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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

Questions?

Questions about the FoundHer 3 Minute Spotlight program may be directed to inQbationlab@northwestern.edu