Creating bioentrepreneurs: How graduate student organisations foster science entrepreneurship

Abstract

Despite an increase in life science technology commercialisation and venture creation, graduate schools have largely failed to provide ample opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and experience in bioentrepreneurship. Postdoctoral trainees and graduate students have recognised this educational gap, as well as a role in complementing university-run bioentrepreneurship programmes, and formed student organisations that foster bioentrepreneurship education. These groups are uniquely positioned to facilitate campus bioentrepreneurship. This paper identifies life science graduate student organisations and examines how these groups promote bioentrepreneurship in their respective communities. This report also discusses the challenges and advantages of student groups, and identifies best practices for development of bioentrepreneurship programmes. Furthermore, the authors propose a framework for identifying gaps in bioentrepreneurship education.