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In a world where groundbreaking research often struggles to find its way into the market, a new initiative is stepping in to bridge that gap. The USC Viterbi School of Engineering has recently launched its Technology Innovation Fellowship Program, aimed specifically at deep tech entrepreneurs. Spearheaded by visionary founders Oscar Neyra-Nazarrett and Ralph Lin, this program is designed to guide talented researchers in transforming their innovative ideas into thriving businesses.
Addressing the commercialization gap
“We recognized a significant niche,” Neyra-Nazarrett, co-founder of the fellowship program, explained. Many brilliant researchers excel in innovation but often lack the business acumen necessary for successful commercialization. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for these individuals to not only refine their technical skills but also to learn the intricacies of launching a business.
Lin added, “Numerous game-changing technologies are being developed in research labs, yet they frequently miss the chance to reach the marketplace. Our program aims to fill this gap by focusing on promising technologies in areas such as space, mining, energy, telehealth, and supply chain.” The inaugural cohort reflects this aim, featuring a diverse group of innovators ready to make their mark.
The inaugural cohort: talent and innovation
This first group of fellows includes five exceptional talents: Abel Salinas, Kevin Sampson, Oliver Liu, Razieh Etezadi, and Yao Du. Each fellow brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge from their respective fields. For instance, Salinas, a third-year Ph.D. student in computer science, is developing an AI-driven platform to help mining companies identify social risks related to community projects. His innovative tool employs machine learning to analyze data and foresee community reactions, potentially saving companies millions by preventing project shutdowns.
“Our models perform exceptionally well in predicting community responses without the need for surveys,” Salinas remarked. Given that mining companies can incur losses of up to $3 million a day due to protests, this technology has the potential to be invaluable, extending its applications beyond mining to sectors like construction and urban development.
Innovative solutions for aerospace
Another standout in the cohort is Kevin Sampson, who is focused on revolutionizing electric propulsion systems for satellites. Traditional electric thrusters struggle to generate enough thrust, but Sampson is utilizing advanced nano-fabrication techniques to dramatically enhance propulsion strength. “With the increasing congestion in space, stronger thrusters are crucial for safety and maneuverability,” Sampson stated. His project, the “SNAIL Thruster,” initially targets satellite applications but holds promise for broader aerospace uses.
Sampson acknowledged the vital support provided by the fellowship, stating, “Oscar and Ralph have been incredible in guiding us through market entry and funding opportunities. They are helping us understand the complexities of being a founder.”
The path to success
The fellowship’s structure offers bi-weekly check-ins, helping fellows maintain accountability and providing them with actionable steps toward launching their companies. This approach is designed to ensure that each participant remains focused and receives the necessary mentorship to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. With the support of seasoned entrepreneurs like Neyra-Nazarrett and Lin, fellows can expect to gain insights that will propel their ventures forward.
For Neyra-Nazarrett, the success of the program is ultimately measured by the achievements of its participants. “If our fellows can raise significant funding and grow their startups, that would be our greatest accomplishment,” he said. Historically, alumni of their previous initiatives have secured over $3.3 billion in funding, setting a high bar for future cohorts.
Looking forward: nurturing future innovators
As the program moves forward, Neyra-Nazarrett expressed a commitment to nurturing exceptional researchers each academic year. “We are constantly on the lookout for dedicated individuals with innovative ideas who are eager to learn and grow,” he remarked. The fellowship not only aims to support current fellows but also hopes to inspire a new generation of deep tech entrepreneurs ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
With an emphasis on practical skills, mentorship, and structured support, the Technology Innovation Fellowship Program at USC Viterbi is poised to make a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape. The journey of these innovators is just beginning, and the tech world is watching closely as they strive to turn their groundbreaking research into successful businesses.