image caption goes here Education & Development Opportunities


OISP offers education and development programs designed to help faculty and research teams explore the commercial potential of their innovations. From early-stage market discovery to mentorship and venture development, these programs support innovators at every stage of the journey.

Programs are available to faculty, researchers, and select graduate students.

Commercialization Workshops

Hands-on workshops that introduce faculty to market-first thinking, customer discovery, commercialization pathways, including licensing and startup options.

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NSF I-Corps Southwest IdeaLaunch

A nationally recognized program that provides structured customer discovery training and funding to help teams validate real-world needs.

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Venture Mentoring San Antonio (VMS)

Confidential, long-term mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals to support startup and commercialization efforts.

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Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program

One-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs to help faculty assess commercial strategy, refine value propositions, and navigate next steps toward impact.

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image caption goes here How These Programs Fit Together


These programs are designed to work together — not in isolation. Faculty and research teams may enter at different points depending on the maturity of their innovation and progress through multiple programs as their commercialization efforts evolve.

  • Early exploration: Commercialization Workshops
  • Market validation: NSF I-Corps
  • Strategic guidance: Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program
  • Ongoing mentorship: Venture Mentoring Service (VMS)

image caption goes here Not Sure Where to Begin?


OISP staff can help identify the most appropriate starting point based on your innovation, goals, and timeline.

Contact OISP
Submit an Innovation Disclosure