Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Intern

Are you curious about how university research becomes real-world products and companies? The Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Intern will play a critical role in the early evaluation process for new inventions, discoveries, and creative works developed at Binghamton University. You’ll help the Technology Transfer Office assess incoming intellectual property disclosures, conduct market and prior art research, and provide recommendations to guide commercialization strategies.

This hands-on opportunity to work at the intersection of science, business, and law, is ideal for students interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, or IP management.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We’re seeking three motivated undergraduate/graduate students with a strong interest in technology commercialization, intellectual property, and innovation-based economic development. The ideal candidate is curious, detail-oriented, and able to analyze technical concepts across a variety of disciplines. You should be comfortable reviewing scientific literature, assessing market potential, and communicating your findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

A technical background in life or physical sciences is strongly preferred, though candidates with business, or law backgrounds will be considered.  Experience with market research, patent searching, or startup ecosystems is a plus, but not required we value eagerness to learn and the ability to work independently as much as prior experience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initial Review: Assist with intake and logging of invention disclosures from faculty, staff, and students.
• Technology Assessment: Help evaluate disclosures for completeness, potential novelty, and commercial viability.
• Market Research: Conduct industry and competitor research to assess potential markets and applications.
• IP Analysis: Support prior art searches and summarize relevant findings to guide patentability decisions.
• Marketing: Draft concise summaries of technologies for internal review and potential marketing to industry partners.  Create marketing materials and campaigns and outreach programs (social media, technology publishers, newsletters)
• Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the IP management system.
• Collaboration: Work with the licensing and IP team to prioritize next steps for each new disclosure.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in graduate or undergraduate studies in science, engineering, business, or a related field.
• Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Interest in intellectual property, technology commercialization, or entrepreneurship.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Comfortable working independently and in a team environment.
• Familiarity with patent databases, market research tools, or CRM systems is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft suite and Google suite (docs, excel, ppt). Desktop publishing like Canva would be a plus. 

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

• Direct exposure to the technology transfer and commercialization process.
• Experience working with real university innovations in diverse fields.
• Skills in market research, IP evaluation, and professional communication.
• Networking opportunities with researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners.