About the Role

The Engine is seeking dedicated and passionate Commercialization Collaborators to join our Blueprint program. This is a volunteer opportunity, requiring approximately 20 hours of commitment over a six-week period, and is ideally suited for individuals passionate about advancing Tough Tech entrepreneurship and facilitating the transition of research innovations from the lab to the market. It offers a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in the Tough Tech entrepreneurship. As a Commercialization Collaborator, you will work closely with a select Blueprint team, typically consisting of graduate students, postdocs, and research scientists to explore the commercial potential of their scientific and engineering breakthroughs.

About Blueprint

Blueprint, by The Engine is a non-resident program for graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and their teams, to explore the commercial opportunities of their breakthroughs and startup projects. First launched in 2020, Blueprint offers two cohorts a year: Fall and Spring. The program runs over the course of 6 weeks. The program helps the next generation of Tough Tech leaders navigate the commercialization process through tailored programming which covers a wide array of critical topics, from technology risk mitigation and experimentation planning to market discovery, IP strategies, and effective storytelling, all through a lens of de-risking. Participants have access to a robust network of resources, including The Engine Accelerator and Engine Ventures teams, and connections with Tough Tech founders, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to Blueprint teams through the commercialization process of their Tough Tech innovations.
• Participate actively in all scheduled program sessions, offering insights, feedback, and strategic advice to foster the teams' growth and development.
• Engage with teams to refine their value proposition, market fit, and commercialization strategy.
• Support teams in preparing for their final presentations, ensuring clarity, impact, and persuasiveness.

Time Commitment

The total time commitment for the Commercialization Collaborator role is approximately 20 hours, distributed across the program schedule as follows:

• Session 1 (Virtual): April 5th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
• Session 2 (Virtual): April 12th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
• Session 3 (Virtual): April 19th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
• Session 4 (Virtual): April 26th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
• Session 5 (Hybrid): May 10th, 9:00 AM - 5:00PM ET

Commercialization Collaborators are encouraged to immerse themselves in the team dynamics, working hand-in-hand with their Blueprint counterparts.

Benefits of Becoming a Commercialization Collaborator:

• Impactful Contribution: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Tough Tech, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs in bringing transformative technologies from concept to market.
• Networking Opportunities: Gain access to The Engine's ecosystem, including interactions with leading researchers, industry experts, and potential investors.
• Professional Growth: Enhance your expertise in commercialization, mentorship, and the Tough Tech sector through hands-on engagement with innovative projects.
• Community Involvement: Join The Engine's vibrant community of Tough Tech pioneers, with the opportunity to connect at events such as the Alumni Happy Hour, fostering long-term collaborations.
• Tough Tech Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Engage closely with cutting-edge Tough Tech startups, providing a unique opportunity to identify and potentially join as a key member of an early-stage team, helping to shape the direction and success of transformative technologies from the ground up.