EIR-Corps
Our Experts-in-Residence Help Startup Companies Move Innovation Forward
Research institutions often struggle to commercialize innovative technology because technical experts who drive core development lack the time and business expertise to effectively bring products to market.
EIR-Corps addresses this need by bridging the commercialization gap. Through the program, we provide dedicated business development support, allowing researchers to focus on technical innovation while ensuring their innovations achieve market success through strategic business growth.
Why EIR-Corps?
Innovation + Leadership
Successful innovation requires more than drive; it demands a symphony of diverse talents.
USRIA’s EIR-Corps pairs innovative researchers with seasoned business experts to drive startup success. By allowing technical founders to focus on product development while Experts-in-Residence handle business growth, this collaboration accelerates innovations from lab to market for maximum economic impact.
Targeting the northern Appalachian region where this talent gap is particularly acute, the EIR-Corps Cluster aims to catalyze innovation in an emerging ecosystem focused on advancing "deep tech" across critical sectors, such as energy, materials and chemicals, industrial decarbonization, domestic manufacturing, life sciences, healthcare/biotech, resource management, and AI.
Our initiative connects technology innovators with experienced commercialization professionals, driving economic growth and technological advancement in the region. In addition to the regional impact, the initiative represents a strategic investment in the future of technology commercialization, with the potential to reshape innovation support models in similar ecosystems nationwide.
Startup Founder Support
EIR-Corp Support Tiers
USRIA’s EIR-Corps program meets startups where they are in their innovation journey. We build on a company’s existing progress with customized support tiers that maximize resources and drive their path to market success.
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Tier One
Our Tier One support pairs you with a portfolio manager to help you navigate critical early-stage decisions. Your portfolio manager will assist in critical early-stage areas including: guiding team building, validation of commercial strategy, funding strategies, and aligning technical milestones with market needs - helping to transform your innovation into a viable business.
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Tier Two
Our Enhanced Executive Support tier combines portfolio management with an embedded interim executive who works alongside your team. Together, they'll transform your early progress into a comprehensive market strategy, accelerating your path from innovation to revenue.
Targeted Insight & Guidance for Startups by Subject Matter Experts
In addition, all of USRIA’s support tiers are augmented by the addition of our highly-vetted and seasoned expert advisors. These subject matter experts (SME) allow you to gain targeted insights exactly when you need them. Our vetted subject matter experts provide specialized guidance across industries, enhancing every support tier with deep, on-demand expertise to accelerate your success.
