Cowboy Leaders Network
Making Meaningful Connections
The Cowboy Leaders Network provides OSU innovators access to experienced technology-based
business professionals to increase successful commercialization of innovations and
make significant impact at various stages of research and development from proof-of-concept,
through prototyping, and market launch through existing company license or newly formed
startup.
Mentor
The Cowboy Leaders Network provides professionals an opportunity to give back to OSU,
stay connected to new ideas, be part of the university’s technology commercialization
and economic development ecosystem, grow their professional network, and explore leadership
roles with OSU startups.
Business mentors are experienced technology-based company leaders who volunteer their
time to help OSU innovators grow their understanding of the business side of their
technology, which will then lead to more successful commercialization outcomes from
research and development efforts.
Mentee
As a program participant, OSU innovators will have a unique opportunity to work with
experienced technology-based company executives and entrepreneurs who have successfully
scaled businesses. The time spent with business mentors can significantly increase
the likelihood of research converting to impactful solutions to unmet needs, whether
through technology licensing to an existing company or through a startup company.
Program Facilitation
Cowboy Innovation Accelerator facilitates the program and will help ensure that Mentor
and Mentee engagements are meaningful and worthy of your valuable time, in addition
to being enjoyable and engaging!
Testimonials
My involvement in helping to formulate business endeavors as an alumnus of OSU continues to be a rewarding investment paying dividends in relationships created and the products and intellectual property produced.
- Joel Roark
Managing Partner, TechVen Systems, LLC
Managing Partner, TechVen Systems, LLC
“Like many things, business development is best learned from someone with the skill. For this reason, without having a great mentor it is unlikely that my entry into the business development world would have been successful.”
- Jimmie Weaver
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry