Changes

**Host First Summer Session- Summer 2015

Following are an array of strategies that will fully address Gap #2 over a 2-3 year period:

*Description:  Alumni presence to a university is crucial for many reasons, with funding being that which commons to mind most often.  However, keeping a successful alumni network close to the students for mentorship opportunities is one that should first come to mind.  The Tiger Business Alliance will keep successful graduate entrepreneurs connected to the university.  This program will allow for mentorship within the community from those who have the answers, understand where the young entrepreneurs are starting out, and will be there for them along their own journey towards I&E.  It is crucial to execute this program with the right mindset.  It is not a goal to raise x dollars for Clemson University.  It is to foster a relationship between successful graduate entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs- all who have been and will forever be TIGERS.

**Connect students with alumni- Fall 2015

*Description: Already in place at Tulane University is a mentorship program for entrepreneurial minded scientists looking to take their research interests beyond the labspace or machine shop.  This program is designed to capture the attention of undergraduates who possess that drive for I&E but are unsure how to attack it.  To lead and mentor these students, PhD entrepreneurs (both aspiring and achieved) work with undergraduates to foster new innovators and entrepreneurs.

**Connect students with graduate students- Fall 2015

*Description:  The purpose of a technology transfer office is to facilitate innovation from laboratory to commercialization.  This is fostered by various techniques, a benchmark of which is still to be established.  One tactic to raise the bar for technoogy transfer offices across the country is to establish a mentorship relationship between current I&E students and their university technology transfer office.  This could be facilitated through work-shops, seminars, How-To sessions.  All of these outlets generate learning experiences and shine a positive light on the technology transfer office, an entity who, if they facilitate technology development throughout all stages, will clearly be seen as facilitating innovation from laboratoty to commercialization.