
1. Title & Participants
- Project Title
- Project Campion: including Name, Title, and faculty advisor if applicable.
- PI/Co-PIs: including Name, Title, and Department/Unit. Please list institute & college affiliations.
- PSU Invention Disclosure Number (e.g. 2023-1234), if applicable.
2. Project Overview: Provide a non-technical, high-level overview of the problem that you are solving. This should be understandable to non-scientists (1 page maximum)
- What societal or technical challenge are you trying to address?
- How will your proposed idea address this challenge?
- How is your solution different from other available solutions?
- Who might have an interest in using your potential solution?
- What led you to the idea for this project?
Program Announcement—July 28
- Application due—August 15 by 5:00 PM
- Notification of Decisions- August 22, 2025
- Orientation- September 4th at 1PM, or by appointment