Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Innovative Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial Research Fellowship (I-PERF) defines a new career pathway for entrepreneurial-minded doctorate degree holders in science and engineering (S&E).

I-PERF addresses overlapping aims and directives of the NSF and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to:

• Accelerate innovation at small businesses that support federal government research needs.

• Broaden participation in small business innovative research and high-tech entrepreneurship.

• Provide non-academic opportunities to apply advanced knowledge under business constraints.

• Increase the number of high tech businesses started by under-served doctoral degree holders.