This project establishes the foundations for a robust translational, commercialization, and entrepreneurial (TEC) infrastructure that serves as the natural nexus point for use-inspired research activities. Mizzou TecHub is designed to jumpstart TEC at MU by addressing critical barriers through the creation of new training programs, scaling existing successful programs, emulating effective translational programs from Mizzou TecHub’s mentor, Washington University (WashU), and establishing an ART ambassador network. The guiding principle is to work together to establish and maintain a culture of innovation built on respect. A long-term vision is a future where TEC thrives at MU due to the activities and training available to help innovators navigate the complex technical, ethical, and commercialization landscape, thereby impacting society. By more effectively harnessing the discoveries made at MU and efficiently translating them, the University of Missouri will vastly expand the economic and societal impacts not only regionally, but also globally.

The objective of this project is to build capacity to scale to accelerate research translation while also training the next generation of students and post-docs. Underpinning the success will be the culture, creating a TEC environment that is embraced by the innovators and supported and incentivized by the university. There are three main pillars that will serve as the foundation of the Mizzou TecHub, which aligns with the NSF ART outcomes: (1) Student and Postdoctoral Training – consists of two specialized tracks designed for transdisciplinary collaborations to provide students and post-doctoral researchers the opportunity to explore entrepreneurial pathways and how research impacts society; (2) Translational Capacity Building – consists of bootcamp training activities, wrap around support services and funding to increase the success of translational research by MU researchers; (3) Culture Capacity Building – consists of raising the awareness of the impacts of translational research while increasing the number of researchers involved with translational research.

This award reflects NSF’s statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation’s intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.