University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute's "First Gear Program", 2017

[Kip Currier: Last week I highlighted a few from-invention-to-market initiatives offered through the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute. First Gear is another of these Pitt initiatives:]

"The First Gear program helps shape Pitt inventions originating from University research from early-stage discovery to products and services that can be taken to market. The program offers hands-on guidance and mentorship that takes an inventor through the necessary steps in creating a go-to-market plan that can result in the creation of a new enterprise or licensing agreement for the technology. As a designated NSF I-Corps site [sic; this is the correct link re NSF I-Corps sites], First Gear participants also receive $3,000 in funding to help validate the market-readiness of the innovation, and qualify for additional NSF funding of larger amounts. Want to learn more, watch the Pitt Ventures & NSF I-Corps webinar.

To request an application or more information on the program, fill out the form on this page."

University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute; University of Pittsburgh, Press Release, 9/1/16

Press Release, University of Pittsburgh; University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute:

"You are invited to tour the newly renovated offices of the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute, from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at the Gardner Steel Conference Center, 130 Thackeray Avenue. Come and meet Innovation Institute staff and learn about the many resources, programs, events, and competitions planned for the new academic year. Appetizers and beverages will be provided. Click here to RSVP.

The Innovation Institute’s mission is to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at Pitt. Through its innovation commercialization services and entrepreneurship education programs, the Innovation Institute served nearly 2,000 Pitt faculty, students and staff in fiscal 2015. During the year Pitt Innovators submitted a record number of invention disclosures, were issued a record number of patents, and witnessed their discoveries translated into a record number of spinout companies.

As the Innovation Institute celebrates 20 years of providing innovation commercialization services to the University and the region this year, it is launching version 2.0 of its organization, following the consolidation of multiple offices under the Innovation Institute banner in 2013. With a streamlined technology management and commercialization organization, a new website, and expanded resources and programming, the staff of the Innovation Institute look forward to another banner year serving the needs and launching the dreams of Pitt Innovators."