Runway Startup Postdoc

About The Fund

Runway Startup Postdoc Program, based at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute, is an initiative designed to revolutionize the intersection of research and entrepreneurship by converting recent PhD graduates in digital technology fields from academia to entrepreneurial leaders. This multifaceted program serves as a startup incubator, providing a two-year pathway (12-24 months) that immerses postdocs in a transformative environment, aimed at creating a paradigm shift from a purely academic mindset to one that is more entrepreneurial and industry-focused. The program is tailored for those with fresh ideas for untested products and markets that necessitate time and specialized mentorship to flourish, which is why it provides more than just a few months of incubation - it provides the needed 'runway.' The participants receive a comprehensive package in the first year, valued at $175,000, and $150,000 in the second year, which includes a competitive salary, ample research budget, housing allowance, working space, and more. The program's investment thesis focuses on catalyzing high-impact startups in fields such as Software (Web Marketplace, SaaS), IT & TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications), and HealthTech & Fitness. Runway Startup Postdocs invites participation from recent PhDs who have completed their degrees and are seeking to harness their expertise to start a company, preferably within the bustling tech ecosystem of New York City, backed with funding from the commencement of the program. The Runway program emphasizes intellectual property, offering generous benefits and perks, and active assistance in applying practical, research-led insights to real-world entrepreneurial endeavors.