Are you an experienced entrepreneur with a background in life sciences, technology commercialization, and the entrepreneurial drive? If so, University of California, Berkeley’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program might be the perfect opportunity for you. This program offers experienced entrepreneurs the chance to explore life sciences research. EIR potentially helps to become a CEO and lead the commercialization of groundbreaking innovations.

The EIR program is a six-month initiative that connects entrepreneurs with some of the world’s most innovative life sciences researchers.

As an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, you will have the opportunity to assess the commercial potential of technologies, identify high-potential opportunities, develop strategic business plans, and work closely with UC Berkeley’s research community. If successful, you may even have the chance to launch and lead a new biotech startup based on Berkeley’s world-class innovations.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: February 26, 2025
• Funding Type: Monthly stipend
• Organizer: UC Berkeley Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center (LSEC)
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Experienced entrepreneurs, senior management in high-tech startups
• Fields: Life sciences, biotech, technology commercialization
• Duration: Mid-March – Mid-September 2025 (six months)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: USA (Berkeley, CA)

Benefits

Participants of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program will benefit from the following items:

• Monthly Stipend of $3,000 per month (total: $18,000 for six months)
• Compensation for Time Commitment of 8 hours/week on average
• Access to Resources to leverage UC Berkeley’s intellectual property, venture funds, and research resources
• UC Berkeley retains a 20% equity stake in the resulting startup, with open negotiation for the EIR’s equity share

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must have senior management experience in an early-stage, high-tech startup
• Proven track record in raising non-dilutive, pre-seed, seed, and venture capital funds
• Experience with regulatory approval for clinical trials and commercial sales
• Expertise in developing and commercializing biomedical, pharmaceutical, biologics, or advanced materials
• Strong scientific and business skills, with experience managing stakeholders in academia and industry

Responsibilities:

The EIR will work closely with LSEC and the Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurship Officer to:

• Assess the commercial potential of technologies, focusing on those with new venture potential
• Identify and support 4-6 key technologies or opportunities
• Develop business plans, go-to-market strategies, and financial models
• Utilize UC Berkeley resources to advance commercial opportunities
• Secure early-stage capital and pitch to Berkeley-affiliated venture funds
• If viable, launch and lead a biotech startup based on Berkeley innovations

Required Documents

Please prepare and submit these application required documents:

• Cover Letter: Explaining your interest in and qualifications for the EIR program
• CV/Resume: Detailing your entrepreneurial experience and accomplishments

How to Apply?

• Prepare your cover letter and CV detailing your experience and qualifications.
• Submit your application via the UC Berkeley platform by February 26, 2025.
• After submitting, wait for the program’s review of your application and potential interview.

Apply Now

Further details and information regarding the EIR are available on the official UC Berkeley website.

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