The Venture Catalyst Program (VCP) is a dynamic training ground for those interested to immerse themselves in the world of academic technology transfer and commercialization. This program bridges the gap between academic discoveries and practical business acumen. The initiative facilitates the relationship between UNC-affiliated startups and entrepreneurial fellows, offering unique experiential learning, educational foundation, and ecosystem networking. He applied and was selected as a VCP fellow for the 2023- 2024 cohort, where he is currently supporting the commercialization efforts, market analysis, and company valuation of a UNC-based technology. The program training experience is solidified through foundational courses, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of technology commercialization and university startups. In addition, Darex receives one-on-one mentorship from entrepreneurial and subject matter experts in the startups’ field with assistance and guidance to facilitate an optimal integration of academic and business mindsets. The VCP covers an outstanding training program to support his interests in translating research discoveries into value-added solutions, specifically in the allosteric drug design field.
Here’s a link to the program website: https://innovate.unc.edu/venture-catalyst-program/
Here’s a link to Darex’s profile: https://innovate.unc.edu/team_member/darex-j-vera-rodriguez/