The Center for Technology Licensing at Cornell University (CTL) has historically benefited greatly from working with Cornell’s bright, passionate, and creative students whose many contributions have helped CTL translate Cornell’s innovations into products and services for the benefit of society. We are also proud to know those who have worked with us in the past have successfully leveraged their CTL experience into promising and successful careers in, among other areas, technology licensing, patent law, startups and business development.
To further enhance this mutually beneficial relationship, CTL is proud to introduce the CTL Practicum for Cornell graduate students.
The CTL Practicum is a paid program open to STEM and MBA graduate students (all campuses). We are seeking candidates who are available to work with us for at least 1 year, at a maximum of 10 hours per week. The practicants will be paid at an hourly rate.
The CTL Practicum includes:
- A formalized application, screening and selection process
- A robust training program about CTL and its scope of activities including evaluating innovations, assessing markets and potential licensees, creating effective marketing collateral, assessing patentability and patent landscapes, and learning about of the various types of contracts used by CTL to move innovations into the market place;
- A clearly defined role on the CTL team with deliverables and the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the success of the center’s mission and goals. Successful practicants will have the opportunity to explore and build experience with key aspects of innovation assessment and commercialization strategy, patenting and licensing agreements consistent with their career exploration interests.
CTL’s goal for the Practicum is to challenge Cornell’s graduate students while gaining valuable experience to help broaden their career options and gaining satisfaction in knowing that their contributions meaningfully helped Cornell fulfill its mission to commercialize its innovations and support new ventures.
Eligibility to the program
- Open to Cornell STEM / MBA graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from Ithaca, Geneva, and Cornell Tech campuses.
- Currently enrolled at Cornell University.
For Weill Cornell students in NYC and Qatar, apply to the newly created course “Fundamentals of Academic Business Development.” More information here.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated interest in technology transfer, innovation, entrepreneurship
- Commitment and availability up to 10 hours per week and ability to attend patent meetings and inventor meetings with Licensing Officers.
- Approval of the research advisor.
Application Process
- Complete the application form online.
- Attach a resume and a cover letter.
- Screened applicants will be invited for a virtual interview on September 16, 17, and 18.
- Selected applicants are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
- Read the materials provided before the training sessions in October.
- Mandatory participation to the training sessions
Apply for CTL Practicum
Applications for the 2025 academic year are now open through September 13, 2024, at noon.
