Startup fundamentals for academics workshop with Steve Cho
How can academic research become a potential startup or venture? NRT students can explore that process during an interactive professional development workshop with Dr.Steve Cho on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.
Dr.Cho, an associate teaching professor of technology entrepreneurship and management in The Polytechnic School, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, will introduce startup fundamentals and show how researchers can apply them to academic ideas.
What will students learn about academic entrepreneurship?
The workshop will help students think beyond the traditional research project and consider how an idea might create value outside the lab, classroom or publication. Participants will explore how to evaluate whether a research idea has venture potential, identify possible early markets and customers and understand how startup development differs from traditional academic project development. The session will also introduce ways AI tools can support early-stage market research and venture evaluation.
Put your research idea to the test
This is an interactive workshop, so participants will have an opportunity to test and explore their own ideas during the session.
Students should bring a laptop to participate in the hands-on activities.
Workshop details
Workshop: Startup Fundamentals for Academics
Facilitator: Steve Cho, associate teaching professor of technology entrepreneurship and management
Date: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: ISTB4, Room 492, Arizona State University at the Tempe campus
Light snacks will be provided for participants.
We look forward to seeing NRT students at another hands-on professional development workshop this fall!