NIST - ATP Entrepreneur Training Program

This ATP-funded program, managed by Larta Institute, assisted early stage companies, startups, and emerging university technologies in various high-tech industries to learn about the business issues related to technology innovation and commercialization. The program began in late March 2006 and comprised of training workshops, individual mentoring and coaching sessions, and showcase events in which companies will present their technologies to the investment community, potential strategic partners and licensees. The program was provided free of charge to ATP awardee organizations.

Kick Off Event : ATP Entrepreneur Education Workshop

The ATP Entrepreneur Training Program began with a 2-day workshop (one in Los Angeles, one in Boston) that provided participants a comprehensive roadmap designed to assist them in moving their technologies to the marketplace. On the first day, workshop participants heard from experts on several business practice topics through interactive discussions and presentations from Larta's subject matter experts.

On the second day, participants received individualized mentoring from targeted Larta advisors to help the participants complete a refined business case presentation. Participants rehearsed their business case presentation in front of Larta expert mentors who observed the participants and provided them with on-the-spot feedback. Larta's mentors then critiqued each presentation based on criteria ranging from presentation skills and style to the business case content/strategy.

The workshops took place in Los Angeles on March 27-28, 2006 and in Boston on March 30-31, 2006.

Showcase Events:

The most promising companies or university-related technology companies from each workshop location were selected and invited to showcase their companies at the Venture Forum 2006 conference on June 28-29, 2006.

Deadline to Apply: Applications to participate in the ATP Entrepreneur Training Program closed on February 24, 2006.

About the Sponsor:

The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) bridges the gap between the research lab and the market place, stimulating prosperity through innovation. Through partnerships with the private sector, ATP's early stage investment is accelerating the development of innovative technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs and widespread benefits for the nation. As part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the ATP is changing the way industry approaches R&D, providing a mechanism for industry to extend its technological reach and push out the envelope of what can be attempted.

Larta provides its services to federal agencies as a MOBIS contractor under schedule 874 of the GSA schedule.

For questions about ATP program sponsorship, you may contact Dr. Andrew Wang at andrew.wang@nist.gov or 301-975-5374.