LaunchPad Center Fellowships
About the Program
Our Approach: Advancing Innovation Through Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Drones are revolutionizing healthcare, enhancing public safety and solving critical societal problems. Within The Innovation Foundation at OSU, this multi-tiered program combines academic insights, industry expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to empower fellows to develop impactful technologies that address real-world challenges. With a focus on socially responsible and economically viable solutions, the Fellows Program equips participants to shape a more innovative and sustainable future.
By integrating collaboration, industry relevance and workforce development, the LaunchPad Center Fellowships empower participants to shape a more sustainable, innovative and impactful future in Advanced Air Mobility.
Multidisciplinary Research & Innovation
- Fellows will engage in cutting-edge research in drone-based urban air mobility, detect-and-avoid systems, and autonomous air traffic management.
- Collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate emerging technologies into aviation solutions.
- Access to high-tech labs and simulation environments to develop and test research-driven prototypes.
Commercialization & Venture Support
- Fellows gain exposure to a network of investors, venture capital firms, and startup incubators to secure funding for their innovations.
- Guidance on intellectual property protection, commercialization pathways, and regulatory navigation.
Conference & Professional Exposure
- Fellows will present commercial projects at prestigious international conferences, enhancing their visibility and industry credibility.
- Engagement with top-tier AAM experts through panel discussions, mentorship, and co-authored publications.
- Exclusive invitations to networking events, fireside chats, and industry summits to expand professional connections.
Structured Fellowship Pathway
- A structured curriculum allowing fellows to earn badges leading to an Entrepreneurial Micro-Credential Certification.
- Fellows will develop business models, craft pitch decks, and refine elevator pitches for investment opportunities.
- Upon completion, fellows receive an official certification, alumni jacket, and continued access to the Launchpad Pioneers Alumni Network.
Strategic Funding & Growth Opportunities
- Fellows receive financial assistance for travel, lodging, and participation in industry conferences.
- Post-micro-credentialing fellows may apply for funding grants to scale their ideas.
- Fellows will be matched with industry sponsors to support commercialization efforts.
Join the Future of Aerospace Innovation
No matter where you are in your academic journey, our LaunchPad Center Fellowship provides the tools, mentorship and resources to help you lead the future of Advanced Air Mobility.
Selection Process & Next Steps
1. Application Review – Applications are reviewed for eligibility and alignment with program goals.
2. Interview (if applicable) – Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview.
3. Final Selection – Offers are made based on overall fit, experience, and potential for impact.
4. Acceptance & Onboarding – Selected applicants will receive onboarding materials, program details, and next steps!
Launchpad Fellowship Timeline
The following are the Pioneer Self Paced Readiness steps to completion.
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Module 1: Intro to AAM & Entrepreneurship
Fellow Deliverable: Write a 2-page reflection on a successful AAM startup. -
Module 2: Identifying Market Opportunities
Fellow Deliverable: Conduct a market analysis of an AAM technology. -
Module 3: Lean Startup & MVP Development
Fellow Deliverable: Design an MVP and plan for customer testing. -
Module 4: Business Planning & Strategy
Fellow Deliverable: Create a one-page business plan or business model canvas. -
Module 5: Intellectual Property & Compliance
Fellow Deliverable: Develop an IP strategy and FAA compliance plan. -
Module 6: Funding & Investor Readiness
Fellow Deliverable: Create a pitch deck + 60-sec elevator pitch. -
Module 7: Product Development & Positioning
Fellow Deliverables: Product road map, simple website, and customer feedback. -
Module 8: Go-to-Market Strategy
Fellow Deliverable: Develop a marketing plan + business cards. -
Module 9: Networking & Industry Engagement
Fellow Deliverable: Attend or pitch at a conference. -
Program Completion
Earn the Launchpad Pioneer Badge and launch your AAM startup!
Become a Fellow today!
LaunchPad Center Fellowship provides the tools, mentorship and resources to help you lead the future of Advanced Air Mobility right here in Tulsa.
Apply nowWe’re building something incredible, and your insights matter! Take our Fellowship Stakeholder Survey to help us design opportunities that support emerging leaders in Aerospace.