RISE is UAlbany Innovation Center’s collaborative entrepreneurship program aimed to take research from concept to commercialization while building a business development team. This eight-week program will run during the spring 2026 semester.
The program’s goal? To work collaboratively to help researchers choose the best translation path for their IP.
How? By building teams around IP. Commercializing IP is difficult and multiple skill sets are needed on teams. This program will pair graduate students with STEM researchers to form teams.
Who should apply?
1. Any STEM researcher with University IP.
2. Graduate students (RISE Fellows) interested in a practical experience in a startup business environment. Computer science and business students are strongly encouraged to participate, along with any students in STEM-related fields that are interested in exploring the business side of science and engineering.
Teams will receive funded travel to test hypotheses they have about their business.
Researchers will conclude the program with market understanding, a business plan, a go-to-market strategy or a commercialization plan, and an investor-ready pitch deck.
Please note the following important dates for Spring 2026:
Researcher/Startup Deadline: January 15, 2026
RISE Fellow Candidate Deadline: January 26, 2026
Kickoff: February 23, 2026
Closing event: April 27, 2026 (in person)
The program runs Mondays and Wednesdays 4-7pm remotely.
For more information or questions, please email Brett Orzechowski, Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships, at borzechowski@albany.edu.