FoundHer 3 Minute Spotlight
The FoundHer 3 Minute Spotlight is an exciting new opportunity for Northwestern researchers interested in commercialization to level up their communication skills.
Inspired by the University of Queensland's Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, this program offers an opportunity for early-career women scientists (PhDs, postdocs and research professors) to pitch a Northwestern technology and its potential commercialization impact, highlighting a single application.
Eight Northwestern participants across two tracks—4 Life Science and 4 Physical Science—will be selected to attend a series of communication workshops and receive 1:1 mentorship with seasoned coaches. With the training, the competitors will prepare a 3-minute presentation on their NU research (or another university technology that excites them, pending PI approval).
The program will culminate in a showcase of the 8 participants giving their 3-Minute Spotlight pitch in front of live audience and a panel of experts.
Applications to participate will open December 2024.
Eligibility:
- Must be enrolled in a Northwestern PhD or MS program OR be employed as a post-doc or non-tenured track faculty
- Must present a Northwestern technology in either the life or physical sciences. Technology with filed patents is preferred.
- Must have PI approval to represent the technology
- Must participate in workshops, office hours, final showcase (to be scheduled in Jan-March 2025)
Prizes will be awarded to the top three presenters at the FoundHer 3-Minute Spotlight Showcase.
To receive information and updates about this program, please complete this form.
Program Goals
- Enhance executive presence and elevate presentation/storytelling skills
- Cultivate a translational mindset (view research through a commercialization lens)
- Grow network of women scientist entrepreneur peers, mentors, investors, and industry experts