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Rutgers University Office of Research logo Rutgers University Office of Research logo Rutgers University Office of Research logo
Rutgers University Office of Research logo Rutgers University Office of Research logo Rutgers University Office of Research logo
Rutgers University Office of Research logo

Entrepreneur-In-Residence Program

Engaging seasoned entrepreneurs proactively looking to start, and run, new ventures for the purpose of commercializing promising Rutgers technologies

About the Program

The successful commercialization of novel technologies requires the coupling of scientific/technical expertise with entrepreneurial experience and drive. The Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program aims to increase the probability of success of Rutgers startups, by pairing scientific teams with experienced business founders.

Rocket ship in the center with a man's finger pointing into the center of the rocket

The Role of EIRs

Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR) are given access to both the complete portfolio of Rutgers technologies and the inventors behind those technologies. Each EIR is encouraged to identify a promising technology in his/her areas of expertise, and team up with the inventor(s) to become the management nucleus of the startup.

Entrepreneurship Brainstorm

How EIRs Can Help

EIRs engage in:

  • Evaluating Rutgers IP assets as the potential core for a new start-up;
  • Choosing a commercially viable technology to focus their efforts on;
  • Developing—in partnership with the Rutgers inventor(s) and staff—a business plan, a funding plan, and an R&D road map for the chosen technology;
  • Constituting the startup;
  • Negotiating—on behalf of the startup—for a license to the IP from Rutgers; and
  • Leading the startup’s fundraising, and product business development activities.
Notebook open to a page with light bulb drawn on it with crumpled blue paper in the middle of the bulb.

Traits of an EIR

  • A track-record as an entrepreneur and executive;
  • Experience building successful partnerships with academic teams (either in a startup, licensing, sponsored research, or another capacity);
  • A strong drive to be in an entrepreneurial environment;
  • Experience in raising dilutive and non-dilutive capital; and
  • An extensive professional network.
Five paper boats with one red one in the lead
Rocket ship in the center with a man's finger pointing into the center of the rocket
Entrepreneurship Brainstorm
Notebook open to a page with light bulb drawn on it with crumpled blue paper in the middle of the bulb.
Five paper boats with one red one in the lead

Our Entrepreneurs-In-Residence

Headshot of Bruce Galton

Bruce Galton

Bruce is an accomplished executive and entrepreneur, with over 25 years of experience in life sciences. He has held leadership positions in early- to developmental- and IPO-stage companies.

Brian Mulhall

Brian is a successful entrepreneur and investor, with over 20 years of experience in launching and transforming startups into revenue-generating enterprises.

Daniel Deeney

Daniel is an experienced Enterprise software CEO with a track record of success building, growing and exiting global technology companies. Daniel was also a founding partner of New Venture Partners, a venture capital firm with $700 million under management (formerly Lucent New Ventures).

Headshot of Wayne Weiner

Wayne Weiner

Wayne is an expert in strategic planning and business development, with particular interest in the commercialization of technology driven products and services for the pharmaceutical, nutrition and personal care industries.

Gregg Bjork

Gregg is an accomplished operating executive with extensive experience in early-stage, venture-backed technology companies. He has held senior-level executive and operating positions in companies at all stages of development from pre-seed and seed-stage through to IPO.