The Science Venture Studio (SVS) this month welcomed its Spring 2021 cohort of Commercialization Fellows. The three student interns make up the second cohort of fellows since the SVS program, overseen by the Startup Junkie Foundation, launched last summer.
The three students selected have been paired with science- and technology-focused companies that worked individually with SVS, preparing and submitting Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposals. The students are able to receive hands on experience in working with a startup, as well as providing the necessary market research for a successful proposal.
The Spring 2021 commercialization fellows are as follows:
Astha Malhotra – Malhotra is a Ph.D. student at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences and currently a TL1 Scholar at UAMS for Health Science Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellowship. Malhotra has been paired with Lineus Medical as they apply to the Catalyze Program with the National Institute of Health.
“SVS is an excellent platform providing mentoring, and networking opportunities to help commercialize promising technologies and secure funding in the process,” said Malhotra. “I am looking forward to working with SVS and different companies, learning from their experiences and journey and contributing in whatever small way I can in their progress. The internship program helps budding entrepreneurs to get familiarized with the commercialization, working of startups and SBIR/STTR process, before they begin their own entrepreneurial journey.”
Jean Morales – Morales received his Bachelor’s in chemical engineering at the University of Arkansas and is continuing his higher education in obtaining a Masters in Microelectronics and Photonics at the University of Arkansas. He has been paired with Catalyze H2O to help as they apply for a NASA SBIR Phase II.
“Working with a new technology startup has been an exciting and rewarding experience because one gets to see the intersection where engineering meets innovation, and research meets commercialization,” said Morales.
Toma Tomonari – Tomonari is a senior at the University of Arkansas earning his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He has been paired with WattGlass as they prepare for a NASA SBIR Phase II.
“I have been looking for an opportunity where I can obtain deeper insight into both technology and startup ecosystems, and I believe that SVS is a great program to fulfill this goal,” said Tomonari. “I expect to learn and experience a lot by working with other fellows and entrepreneurs.”
This paid fellowship is a partnership between the U of A and Startup Junkie, which oversees SVS. The fellowship is for the duration of one semester, with a $5,000 stipend.
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