Discovery to Impact PhD Internship Program

two students sitting in an office talking and smiling

The Discovery to Impact Internship offers PhD students a unique opportunity to work with the Discovery to Impact team at The University of Texas at Austin. 

The role serves as a pivotal bridge between campus innovators and the industry, helping to transform academic research into real-world solutions. The fellows will primarily support the Intellectual Property (IP) and Business Development teams. Through this program, PhD students will gain direct, hands-on experience in tech transfer, intellectual property strategy and commercialization pathways to bring groundbreaking research from the lab to the market. 

In addition to the gaining work experience and building their networks, fellows will also receive significant career support through the Graduate Office of Career & Life Design, with monthly professional development seminars. 

UT PhDs with a background in science and engineering are encouraged to apply.

Application Process & Submission

Applications for 2026-27 are now closed.

2026-2027 DTI Fellows

2026-2027 Application Process

Timeline

  • Applications Open: June 3, 2026 

  • Applications Close: 11:59 p.m., June 28, 2026 

  • Interview with Discovery to Impact Team: July 20-22, 2026 

  • Final Decisions Announced: July 30, 2026 

  • Orientation: August 14, 2026 

  • Internship start date: September 1, 2026 

Eligibility

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply:  

  • Be enrolled as a full-time doctoral student (at least 9 credit hours) during the 2026-27 academic year. 

  • Have written approval of your research adviser.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to requirements for access to export-controlled information.

  • Ability to be employed for at least 10 hours during both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. This is a 9-month commitment. 


The ideal candidate is a proactive researcher with a strong background in science or engineering and an interest in the business side of innovation. 

Benefits of the Internship

  • Gain direct experience in tech transfer, intellectual property, business development and working with start-ups.  

  • Valuable experience for researchers interested in developing their own technologies, working in consulting, entrepreneurship and biotechnology or tech industries. 

  • Earn $21 per hour.

  • Mentorship: Analysts work closely with the team at Discovery to Impact and engage in professional development seminars and coaching sessions with the Graduate Office of Career & Life Design.

  • Network: Meet and work directly with companies and faculty to help bring their technologies to market.

  • Flexible with optional remote work hours and projects.

  • Engage in professional development workshops with the Graduate Office of Career & Life Design.

Position Details

IP Strategy Support: Prior-Art Searches, Strategy Shaping, and Workflow Modernization 

Market Research: Partner Identification, Trend Analysis, and Commercial Viability 

Technology Marketing: Compelling Summaries, Communication, and Outreach Materials 

Exposure to Licensing: Early-Stage Marketing, Process Training, and Tech Transfer Experience 

Strategic Networking: Professor Collaboration, Corporate Engagement, and Ecosystem Building 

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