The PhD Pathways series, in collaboration with Yale Ventures, hosted “PhDs in Startups & Entrepreneurship: Bootcamp Fundamentals for Researchers,” a session designed to introduce PhD students and postdocs to the landscape of science- and technology-driven startups. The event brought together members of Yale’s innovation ecosystem and alumni leaders to provide practical guidance on transforming research into real-world impact.
The session focused on early-stage innovation, offering participants insight into ideation, funding, risk navigation, and early growth strategies. With particular attention to climate, biotech, and engineering ventures, attendees also learned how to engage with Yale’s entrepreneurial infrastructure and build meaningful connections within the startup community.
Workshop: Navigating Yale’s Innovation Ecosystem
The program opened with a 30-minute workshop led by Shanika Abeysinghe, who provided an overview of Yale Ventures and its role as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation across the university. The workshop highlighted Yale Ventures’ programs and services, including technology transfer, funding opportunities, accelerators, and investor networks.
Participants were introduced to resources such as VentureLab, internal funding programs, and intellectual property and licensing support, emphasizing that Yale Ventures works with teams at any stage of development. The session also underscored the importance of engaging with the broader Yale ecosystem through events, newsletters, and cross-campus initiatives.
Alumni Conversation: From Research to Entrepreneurship
The second half of the event featured a moderated alumni conversation with Dr. Sophia Ononye, a Yale PhD alum and multidisciplinary leader in life sciences and digital health. Dr. Ononye shared her career journey from academic research to entrepreneurship and advisory roles, reflecting on how her time at Yale shaped her path.
She discussed her career transition from cancer research to entrepreneurship and advisory roles, highlighting her time at Yale as a pivotal moment that sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. She emphasized the importance of connecting with one’s purpose and passion, particularly for women and immigrants facing obstacles. She shared her journey of becoming an entrepreneur in residence at Yale, launching a podcast, writing a book, and developing an apprentice program. She stressed the power of storytelling in science and the role of purpose-driven leadership in overcoming challenges and building resilience.
Key Themes and Takeaways
Throughout the panel discussion and Q&A, several themes emerged:
- Building credibility through storytelling, networks, and mentorship
- Leveraging Yale’s entrepreneurial resources and innovation programs
- Navigating transitions from academia to entrepreneurship with intention
- Staying connected to personal purpose while being pragmatic about challenges
Participants were encouraged to explore entrepreneurial paths alongside academic training and to seek environments that support curiosity, growth, and impact.
