The Lester Entrepreneurial Scholars Program, an exciting initiative at The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, will accept applications for the 2017-2018 program August 14-31, 2017.
Michael Lester, a generous college alumnae, has allocated funds to support entrepreneurial development and training activities that could culminate in a new product or service to enhance a patient’s pharmacy experience and/or health outcome.
The program prepares students, in the professional and graduate programs, to develop entrepreneurial thinking and creative leadership skills to tackle healthcare issues in innovative ways. The 2016-2017 pilot program allowed the organizers to optimize and scale the program to accommodate greater number of student participants.
Students seeking to join the program must successfully complete and submit an application that includes a project proposal involving entrepreneurial and innovative components. Successful applicants will be put into teams to work on the selected projects. Funding is available to support project-related needs including material, prototype development, apprenticeships, internships, travel, meetings, summer funding, and other project costs.
As part of the application process, students must demonstrate entrepreneurial and innovative experiences through coursework, internships, or projects. Applicants selected to be part of the program must enroll in the Entrepreneurship and Health Innovations seminar (PHR 261J/PHR280M) which will be offered during the Spring 2018 semester. Under the leadership of Drs. Janet Walkow and Alan Watts, students will learn best practices for integrating a market analysis into basic research programs, designing an integrated product development plan, identifying and obtaining funding, and conducting funding pitch presentations.
Our college is known as one that develops leaders – in practice, in academia, and in research. The Lester Entrepreneurial Scholar Program provides yet another avenue for our students to step forward as innovators to change the face of health care.
Professional pharmacy students can request to use the Lester Scholar Program as one of their P4 rotations.
Learn more about the Lester Program.
Specific questions can be directed to lesterscholars@austin.utexas.edu.