Intern - Technology Transfer & Venture Development (TVSF Program) - Division of Research

Internship Opportunity

The purpose of this internship is to provide hands-on experience in technology transfer, venture development, and early-stage commercialization. The intern will be administratively hosted within Research and Technology Transfer and will support the administration of BGSU's Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF) Phase 1 program.

The intern will work directly with faculty innovators, university staff, and external stakeholders to support project intake, evaluation, and commercialization planning. This role provides exposure to intellectual property, startup formation, market research, and customer discovery.

• Take initiative to learn new tools, systems, or procedures on the job.
• Maintain a positive, growth-oriented mindset when facing challenges.
• Adjust tone and approach based on audience (e.g., peers vs. supervisors).
• Evaluate different options before recommending a course of action.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Use technology to organize, track, or present information clearly.

Assist in reviewing and confirming project eligibility for TVSF Phase 1 submissions

Support preparation of materials for the Project Selection Committee

Gather and organize program metrics and reporting data

Conduct customer discovery research, including stakeholder interviews and market validation

Perform market research, including competitive landscape, market sizing, and industry analysis

Assist faculty (PIs) in assembling application materials for the two-stage submission process

Review submissions for alignment with TVSF Prospectus and Project Plan requirements

Support early-stage commercialization activities, including value proposition development and pathway to market

Coordinate with Research and Technology Transfer staff on select tech-transfer functions (e.g., invention disclosures, IP considerations, or licensing pathways as appropriate)

Contribute to documentation, presentations, and internal communications related to funded projects

Current BGSU undergraduate or graduate student

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to analyze information and synthesize findings into clear summaries

Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, technology commercialization, or venture development

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Coursework or experience in entrepreneurship, engineering, business, or related fields

Familiarity with market research, customer discovery, or startup development

Experience working on team-based projects or research initiatives

Interest in intellectual property, startups, or venture capital

This internship is designed to meet experiential learning requirements associated with the TVSF program and may be structured as a paid position or for academic credit

The position is hosted within Research and Technology Transfer and works closely with the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Interns can work up to 28 hours over the summer and typically work 12-20 hours per week during the academic year (flexible based on schedule)

Some meetings or events may occur outside standard hours on a limited basis

This role provides direct exposure to real-world commercialization projects and interaction with faculty innovators and startup teams