Information about SuperUROP(e)

Research + Entrepreneurship = Real-World Impact!

Students interested in exploring the real-world impact of their research to make a better world have the opportunity to augment their SuperUROP experience by participating in a SuperUROP(e), which introduces entrepreneurship as a means of bringing research to impact.

In collaboration with the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, this program is applicable to SuperUROP projects where (i) there is some near-term commercial potential and (ii) the student, faculty advisor, and a member of the Martin Trust Center are interested in exploring this potential. This SuperUROP option augments other goals of the SuperUROP (in particular: research, a paper, and the 6.UAR commitment), but does not detract from them. Students will benefit from the hands-on exploration of the broader possibilities of their work, additional education on the steps to a successful enterprise, and other opportunities at the Martin Trust Center, and beyond.  (Students should note this exploration will add to the work effort of a SuperUROP, particularly after the Fall Semester.)

Program Specifics:

To be eligible for a SuperUROP(e), students can begin their entrepreneurship journey by checking the SuperUROP(e) Interest box on their application. This indicates only “interest”, as final determinations must await the greater project clarity that will be known in the fall of 2023.

Thus, in mid-November of 2023 when the SuperUROP is underway, the student and their SuperUROP supervisor will have enough understanding to determine if (i) the project has near term commercial possibilities and (ii) the student and their SuperUROP supervisor have sufficient interest (and time) to pursue this added work. If so, a student may petition the Martin Trust Center to convert their SuperUROP into a SuperUROP(e).

The Martin Trust Center will evaluate the petition and the student will gain an additional Entrepreneur in Residence advisor from the Trust Center to advise on entrepreneurship aspects of the project. Please direct any additional questions about the SuperUROP(e) option to Paul Cheek pcheek@mit.edu.