Learn to identify and develop innovative products and services to improve human health with trainees from across the nation.

Tell me about the program

As a biomedical research trainee, you have the opportunity to pursue multiple career paths within academia, industry, non-profit, and entrepreneurial settings. In addition to the scientific and technical expertise you are acquiring, you’ll also need skills in innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) to take full advantage of this opportunity. The E4B Training Program is designed to teach you these skills.

Throughout E4B, you will work on a team with other trainees from across the U.S. to identify and innovatively solve problems in these challenging times. Your team will have access to successful entrepreneurs and innovators who serve as mentors to help you complete and present an executive summary and pitch deck for your innovation.

Nine online “nanocourses” focus on different aspects of the I&E process, and are taught by successful entrepreneurs and experts in their field using real-world, hands-on learning experiences.

All nanocourses are taught fully online in Canvas.

Program Duration: 12 weeks

Time Commitment: ~4 hours per week

Eligibility: All U.S.-based pre- and post-graduate biomedical research trainees and junior faculty. Prior experience in entrepreneurship is not required.

Learn more about E4B!

Have questions? We have answers.

Should I Apply?

Yes!

If you are looking for a highly interactive, hands-on experience, then this is the program for you.

Almost 200 faculty, MDs, and graduate students specializing in dozens of fields from over 25 universities have participated so far.

All U.S.-based pre- and post-graduate biomedical research trainees and junior faculty are eligible. Prior experience in entrepreneurship is not required.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about E4B and are not sure if : e4b@wustl.edu

Am I eligible?

All U.S.-based pre- and post-graduate biomedical research trainees and junior faculty interested in acquiring I&E skills are eligible. Prior experience in entrepreneurship is not required.

Citizenship

Eligible applicants must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States, or have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and have in their possession an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551) or other legal verification of admission for permanent residence. Non-citizen nationals are persons born in lands that are not States but are under U.S. sovereignty, jurisdiction, or administration (e.g., American Samoa). Individuals on visas are not eligible.

Please contact us if you are not sure whether you meet the above criteria: e4b@wustl.edu

What does the program cost?

Nothing! This NIH-funded program is tuition free!

How does the program work?

E4B is similar to other online courses: you log into Canvas to access learning materials, complete activities, and interact with your peers and instructors.

There are some differences, though.

  • Unlike traditional courses, E4B has 9 nanocourses, each focusing on a different aspect of the entrepreneurial process. Nanocourses are between one and three weeks long and require about 2 hours of your time per week. Nanocourse content such as videos and readings are all online, self-paced, and asynchronous, so you can complete content when it fits best with your schedule.
  • The program utilizes a team-based capstone project. You will be in regular contact with your teammates and work together to identify a real-world problem and viable solutions.
  • Your team will have access to successful entrepreneurs and innovators who serve as mentors and help you complete your capstone. You should expect to meet with mentors at least once per week.
  • The program culminates in a live, virtual pitch session where you will present your innovation to peers, mentors, and other members of the innovation ecosystem.

Do I need to have a project in mind before applying?

No, you do not need to have a project in mind before applying to or beginning the program!

You will work with your team and mentors to identify your project.

What nanocourses are offered?

The E4B Training Program consists of nine nanocourses:

  • Introduction to the World of Biomedical I&E (Dana Watt)
  • Survive and Thrive as an Innovator (Tim Bono)
  • Building Effective Teams (Mike Kinch)
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in I&E (Joe Pangelinan)
  • Identifying Opportunities for Innovation (Emre Toker)
  • Validating Your Innovation (Emre Toker)
  • Fishing for Customers (Joe Steensma)
  • Ethics in Biomedical Innovation (Jessica Mozersky)
  • Selling Your Innovation (Emre Toker)
Do I have to complete all nine nanocourses?

Yes! You must complete all nanocourses to earn a certificate of completion.

Can I earn academic credit?

No. Academic credit for the E4B Program is not being offered at this time.

How do I apply?

You can apply online here.

I have a question you haven’t answered.

If you have a question that we haven’t answered, send us an email at e4b@wustl.edu