2024 Dates & Deadlines
May 13: Application opens for Embark Executive in Residence (EIR) positions
June 9: Application deadline for EIR positions
June 14: Date by which EIR applicants will be notified if they are being advanced
June 18-Aug. 15: Advanced EIR applicants will identify the innovations to build their company around
Aug 15: Pitch competition for the Embark Executive in Residence (EIR) positions
Sept. 1-Feb. 28: Approximate duration of EIR positions
Additional Details
Embark is designed to launch new early-stage companies that commercialize innovations created in CU Boulder’s research labs. Participants accepted to the program will spend eight weeks reviewing the Embark technologies, meeting scientists and attending various sessions about spinning out a deep tech company, including sessions on developing a value proposition, how to apply for grants, what investors in university spin-outs look for and tips from the prior cohort CEOs.
Up to 10 winning Embark participants who complete the program and pitch their startup idea on Aug. 15 will be offered a salaried position at the University of Colorado Boulder as an Executive in Residence (EIR). The EIR role provides salary support for the founding CEO as they launch the company. EIRs must complete standard hiring processes at CU Boulder, including a background check. EIR positions are 33% time for six months and are pro-rated from an annual full-time salary of $148,000. This temporary position is not eligible for benefits.
Select Embark participants will be offered an option or license to their chosen innovation. More details on startup licensing
Technology development funds will be offered to select EIRs in the form of grants to the inventing lab at CU Boulder. Funds are used to further advance the innovation toward commercialization. The grant is not offered or paid to the startup company.
Entrepreneurs completing Embark and executing an intellectual property (IP) option or license agreement will also have access to CU Boulder’s array of startup programs and resources, including the Lab Venture Challenge, Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator, Destination Startup and the Buff Venture Fund.
Embark is a competitive program. Not all applicants will be accepted to participate in Embark. Not all Embark participants will be selected to be offered an option/license, technology development grant and/or EIR position.
No option agreement, license agreement, employment or grant is offered or issued until provided in writing and signed by an authorized individual at CU Boulder. CU Boulder reserves the right to change the details and conditions of Embark.
