The Opportunity: A collaborative National Science Foundation Innovation-Corps grant application to train and mentor researchers in launching entrepreneurial startups based on fundamental research in science and engineering, while broadening opportunities for groups underrepresented in entrepreneurship.

The Stakeholder: Rodney Priestley, Vice Dean for Innovation

The Challenge: A proposal requiring the coordination of input from 12 investigators and eight universities across three states.

The Process: Mary Sym, research development strategist, provided strategic proposal editing, competitive intelligence, and graphics development for the 20-page project description, plus assistance with several supplementary documents. In addition, research development strategist Jennifer Speed provided input on post-review questions from NSF prior to the award. Together with the investigators, the team worked side-by-side for several months to produce a powerful and compelling submission package.

The Outcome: On Aug. 25, 2021, the National Science Foundation announced the selection of Princeton University to lead a new I-Corps Northeast Hub featuring partners Rutgers University and the University of Delaware, and five regional affiliates in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

“The Research Development team in the Office of the Dean for Research was professional, proactive, and exceptional throughout the process. I highly recommend them to any faculty member organizing a large collaborative grant.” – Rodney Priestley, Vice Dean for Innovation