The U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) is currently seeking seasoned venture capitalists, technology transfer professionals and successful entrepreneurs with 10 years or more experience to help scientists and engineers in different countries to commercialize their technologies. CRDF’s Innovation Programs are designed to promote economic growth through international partnerships and training that foster invention, innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization of technology.  CRDF fulfills this mission by:

• Offering training programs, personalized coaching and business counseling; 

• Assisting science and technology (S&T) entrepreneurs in building partnerships with private companies, universities, research institutions and government agencies in their own countries and abroad;

• Providing S&T entrepreneurs with access to resources to obtain market information and business services that facilitate entry into the highly competitive U.S. market. 

By becoming a CRDF business mentor, you will have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of S&T entrepreneurs from emerging markets by sharing your business insight and industry knowledge. You will also have a chance to participate in the commercial debut of promising technologies and innovative concepts that are seeking business implementation.

If you decide to join the CRDF Business Mentors Network, once or twice per year you may be asked to review short business plans submitted by workshop participants. Reviewers will be chosen based on the relevance of their expertise to the various business plans we receive. You may also be asked to provide expert advice and counseling to business start-ups and S&T entrepreneurs within the Partner Development Program (PDP) and Science & Technology Entrepreneur Program (STEP).

As a member of the CRDF Business Mentors Network, you may be selected to travel to Russia, countries of Eurasia and -- eventually -- other emerging markets to participate in workshops and other events. During your travel, you will have a chance to offer your valued expertise to S&T entrepreneurs as well as representatives of various organizations supporting development of innovation-based entrepreneurship in Russia and other emerging markets.  

Qualifications:

The successful candidate is required to have a strong background and experience in venture capital and business management. Other qualifications include but are not limited to:

• Demonstrated ability to identify start-up opportunities and run businesses.

• Understanding the university environment and experience working with scientists and engineers.

• Experience in developing and marketing technologies and raising funding for start-ups.

• Excellent speaking and presentation skills are required.

• Knowledge of Eurasian science and technology development and markets is highly desired but not required.

For more information, please complete the attached form and e-mail to innovation@crdf.org.

 

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