Project Summary The proposed Rensselaer Alzheimer’s Fellows to Accelerate Entrepreneurship in Life Sciences (RAFAELs) program will augment existing research and entrepreneurial activities at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to train graduate students in commercialization skills in ADRD field. RAFAELs program is composed of three parts: aim 1, Launch annual summer RAFAELs courses focused on ADRD translation and commercialization, enriched by AI and data science; aim 2, Launch a RAFAELs course to nurture and evolve startups toward financial sustainability; aim 3, Establish a mandatory industrial internship for each RAFAELs fellow. Upon achieving these Aims, this Program will bridge the gap between foundational entrepreneurial knowledge and tangible commercial prospects. It will empower researchers to seamlessly navigate the ADRD translational journey from ideation to market realization, paving the way for flourishing careers beyond academia.

Project Narrative Rensselaer Alzheimer’s Fellows to Accelerate Entrepreneurship in Life Sciences (RAFAELs) program will provide crucial training in commercialization of ADRD research, providing new courses and experiential learning in the practical aspects of advancing discoveries from early-stage startups and academic research to real-world applications. By offering educational modules, guiding students in startup development and industrial internship, the program equips participants with the entrepreneurial skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex healthcare ecosystems in ADRD in both the short and long term. In the short term, the Rensselaer Alzheimer’s Fellows to Accelerate Entrepreneurship in Life Sciences (RAFAELs) program enhances the potential for emerging discoveries to move from the classroom or laboratory into incubation and acceleration settings, ultimately strengthening their position for future commercial success while directly contributing to the application of knowledge to enhance health and reduce illness and disability in ADRD.