Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute launches new postdoc program for tech entrepreneurs

New initiative hopes to promote research and launch entrepreneurial ventures.

By LIDAR GRAVÉ-LAZI
technion students working on computer thing 370 (photo credit: Courtesy JCT)
technion students working on computer thing 370
(photo credit: Courtesy JCT)
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute (JTCII) announced the launch on Tuesday of a new postdoctoral program for technology entrepreneurs.
Six post-docs will join the campus and participate in the first “Runway Program,” a new initiative which aims to promote research at a PhD level and launch new entrepreneurial ventures.
Prof. Uzi de Haan, a leader in tech entrepreneurship and the founder of the Technion's Bronica Entrepreneurship Center in Israel, will head the one-year program. The participants will receive academic guidance from Cornell and Technion professors, as well as advice from legal, industrial and venture capital off campus consultants.
If one of the participants develops a project ready to be launched as a company, a Runway Award funded by the Jacobs institute will serve as an investment in the development of the technology.
“Uzi de Haan plays a pivotal role in entrepreneurship at the Technion, whose graduates are among the most successful in creating value through innovation. I am thrilled to welcome Uzi to the Jacobs Institute, where the Runway post-docs – and everyone on campus – will benefit from his expertise,” said Adam Shwartz, the new Director of the Jacobs Institute.