Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The heart of the OIE is the technology being developed here at CWRU School of Medicine, and developing a solid team and support around that technology to move it off the bench and into the commercial space by means of licensing or startups. To help researchers navigate the world of translational research, the OIE provides consultants who are experts in business development. If you have a project that is translational and you need assistance with how to move it out of your lab, please contact us at the OIE.

A core service of the OIE is to assist in helping translational researchers find capital needed to progress their research. OIE administration is here to help you find the funding that is appropriate for your circumstance and help you prepare for the funding application. There are several funding opportunities that we work with on a regular basis:

Council to Advance Human Health (CAHH) 

CAHH was developed as a catalyst for a focused model of translation. Support through the philanthropic Accelerator Fund provides small, targeted grants for investigators to develop promising projects towards an exit. Eligible investigators are invited to present their projects to obtain funding up to $75,000.

Clinical & Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC)

CTSC is a collaboration between Case Western Reserve University and its affiliated hospital systems to catalyze high-quality clinical and translational research both locally and nationally by changing the culture of biomedical research, sharing resources and expertise and making the research process more streamlined, helping to move research from the bench to bedside and out to the community. Through the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, the CTSC provides the Annual Pilot Award Program, a peer-reviewed pilot funding program designed to stimulate and promote new translational research, new research collaborations and novel research ideas. Up to 6 multidisciplinary projects are funded up to $50,000 annually.

The Taipei Medical University partnership with CWRU CTSC was created to support long-term collaboration and innovation between the institutions. Inter-institutional translational projects are supported, with the end goal being a clinical trial or exit. Translational collaborations are formed between a Taipei investigator in the field of Oncology and/or Neurosciences and a CWRU investigator. Funding is awarded with amounts of up to $50,000. 

Case-Coulter Translational Research Partnership (CCTRP)

CCTRP is a nationally funded translational program fostering the collaboration between biomedical engineers and clinical partners. The program invests more than a million dollars in direct funding and support services to help research teams advance products from the laboratory to clinical or commercial outcomes. Funding can range from $50,000-$200,000, determined each funding round.

Ohio Third Frontier (OTF)

OTF supports translational research across the state of Ohio with a focus on economic development. OTF and their partners provide access to business expertise, mentorship, capital and talent to build and scale startups ranging from biomedical devices to software IT and advance materials. Funding through the OTF is open to anyone, with award amounts up to $50,000 for a Phase I funding round.

Knowing that the development of any technology will only go as far as the people are capable of getting it, the OIE puts a great deal of effort into supporting the development of the people behind the research and ventures created here at CWRU. Over the years, several programs have been developed to meet the needs that we have faced in a changing culture of biomedical sciences:

CWRU Venture Mentoring Program (CVMP)

CVMP supports CWRU and affiliate researchers with unbiased, confidential business advice in a safe and conflict-free environment through team mentoring that provides researchers with support and guidance on their translational projects.

Enhancing Research & Industry Career Horizons (EnRICH)

The EnRICH program provides flexible career guidance and support with employers and mentors in a broad range of disciplines, including biotech, teaching, administration, writing and communication.

Expanding Teaching Experiences for Doctoral Students (ExTEnD)

The ExTEnD program provides the opportunity for doctoral students and postdocs to get formal training and experience in teaching at a college or university level.

Pathways Programs

The pathways programs were designed for MD students to provide individualized enrichment experiences for students who would like to learn more beyond the core medical school curriculum. The Health Innovation & Entrepreneurship pathway is focused on mentoring students through the process of assessing and possibly developing new solutions to important healthcare problems that they will face in clinical settings.

Master of Science in Regenerative Medicine and Entrepreneurship (RGME)

RGME is a formal interdisciplinary master’s program to help individuals obtain advanced training and skills in the field of regenerative medicine.

Translational Fellows Program (TFP)

TFP seeks to train individuals in entrepreneurship and the translation of innovation into commercial ventures by connecting them to programs and workshops around campus while protecting time for entrepreneurial activities.

U.S. National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps)

I-Corps is an immersive, entrepreneurial training program that facilitates the transformation of invention to impact. This seven-week experiential training program prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the university laboratory—accelerating the economic and societal benefits of NSF-funded and other basic research projects that are ready to move toward commercialization.

Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Club (BIEC)

BIEC was created to provide graduate students, postdocs and research staff with the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship and commercialization in the biomedical sector. The main goal of this club is to break down the barrier between academia and industry, allowing young researchers to explore their interest in developing their own products or start their own company. Every third Wednesday of the month, local experts are invited to introduce the basics of commercialization such as intellectual property, regulatory, finances available at CWRU, and entrepreneurship opportunities here at CWRU to our trainees, and each meeting is wrapped up with a networking session.