The PCI Fellows program offers a competitive and paid internship opportunity within one of the leading academic technology commercialization offices. The program is open to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and, in select cases, junior research staff at Penn and provides participants with an opportunity to work alongside business development professionals in diverse areas such as life sciences, physical sciences, and medical devices.
The application cycle for 2027 will open November 2026.
Program Components
- Apprenticeship: Serving as a PCI Fellow allows you gain hands on experience in technology commercialization, supporting patenting and licensing decisions that are made by PCI.
- Education: PCI Fellows participate in a comprehensive training workshop and receive personalized mentoring. This experience is designed to develop their skills as professionals in the protection and commercialization of early-stage technologies.
- Monthly Meetings: These meetings allow Fellows to network, address program questions, and discover various career opportunities related to the evaluation, protection and commercialization of early-stage technologies. Opportunities are provided to interact with former Fellows to provide insights and advice on alternative career paths.
Fellow Projects
PCI Fellows primarily engage in three types of projects:
- Invention Assessment: This involves a detailed analysis of the technical, commercial, and intellectual property aspects of new technologies developed by Penn researchers.
- Marketing Assessment: Fellows create non-confidential summaries of Penn technologies to support PCI licensing officers in their outreach to potential partners.
- Special Projects: On occasion, Fellows may be invited to participate in market research and licensee outreach.
PCI TLO-Fellow Pilot Engagement Program
Fellows who opt for a second year may be invited to work closely with Licensing Officers as part of this program. Participants are exposed to more complex facets of PCI’s business through an immersive experience.
Required Commitment
PCI Fellows are expected to approach their roles with a professional business mindset, ensuring a commitment to quality and efficiency. Specifically, they are required to:
- Engage fully in the initial in-person training sessions.
- Commit to a one-year tenure, with the option to extend participation.
- Dedicate up to 10 hours each week to assigned projects, mirroring a business-like work ethic.
- Attend monthly training meetings to enhance their professional development and network.
- Adhere to strict project deadlines, reflecting the rigor and discipline expected in a business setting.
Eligibility
We seek engaged, scientifically-trained individuals currently associated with Penn, particularly those with:
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Notable academic performance.
- Keen interest in emerging technology and commercialization.
Career Pathways for Program Graduates
Graduates typically progress to successful careers in diverse and dynamic fields, such as technology transfer, intellectual property law, consulting, R&D, venture capital, and startups. The comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and network connections gained through participation in this program render our alumni highly desirable candidates in these competitive career paths. Involvement in the PCI Fellows program not only signifies a commitment to innovation and technology commercialization but also equips individuals with a skill set that is greatly valued across these industries.
For more information, visit the FAQ page here.
Program Director
Dr. Tomás Isakowitz, a leader with extensive business and academic experience, directs the PCI Fellows program. He also oversees Penn I-Corps, a highly successful initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. This program is designed to support the development of robust business models and foster company creation based on new ideas and discoveries.
Application Process
The application link appears at the bottom of this webpage.
Step 1
Application Submission
Step 2
Review Timeline
Step 3
Interview Invitations
Step 4
Announcement of Acceptances
Step 5
Program Offers
Step 6
Confirmation and Vetting Process
Step 7
Training
Required Application Documents
The applications process requires five documents. Because the application form can only be submitted once, you need to combine these five documents into one PDF file BEFORE proceeding to the online application. The PDF file should be named as follows:
<Last Name>_<First Name>_PCI_Fellow_Application.pdf
Example: Smith_Jonathan_PCI_Fellow_Application.pdf
Within the PDF, each documents should start on a new page in the following order:
1. Cover Sheet
Edit the cover sheet format available here; add your name and date where shown; leave the rest of the page blank. The reviewers use it to write their comments.
2. Resume
Please provide a recent one-page resume (not a scientific CV, but a one page resume)
3. Technology Evaluation Write-up
Written communication skills are crucial for the kind of work you will be performing. You will be required to explain complex technologies in succinct ways using language that is not too technical. Think of it as writing an article for the New York Times’ science section. To appraise your ability to communicate in writing, you need to select a publication below and prepare a technology assessment using this Word template. You are not allowed to pick a publication from your own research team.
Policy on Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools:
All written content must be the applicant’s own original work. The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot) to create, edit, or refine the assessment is strictly prohibited. The program may use detection tools to verify authenticity, and any violation of this policy will result in immediate disqualification of the application.
Publications for Technology Evaluation:
4. Statement of Interest
Prepare four separate paragraphs, each running 70 words or less. Use the text of bullet points below for paragraph sub-titles.
- Why you are interested in the Fellows Program
- The areas of expertise you would bring as a PCI Fellow
- Your ability to express yourself clearly and succinctly in written English
- Your long-term career goals
5. Consent Forms
Depending on the program you are currently on you may need zero, one, or two consent forms. These have to be signed and included with your application.
Post-doctoral fellows:
Doctoral Students
Staff: Letter of consent from business administrator
Master students employed by UPENN (e.g., as a TA, or RA): Letter of consent from business administrator.
Other Students: No consent forms are necessary
Why do we ask for a consent form from your advisor?
PCI wants to ensure that your advisor supports your participation in the PCI Fellows program, and that your advisor does not perceive this as a conflict with your primary responsibility. We ask for this consent at the time of your application because we want to ensure that if you are accepted you will be able to participate. Moreover, a discussion with your advisor at an early stage will help you get a better understanding of how to better integrate the fellowship with your primary responsibility at Penn.
Why do we ask for a consent form from your business administrator?
We want to make sure that if you are accepted into the program, you can get paid. There might be administrative restrictions on your ability to engage in additional work at Penn. It is better to clarify this early, and not find yourself in a position where you have worked and cannot get paid.