Columbia's Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (DICE)
Columbia’s Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (DICE) aims to support graduate students and faculty researchers who identify as being from traditionally underrepresented groups in life science and physical science entrepreneurship and commercialization as defined by the NIH. DICE currently offers two programs:
- A program for eligible Columbia graduate students and postdocs that offers educational workshops, mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities to prepare participants for careers in bringing life science and physical science innovation to market. Annual reports from our 2022 and 2021 cohorts give detailed descriptions of the program. Apply for the 2023 program by March 6, 2023.
- A seminar series for faculty researchers to learn skills from experts that will benefit them as they explore commercialization of their research. These seminars are open to all faculty researchers, but the content is tailored to challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the sciences. Details and registration links will be broadly advertised.
DICE for Graduate Students and Postdocs:
Focus Areas:
DICE’s program for graduate students and postdocs prepares participants for careers in life science and physical science entrepreneurship and commercialization, including the following fields:
- Therapeutics
- Diagnostics
- Medical devices
- Enabling technologies
- Engineering
- Climatetech
- Advanced materials
Program Structure: end of March through May
Educational workshops:
- Fundamentals of Lean Launchpad methodology and development of Business Model Canvas
- Startup formation essentials
- Pitching your idea to investors
Fireside Chats: Curated intimate group discussions on personal growth and exposure to examples of successes in the sciences from underrepresented groups. The sessions will be breakfast or lunch hour sessions with experienced life science and physical science entrepreneurs, industry executives, and venture capitalists from traditionally underrepresented populations.
Venture Education Modules: Program participants will have access to select sessions of Lab-to-Market programming, Life Science Accelerator bootcamps, and sessions led by industry partners (Deerfield and Alexandria LaunchLabs).
Professional Development: DICE will provide opportunities for program participants to engage with industry throughout the program.
Eligibility
Current Columbia University graduate students (including PhD, MD, MA, MBAs and other similar degrees) and postdoctoral researchers from any of the Columbia Schools and Institutes who identify as being from traditionally underrepresented groups in life science and physical science entrepreneurship and commercialization as defined by the NIH. Applicants should have demonstrated interest or experience in the sciences.
Award
Participants will be awarded a small stipend that can be applied to relevant professional development opportunities.
DICE for Faculty Researchers
Seminar Series:
Faculty researchers are invited to hear from experts on topics such as:
- Negotiations
- Pitching your idea to investors
- Confidence
- Work-life balance as a startup founder
- Fundraising in New York City
- Hiring a diverse advisory board
These seminars are open to all faculty researchers, but the content is tailored to challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the sciences. Details and registration links will be broadly advertised.
Networking:
DICE will offer in-person and virtual happy hours and activities for participants to network with each other.
Questions?
Please e-mail [email protected].
DICE is sponsored by Digitalis Commons, J. Gurwin Foundation, Columbia Technology Ventures, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia Engineering, The Data Science Institute at Columbia University, Columbia Business School’s Lang Entrepreneurship Center, Columbia University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Columbia Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Design.
