UNION, N.J. — The Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE) at Kean University launched the Entrepreneur Training Program to build the next generation of life sciences companies in New Jersey. Funded by the US Small Business Administration, the ETP combines hands-on, mentor-guided learning with leadership development in a unique way, developing the entrepreneur along with the new startup.
“ILSE’s new Entrepreneur Training Program provides entrepreneurs with training not found in traditional programs. We developed ETP from discussions with hundreds of entrepreneurs, startups, venture investors, university innovation groups, accelerators, and executive education programs, and from our own experiences in starting successfully funded companies,” said Thomas Richardson, Ph.D., ILSE President. “There are many great programs to help entrepreneurs to develop products and expose them to the nuts and bolts of forming startups. We haven’t seen one with a strong enough focus on leadership development. The technical and analytical talents found in life science entrepreneurs are incredible, but the most successful companies also have strong soft skills critical to success.”
“Participants completing ETP will emerge fully equipped to launch their life sciences ventures,” said Keith Bostian, Ph.D., ILSE CEO and Associate Provost for Science and Technology at Kean University, where ILSE is located. “They will register a company, develop the value proposition and robust pitch materials, and pursue funding pathways. Our training modules on leadership will make entrepreneurs more likely to succeed. ETP and formalized training comprise an outstanding extension of the ILSE mission.”
The Program is open to prospective and current entrepreneurs and begins in August 2025. Applications are now open for participants, and ILSE is actively recruiting Mentors and Instructors. To apply, visit the ILSE website or use one of the following links:
Program participants apply here. Applications are due May 23.
Mentors and Instructors register here. The early registration deadline is April 15.
In addition to entrepreneur training, ILSE provides startup services and acceleration, including research and grant writing support. In the past 5 years, companies at ILSE have raised $43M in grants from both federal sources and the state of New Jersey, including SBIRs and related, and collectively employ about 40 scientists on-site in Union, NJ. ILSE also supports translational research by providing incubator space, consulting expertise directly and via a network of global life-science experts and a core lab network of R&D service organizations.
About the Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship
The Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE) at Kean University is a non-profit organization located in Union, N.J., USA. Located in Kean’s STEM building, ILSE provides incubator space and accelerator services to life science companies and is also a science-driven and translational research institute working in partnership with major academic, non-profit, and corporate organizations and with entrepreneurs and regional institutions. ILSE is also an accelerator in the CARB-X Global Accelerator Network. We provide knowhow, diagnostics expertise, business strategy, and other support to CARB-X’s growing portfolio of innovative antibacterial development projects. Visit https://ilsebio.com/
About Kean University
Founded in 1855, Kean University is one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving more than 16,000 students. The University’s six undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers six doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
CONTACT:
Thomas Richardson, PhD
President, ILSE
[email protected]
