Technology Commercialization Fellowship Program

ERDCWERX, in partnership with Jackson State University (JSU), offers a compensated fellowship program
designed to introduce emerging professionals to the fast-growing field of technology transfer and commercialization.

Apply Now
  • Vicksburg, Mississippi
  • Compensated Program
  • Rolling Applications
  • MS HBCU Recent Graduates/Seniors

Program Overview

This fellowship offers hands-on experience with real-world technologies developed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and other federal entities.  Fellows gain direct insight into how patented innovations move from the lab to the marketplace through strategic planning, market research, intellectual property management, and stakeholder engagement. The program integrates business, science, and legal perspectives while providing mentorship and professional development in a mission-driven, innovation-focused environment.

Who Should Apply?

Senior students set to graduate and/or those pursuing a post graduate degree from Mississippi Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are encouraged to apply.

Candidate Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (completed or in progress) in a business-related field
  • Eligible to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance
  • Able to pass a background check conducted by ERDCWERX
  • Enjoys collaborative, fast-paced, mission-driven environments
  • Is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable multitasking
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Program Activities

  • Review and promote ERDC patents available for licensing
  • Conduct market research and develop commercialization strategies
  • Connect with licensing prospects and support patent applications
  • Collaborate with ERDC and JSU technology transfer staff

Focus Areas

Market Analysis

IP Strategy

Technology Promotion

Business Strategy

Licensing & Commercialization

Industry Engagement

Application & Program Timeline

Spring Fellowship

  • Application Review

October-November

  • Selection Notification

No later than November 30

  • Program Dates

January-May

Fall Fellowship

  • Application Review

June-July

  • Selection Notification

No later than July 31

  • Program Dates

August-December

Are You Ready to Apply?

Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed during scheduled fellowship cycles.

Start Your Application

Jackson State University (JSU) is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Jackson, Mississippi and is designated as Mississippi’s Urban University. It is one of the largest HBCUs in the United States and is primarily recognized for incorporating technology and cutting-edge research into every aspect of its curriculum. The Division of Research and Economic Development manages the technology transfer, licensing, and commercialization process at Jackson State University.

ERDCWERX is a growing innovation hub that serves the technology transfer and technology transition goals of its government partner, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Located in close proximity to ERDC’s facilities in Vicksburg, Mississippi, ERDCWERX is a major tenant of the Mississippi Center of Innovation and Technology (MCITy). DEFENSEWERX, the ERDCWERX parent organization, is a private not-for-profit organization with additional federal government partners including Special Operations Command, Air Force Research Labs and Air University, Army Cyber, Naval Post Graduate School, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

ERDC Logo

ERDC is the premier research and development center for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With seven research labs and multiple field offices, ERDC delivers innovative solutions that address the nation’s toughest challenges in military engineering, installations and operational environments, civil works, geospatial research and engineering, and engineered resilient systems.