The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has untapped potential for the commercialization of its research and ideas. In 2012, UAB implemented a novel Invention to Innovation (i2i) program with the support of NCIIA Course and Program funding. The i2i program accomplished three key objectives: (1) scout innovative inventions with strong commercial potential from sources such as existing UAB intellectual property and adjacent possible ideas (i.e., ideas arising from existing technologies); (2) educate scientists and potential (student) entrepreneurs in technology innovation through classroom instruction and experiential learning in the UAB Graduate Certificate in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship; and (3) engage mentors from local business networks to connect regularly with E-Teams to stimulate creativity and business networking. This content will advance the field of invention, innovation and entrepreneurship education by describing the key elements of the program design, integrating entrepreneurship education to cross-disciplinary teams of scientists and graduate students.

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