Propeller

What is Propeller? 

Propeller is a program designed to help researchers navigate the early stages of research translation and commercialization. Through a self-paced online course, participants learn about intellectual property, technology transfer, licensing, entrepreneurship, and available commercialization resources. Successful completion earns a Propeller microcredential and eligibility to apply for a mentorship-based cohort program that supports researchers in exploring the future potential of their work.

 

Why Participate? 

Whether you're exploring the potential impact of a recent discovery or simply curious about how research moves beyond academia, Propeller is designed for you. No prior commercialization experience is required or necessary, making the program an ideal starting point for investigators considering industry partnerships, licensing, translational funding, or entrepreneurship.

 

Program Structure

  • Part 1: Self-Paced Canvas Course Open to all Tufts researchers, the Canvas course includes readings, videos, quizzes, and other resources (totaling ~8 hours) that can be completed at your own pace.  
  • Microcredential Researchers who successfully complete the course earn a Propeller microcredential.
  • Part 2: Mentored Cohort Program Researchers who complete Part 1 may be eligible to apply for a small cohort experience that includes one-on-one mentoring, structured sessions, networking opportunities, and in-person gatherings.

What You Will Learn 

  • Intellectual property foundations and strategies
  • Invention disclosures, customer discovery, and market assessment
  • Technology transfer including venture creation and licensing
  • Funding and partnership opportunities
  • Resources available to Tufts innovators

Who Can Participate? 

  • The online Canvas course is open to Tufts students, faculty, staff, and any affiliated parties with Tufts University credentials. 
  • Eligibility for the mentorship cohort will be outlined in the application launching in Fall 2026. However, interested participants should be seeking to develop an idea that is or would result in Tufts intellectual property.

 

Get Started 

Enroll in the Propeller Canvas course here anytime!


Questions? 

For questions about Propeller please reach out to: propeller@tufts.edu.