UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Next-Gen Innovators Fellowship, established by Penn State’s Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 year.
The fellowship, a paid opportunity, is designed to train the next generation of leaders in technology commercialization through a cross-sector experience that includes rotations with a venture capital firm, a technology-based startup company and OTT. This is a non-academic fellowship.
Applications can be submitted here and will be reviewed and accepted until all spaces have been filled, with selected fellows expected to begin the program in June.
“We’re creating a new, comprehensive approach to workforce development in research translation,” said Bin Yan, associate vice president for research and director of OTT. “This is about building long-term capacity and equipping future innovators with the tools to navigate the full spectrum of commercialization — intellectual property, venture capital and entrepreneurial operations.”
During the year, fellows will spend 20 hours per week immersed in key environments within the commercialization pipeline. They will first spend four months in OTT, where they’ll have opportunities to gain experience in technology assessment, patenting procedures, and licensing strategies. Fellows will then rotate through early-stage investment, venture capital or economic development organizations, where they gain insight into how investors assess innovation and oversee partnerships with academic institutions. The program concludes with placement at a startup company, providing direct exposure to business operations and go-to-market strategy.
“This fellowship offers a distinctive, hands-on opportunity for motivated individuals to deepen their understanding of technology commercialization by working alongside seasoned professionals who bring diverse perspectives from across the innovation ecosystem,” said Brad Swope, associate director of OTT.
The fellowship is open to applicants with backgrounds in life sciences, physical sciences, law or business. A bachelor’s degree in a technical field is preferred, and graduate students, especially those pursuing a law degree, a master of science, an MBA or a doctorate, are strongly encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates possess strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively translate technical concepts for diverse audiences. U.S. citizenship or permanent residence status is required, and it is preferred that candidates have a Penn State affiliation.
For more information, or to apply, visit the internal job posting.