EIR-Corps
Our Experts-in-Residence help move innovation forward
Why EIR-Corps?
Commercializing innovative technology developed by research institutions often faces the critical challenge of resource allocation, resulting in an ongoing struggle between technical development and business growth.
Researchers and innovators who are crucial to advancing their core technology are in a time and resource allocation dilemma. Their expertise and focus are required for technical development, leaving little capacity for business development. The problem is further complicated because technical experts often need more specialized business development skills or knowledge.
The resulting gap in the commercialization process often leads to groundbreaking technologies struggling to gain market traction due to underdeveloped business strategies, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. This commercialization gap can lead to promising innovations failing to reach full market potential, hindering the marketability of products and services that can benefit society and generate economic value.
Innovation Leadership
The EIR-Corps program recognizes that successful innovation requires more than innovation; it demands a symphony of diverse talents.
Moving beyond the idea of training researchers in business basics, the EIR-Corps program produces an impactful collaboration between High-Potential Innovations (HPIs) and experienced business leaders who serve as Experts-in-Residence (EIRs).
This partnership addresses the critical need for startup management and team building. It allows technical founders to focus on product development while commercialization leaders manage startup growth and related business development strategies. The result is accelerated innovation, faster time to market, and lasting social and 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 climate tech, energy, sustainability, 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 this historically underserved 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.
EIR-Corps
EIR-Corp Support Packages
-
Connection Assistance: Package 0.5
Our team understands the unique hurdles faced by hard-tech startups and brings both technical and business acumen to support entrepreneurs in transforming the ideas into successful ventures. This package includes warm introductions within networks between founders/inventors and advisors/EIRs/CEOs etc.
-
Formation Stage
Coaching and guidance in establishing a company, securing an EIN, and funding assistance to cover registration fees. These crucial steps are followed up with four initial growth coaching sessions with one or more USRIA industry advisors. These sessions focus on strategy to secure initial funding. as well as identifying and establishing the right team.
-
Federal Funding Assistance
Support throughout the SBIR application process including any necessary guidance on identifying the right SBIR / STTR opportunities, government website registration, proposal review, assistance with submission mechanics and submission. When needed, add-on support in the form of grant writing assistance and SBIR workshops are also available.
