Two leading institutions —
the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Art Center College of Design (Art Center)— are founding partners in the Entrepreneurial Fellows Program (EFP)—a program that is part bootcamp, part finishing school for technologists.

The EFP is a post-degree fellowship program that enables students previously trained in science, engineering, or design to learn new skills geared toward the development of commercial products in a start-up environment. Graduates of Caltech, Art Center, USC and UCLA team up on a technology in a hands-on learning environment to develop insights into entrepreneurship, product design and business.

The EFP is a partnership between academia, the private sector, and federal and local government, with a high level of private sector involvement in all phases of its activities. Partners include Mellon Ventures, Motorola Corp., Intel Corp., NCIIA, the City of Pasadena and many others. These and NSF funds are crucial for ensuring the viability of the program, and will accelerate our goal of developing Art Center and Caltech’s advances in information technology and multimedia, electronics, biotechnology, telecommunications, energy, and aerospace into commercial products.

The private and public sector contributions also include substantial mentoring, teaching, and evaluation. Some of our distinguished lecturers have been Bill Davidow (Mohr Davidow Ventures); John Glanville (Athenaeum Fund), Bill Gross (Idealab!) and Guy Kawasaki (Garage Ventures). The NSF’s Partnership for Innovation program has recognized the merits and potential of the EFP by providing seed funding to help local economies through significant educational and economic opportunities.

The 2002 Fellowships were awarded to 5 teams, each focused on developing and bringing to market a unique technology-based product or service: Advanced Hydrofoils seeks to bring a European technology to American boaters; EarthStation is recruiting the next generation of space researchers; Equigene is applying genetic techniques to improve the health and performance of thoroughbred race horses; Skate is developing a collaboration platform for students for use with the latest Tablet PC® products; and SonOptica uses soundwaves to facilitate the rapid manufacturing of parts.

This is an innovative partnership program that addresses the needs of young entrepreneurs by providing time, money, connections, and skills. The program is geared toward graduates who want to make the transition from the academic environment to the world of business. Participants learn about business strategy and practices, develop engineering prototypes, and build relationships with potential clients, financing sources, and mentors.

For more information or to become involved, please contact us.