The AASE Institute is the research and innovation hub of the American Association for Scientist Entrepreneurship (AASE), designed to advance science-driven entrepreneurship and accelerates the translation of research findings into practical outcomes. The Institute comprises four core divisions: Education and Training, Research Translation Support, Investment and Resource Connection, and Policy and Strategic Research, providing a comprehensive platform for scientists to develop into innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.

1. Education and Training Division

The Education and Training Division is dedicated to equipping scientists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Through specialized workshops, startup boot camps, and one-on-one mentoring, the division helps scientists bridge the gap between scientific expertise and business leadership. Training modules cover key areas such as intellectual property management, startup formation, fundraising strategies, and leadership development. By nurturing a new generation of science entrepreneurs, the division ensures that discoveries from the laboratory are matched with leaders who deliver societal outcomes.

2. Research Translation Support Division

Scientific discovery alone is not enough—it must be translated into applications that improve lives. The Research Translation Support Division provides customized services to help scientists transition their research from the laboratory into the broader field. This includes technology assessment, market feasibility analysis, patent and intellectual property guidance, and prototyping strategies. The division will also facilitate collaborations between scientists and industry partners, accelerators, and clinical networks, enabling them to test and validate their innovations in real-world settings. By reducing barriers to commercialization, the division will ensure that breakthrough research has a clear and feasible path forward.

3. Investment and Resource Connection Division

Access to capital and resources is often the biggest challenge facing early-stage research projects. The Investment and Resource Matching Division is dedicated to connecting scientists with investors, funding agencies, and strategic partners. The division not only connects scientists with venture capital firms, angel investors, and corporate partners, but also guides scientists in applying for federal and state funding programs such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Science, Technology, and Training (STTR) programs. Furthermore, the division will connect projects with incubators, accelerators, and service providers, who can provide critical support in business development, regulatory strategy, and manufacturing. By promoting research innovation combined with funding and infrastructure, the division will build a sustainable pipeline for scientists to transform discoveries into successful businesses.

4. Policy and Strategic Research Division

Science-driven entrepreneurship does not occur in isolation; it is influenced by the broader policy and strategic environment. The Policy and Strategic Research Division focuses on researching domestic and international innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurial trends, and science commercialization practices. The division will regularly produce policy briefs, white papers, and strategic recommendations to inform government agencies, industry leaders, and research institutions. It will also regularly organize roundtables and policy dialogues to ensure scientists have a voice in shaping regulations, funding priorities, and innovation strategies. By connecting science, policy, and practice, the division strives to enhance the overall environment for scientists to function as entrepreneurs.

Building a Comprehensive Platform for Science-Driven Entrepreneurship

The four core divisions of the AASE Institute work together to create a comprehensive platform that integrates education, research, finance, and policy. This integrated approach ensures that scientists not only have the necessary skills but also have access to the resources, networks, and strategic environment necessary for success. The AASE Institute is dedicated to advancing this mission by translating scientific discoveries into products, services, and enterprises that create societal benefits, drive economic growth, and enable scientists to become key contributors to national and global innovation.