Can you explain more about what the Business Driver or Entrepreneur-in-Residence does?

The Business Driver or EIR is someone who joins the project team in an operating capacity to transform the research into commercial ventures. This skilled professional—whether an external business expert or entrepreneurial postdoc/doctoral researcher—works directly with faculty to develop business models, refine research applications, conduct market validation, secure funding, and navigate IP considerations. The Business Driver may ultimately evolve into the operating leader of the venture as it progresses through development stages and transitions from Harvard's ecosystem into an independent company.