GAP Insights Summary:
USC Viterbi’s Technology Innovation Fellowship Program is redefining how deep tech research transitions from the lab to the marketplace. Led by Oscar Neyra-Nazarrett and Ralph Lin, the program addresses a persistent challenge: brilliant researchers often lack the business expertise and structured support needed to commercialize their innovations.
The fellowship targets founders in deep tech fields—space, mining, energy, telehealth, and supply chain—offering them a unique blend of mentorship, accountability, and practical business guidance. Unlike traditional entrepreneurship programs, tiehub’s approach includes bi-weekly check-ins and tailored milestones, ensuring fellows make consistent progress toward launching viable companies.
The inaugural cohort showcases the program’s potential. For example, Abel Salinas is developing Common Ground, an AI platform that predicts community responses to infrastructure projects, potentially saving millions in operational disruptions. Kevin Sampson is advancing satellite propulsion with his SNAIL Thruster, aiming to improve maneuverability and safety in increasingly crowded orbits. These projects exemplify the kind of high-impact innovation the fellowship seeks to accelerate.
Three Key Takeaways for Best Practices:
•Structured Accountability Drives Progress: Regular check-ins and clear milestones keep deep tech founders focused and moving forward, bridging the gap between research and commercialization.
•Tailored Mentorship is Essential: Direct access to experienced entrepreneurs and commercialization experts helps researchers navigate market entry and funding challenges.
•Cohort Diversity Fuels Innovation: By selecting fellows from various disciplines and backgrounds, the program fosters cross-pollination of ideas and broadens the impact of university research.
