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ASCEND: Call for Applications

The National Program of Academic Support and Coaching for Entrepreneurial Development (ASCEnD) is now accepting applications for the 2026 calendar year. During the one-year program, participants will gain experience in entrepreneurship through a self-paced entrepreneurship certificate program, mentoring by accomplished biomedical entrepreneurs, and personalized coaching from a professional career coach. 

Academic faculty at the rank of Associate Professor or below and senior post-doctoral fellows with a full-time position at any academic institution in the US are eligible to apply. Costs for participating are covered by funding from the NIH/NIGMS. 

The program will begin in January 2026. Applications for this cohort are being accepted through 10/31/2025 and will be reviewed by the ASCEnD team on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Applications Due: October 31, 2025