Summer Technology Commercialization Academy

This summer, the Center for Entrepreneurship launched an eight-week collaborative summer technology commercialization academy that provided students with real-world experience in finding useful applications for existing patented technologies. During the Jun. 25 – Aug. 17 academy, students worked in teams to find commercial applications for a biodegradable, super-absorbent hydrogel created by Washington State University researchers. Students experienced first-hand the process of taking an idea from invention to full commercialization plan. Each student who completed the program will be designated an EWU TCA Fellow and will receive $1,500 in fellowship funding. EWU faculty Bruce Teague and Fred Liu led the academy, serving as facilitators for the student teams. The academy is funded by a grant from the Herbert B. Jones Foundation.