UHTB Innov8 is a founder-driven series of entrepreneurial programs to support technology commercialization for early-stage ventures and entrepreneurs who are faculty, students and staff in partnership with UH SBDC. These programs are run at the UH Technology Bridge in person and virtually. The program consists of series of accelerator programs based on the Wendy Kennedy Inc. curriculum and will be run by SBDC advisors in partnership with the UH Technology bridge team at the UHTB Innovation center. Programs are catered to scientists, students and researchers looking to apply for SBIR/STTR grants, business plan competitions, access mentors, advisors and pro-bono services. At the end of the programs, each participants have the opportunity to Pitch their business on a Pitch Day. The goal of these programs is to launch new ventures, develop business plans that they can use to raise money and attract C-suite level employees to join their team.

What is different about these programs?

These programs are Founder–driven and not classroom/expert teaching driven. That means that the founders have to be committed to engage and spend the time to benefit from the program. These programs are also customized to the needs of the founders and connect them to additional resources through our partnerships.

Eligibility:

Founders DO NOT need to be UH employees to participate in the program, however commercializing UH Intellectual property through these programs is strongly recommended.

Who can Participate?

1. Researcher with just an Idea- not sure of any commercialization pathways
2. Researcher interested in starting a company, might or might not have a team. Researcher looking for a crash course to develop a commercialization plan for their SBIR/STTR grant application
3. Startup from UH portfolio- Licensed UH Intellectual Property, started a company but stuck at some point: funding, sales, team, etc.
4. Student startup- could be a startup or a small business, might or might not be interested in commercializing UH Intellectual Property

Testimonials

"Innov8 was excellent for starters like me. The materials and teaching format were great! I hope to translate your great effort into our success. Can't say enough good things about this training course.”
- Shoujun Xu, Professor, Dept. of Chemistry

"Working through the WKI process has been invaluable. The fishbone activity and go-to-market strategies were key turning points. The Houston Business Coalition on Health was a great find. I'm wrestling with when to move from customer discovery to assessing interest and market potential.”
- Stephanie Calloway, Sanasol Wellness

"Meeting like-minded individuals in the cohort provided constructive criticism and unique perspectives, leading to valuable improvements. Despite joining later, it was a great experience with no noticeable areas needing improvement.”
- Jason Shi, Root Planter

"The in-person meeting with the cohort was engaging and energizing. We felt connected, despite working in different industries. The mentor's feedback on market strategy and value proposition was valuable for our commercialization plan. Looking forward to continuing the interactive learning with Innov8 in 2024.”
- Rashim Singh, Research Assistant Professor, Health Research Institute

"Innov8 has transformed my professional development. The provided resources significantly boosted my business knowledge, fostering continuous learning and propelling my business forward. The class management and material delivery were fantastic.”
- Babek Vafei, University of Miami