SoPS ENTREPRENEURSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Mission Statement
The purpose of our committee is to familiarize scientists & engineers with the business aspect of research. Since most scientists and engineers do not have business experience, our goal is to bring academic inventors and business people closer through various educational seminars and social events. In other words, bridge the gap between science and business. We expect to reach our goal through the following:
Facilitate science and business collaboration - We host events to help create dialogue between academia and business. An emerging technologies conference is being planned.
Share Intellectual Expertise - We work with various groups and organizations to help them address problems and evaluate ideas that require expert scientific insight. Our technical and conceptual knowledgebase spans a variety of scientific disciplines.
Train Emerging Entrepreneurs - We host seminars that introduce scientists and entrepreneurs to various aspects of the business of science & technology. Topics include intellectual property, technology transfer, start-ups, venture capital and more.
If you are interested in working with the Enterpreneurship & Business Development Committee in any capacity, please contact Carissa (cfonseca [at] mednet [dot] ucla [dot] edu)
CURRENT EVENTS
TECH COAST ANGELS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Tech Coast Angels, the largest angel network in the U.S., offers to mentor selected UCLA scientists willing to turn their inventions into successful start-up companies. SoPS's Business Development and Entrepreneurship Committee co-hosts this event with the Engineering Grad Student Association and the Entrepreneur Association at Anderson.
Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2009 Mentorship round (Deadline May 4, 2009).
Stay tuned to this committee's website www.postdoc.ucla.edu/BizDev and the Program's website http://www.egsatec.com for further details.
TECH COAST ANGELS SCREENING SESSIONS
The Tech Coast Angels (TCA) holds screening sessions to evaluate potential start-up company investements. A limited number of seats are available for SoPS members to attend these sessions, with the hope that attendees will gain a better understanding of what is takes to start a company.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to observe TCA as they evaluate the companies looking for start-up capital.
There is also breakfast with TCA members before the screening session. This is a great opportunity to network and ask questions that you may have.
The screening session is approx. 8am-noon on Fridays. If you are interested, please contact Carissa at cfonseca [at] mednet [dot] ucla [dot] edu.
Links
Evelexa - A good resource for learning about start-ups.
UCLA Technology Innovators' Forum Learn how to start a hi-tech business with little or no capital.
Tech Coast Angels, the largest angel investor group in the U.S
