Transforming the Practices and Rationale for Educational Programs to Aid Academic Researchers in Translating Research into Innovations and Ventures

The translation of basic scientific research to practical and deployable innovations that benefit people and the planet is as old as human history itself. From the discovery of the uses of fire to the transformative basic research that is the basis for space exploration, humans have translated scientific research into technological innovations that have advanced society. The National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance (NCIIA), a 501c3 founded by The Lemelson Foundation in 1996, develops and funds experiential learning and conducts research in STEM innovation, invention and entrepreneurship to create viable and socially beneficial businesses. This paper provides background information and describes NCIIA’s approach to help address the innovation challenge in the U.S., which is to provide training, education and financial support that fits with both the venture's needs and the innovator's personal and professional aspirations. I. The innovation challenge