Lead Mentor - Chandler Lewis

The Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) program is a program funded by the National Science Foundation that aims to accelerate academic research projects that are ready to move toward commercialization. Through training and mentorship, program participants are able to learn about the commercialization process and to test the value of their business idea by talking to potential customers. Those who do well in the program may apply for up to $2,500 of funding to continue testing their business hypotheses via customer discovery. This program is a great preparation for anyone looking to participate in business plan competitions, seeking gap funding, or to apply for further federal funding (I-Corps Teams grant, SBIR/STTR grants, etc.).

In 2020, the UW SoN launched the Dementia Palliative Education Network (DPEN). The goal of DPEN is to transform nursing education to build core competencies in dementia care. DPEN-prepared nurses will offer the highest quality care for people, families, and communities adapting to the rising prevalence of dementia and serve as multidisciplinary dementia care teams leaders. DPEN provides a comprehensive approach to optimizing dementia-competent, equitable care.

With ConnectMyVariant, Dr. Brian Shirts and his team are working to address this challenge to prevent all forms of hereditary cancer. The platform, built with initial funding from the Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, connects patients who are aware of genetic mutations, identifies those who may be at risk based on their familial relationships, and provides educational resources and strategies for cancer prevention.

The UW Master of Science in Entrepreneurship attracts a diverse set of students who will come to form your supportive peer group, advisory board, and future network. Meet mentors, funders, and even potential customers and employees. Guest speakers, experts, and entrepreneurs share first-hand experiences, lessons learned, and tell it like it is about starting new businesses and surviving challenges. The university offers a wealth of community resources as well: the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship, Startup Hall, CoMotion, and two campus makerspaces. All of this set against the backdrop of the vibrant Seattle entrepreneurial ecosystem.

CoMotion offers a variety of opportunities for mentors to get involved and connect with University of Washington researchers on the path to commercializing their innovations or in the early stages of a startup company. Mentors offer business development knowledge, pitch coaching, networking connections, subject matter expertise, and/or help with team building. Some mentors may transition to key roles within the startup including as CEO or advisory board members.