Home | Office of Technology Transfer | Office of Research | Rice University



OTT Internship Opportunity!

Rice OTT T3 Internship Program

The technology transfer training T3 Internship Program is an internship and training program launched by Rice University's Office of Technology Transfer (Rice OTT) in 2022, that provides real-world experience for Rice researchers, and students (including recent Rice graduates) who are interested in learning about university technology transfer and commercialization of intellectual property (IP).


Rice OTT’s T3 Internship is a three-month unpaid internship program. Upon completion of the T3 program, interns will gain broad experience in various aspects of technology transfer, especially as it relates to commercialization and transfer of research and discoveries created at an academic institution. This program could be especially beneficial for those who are looking for a career in university technology transfer, intellectual property (registered patent agent, patent attorney, scientific advisor, consultant), business and entrepreneurship.


Interns are required to commit 8-10 hours per week during the three-month period toward this program. They can choose between two different tracks - IP Track or Marketing/Licensing Track.


THE INTERNS SELECTING THE IP TRACK WILL:

  • Help evaluate new and existing inventions from various fields that are developed at Rice and review them for patentability as well as assess their commercialization potential

  • Present technology assessment results in the form of a technology evaluation/assessment report

  • Participate in meetings with faculty and student inventors to discuss their invention disclosures

  • Collaborate with the Rice OTT IP team to review drafts of patent applications and IP actions from the USPTO and other patent offices.

  • Participate in local area conferences relating to technology transfer and entrepreneurship

  • Attend training presentations given by Rice OTT staff

THE INTERNS SELECTING THE MARKETING/LICENSING TRACK WILL:

  • Prepare non-confidential materials to promote Rice inventions and/or technology portfolios for marketing and outreach

  • Perform market research and analysis for Rice inventions

  • Conduct outreach by contacting potential industry targets for Rice inventions

  • Participate in meetings with faculty and student inventors to discuss commercialization strategies

  • Participate in local area conferences relating to technology transfer and entrepreneurship

  • Attend training presentations given by Rice OTT staff

  • Shadow the licensing, contracts, and finance team to understand various aspects of IP licensing and related agreements

APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply for Rice OTT’s T3 Internship Program, please submit a letter of interest and current CV/resume. The cover letter should specify the program track of interest (IP track or Marketing/Licensing Track). Candidates wishing to participate under both tracks are also welcome to do so. Current graduate students and postdocs must provide a letter of support from their advisor/supervisor.

Interested candidates should contact Sharnae Gilmore (sg211@rice.edu) for more information.

Where Are Our Interns Now?