National Security
Entrepreneurs-in-Residence

The EIR program is designed to accelerate new venture creation in San Diego. This is a hands-on program that partners alumni and other seasoned entrepreneurs with campus innovators to develop new startups.

EIRs have access to a portfolio of high-potential opportunities, resources, people and programs. You’ll have significant autonomy to develop commercialization strategies, consult with campus innovators, and contribute to the entrepreneurial culture. Depending on your interests, you might:

• guide early-stage entrepreneurs and researchers
• hold office hours
• participate in demo days, programs and events
• make professional connections
• serve as a guest lecturer
• act as an advocate for UC San Diego entrepreneurship

EIRs will be asked to report quarterly on the progress of opportunities, engagement with campus resources, and other community-building activities. You’ll also engage with fellow EIRs and campus innovation leaders as a domain expert.

We’re looking for experienced entrepreneurs who are excited about the energy on campus. Ideal candidates will be driven to identify and solve problems independently, with a demonstrated ability to work with students and/or researchers--particularly engineers, scientists and healthcare professionals. Typically, you’ve played a key role in starting one or more companies and been intimately involved in raising series A funds and beyond.

Success in this program is measured by the number of technologies evaluated, new companies formed, funds raised, teams advised, and introductions made, in addition to community engagement.

Those selected will be expected to:

• comply with university IP and conflict-of-interest policies (you may not enter into direct fee-based arrangements with campus companies during your residency)
• submit quarterly updates on activities
• Agree to the expectations of the program and the innovator's agreement

EIRs are asked to sign an agreement and to acknowledge the program expectations with signature. Given the open approach and individualized structure of the program, these documents enable a freer flow of information among our EIRs, teams, faculty, and students.

As long as you are able to spend regular time on campus, San Diego residency is not required.

• Medical Device Technology
• Drug or Therapeutic Development
• Energy, Transporation & Smart Cities
• Blue Technology (Marine, Oceans, Rivers, etc)
• Defense: Dual-Use Technologies
• Social Impact (Education, Political Science & the Arts)
• Software Engineering and Applications
• Life Sciences (Biome, Biologics, Food & Nutriceuticals)
• Pitch, Media & Product Development
• Agriculture & Environmental
• Other - as needs and fit appropriate

You’ll also receive an initial campus orientation, access to licensing staff and invention portfolios, and introductions to university resources, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Other perks include free access to special events, invitations to private industry/university functions, and inclusion on university-wide committees for advancing the development of the innovation ecosystem.

We find that many entrepreneurs don’t want a lot of hand-holding, but we’ll be here to make your life easier however we can! This also includes a special permit addition for your purchased parking pass that allows greater access to campus on official university business.

We value all experience but prioritize substantial entrepreneurial experience, relevant industry knowledge, ability to communicate, leadership, and understanding of university systems and culture. If you have not already, please fill out the interest from or copy and paste this link: 
https://forms.gle/Z8kSkZswMdymdkzm6.