INVENT STARTUP INTERNSHIPS
Equipping the Next Generation of Innovators, Founders and Commercialization Experts
INVENT is a collaborative initiative led by Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) and Northern Kentucky University’s (NKU) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) designed to develop a skilled talent pool that enables high-growth, high-tech startups to thrive in Kentucky. The program provides hands-on learning in startups scaling emerging technologies such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. ​
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Gain Hands-on Startup Experience
Through INVENT, you will gain essential skills needed to contribute to research translation, technology commercialization, and startup development. Eligible participants are matched with a paid internship with one of our startup partners for six to 18 months.
The INVENT program offers stipends, flexible scheduling and structured learning opportunities so you can fully engage in the real-world, hands-on training.​
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Eligibility
INVENT is open to students, recent graduates, veterans, and career-transitioning professionals. Participants first complete the KCV Innovation Fellowship (or equivalent entrepreneurial courses at Northern Kentucky University: ENTP 201 & 302) before being matched with a startup internship. Topics covered include entrepreneurship, technology transfer and business model development.
Pre-Requisite: KCV Innovation Fellowship
During this experiential learning program, you will receive proven frameworks, resources, and networking opportunities to create a hands-on, customized, and integrated educational experience focused on commercialization.
The program includes weekly cohort meetings held online, independent study with high-quality startup training materials, guided application exercises, and weekly coaching sessions with KCV staff and coaches.
Bring Skilled, Innovation-Ready Talent to Your Early-Stage Company
When you become an INVENT startup partner, we will match vetted and trained interns with your company based on the skills and experience you need to scale.
Our intern candidates have completed up to seven weeks of dedicated commercialization and startup training before becoming eligible for an internship. Students will learn the ins and outs of working at a startup before they are placed, meaning they can put their skills to work quickly.​​
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Internships are paid through the INVENT program for up to 18 months, making this a win-win for both the student and your company.
INVENT Updates
KCV INVENT is supported by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 2526231.