Accepting applications: Entrepreneurial mentoring for faculty and senior post-doctoral fellows
The National Program of Academic Support and Coaching for Entrepreneurial Development (ASCEnD) is now accepting applications for the 2026 calendar year.
During the one-year program, participants will gain experience in entrepreneurship through a self-paced entrepreneurship certificate program, mentoring by accomplished biomedical entrepreneurs, and personalized coaching from a professional career coach.
Academic faculty at the rank of Associate Professor or below and senior post-doctoral fellows with a full-time position at any academic institution in the US are eligible to apply. Costs for participating are covered by funding from the NIH/NIGMS.
The program will begin in January 2026. Applications for this cohort are being accepted through October 31, 2025 and will be reviewed by the ASCEnD team on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Since spots are limited, interested participants should apply as soon as possible at redcap.link/musc_ascend.
Application Materials
- Applicant statement of interest (2-3 pages)
- NIH-style biographical sketch (or equivalent), limited to 5 pages
- Letter of commitment from the applicant's department chair, chief, or primary mentor confirming availability of required time
- Signed agreement from the applicant committing to full participation in all program activities and completion of the program
Questions? Contact