Food & Health Translator’s Circle

• Program is designed for PhDs or Postdocs working in fields related to food, food production, nutrition or metabolic health, and related fields
• Students from other backgrounds (MBA, masters, PhDs in other subject areas, etc) may also apply, but priority is given to PhD and postdocs. Other parties will only be considered if a compelling link to the core program thematic areas of food and innovation can be successfully made, ideally with a specific startup idea in mind.
• All else being equal between candidates, the selection committee will prioritize seniority (ie, PhD students further along than those just starting), and those with promising technologies/startup ideas they would like to pursue.

• Weekly meeting (most) Thursdays, 4:10-5:00 (sometimes 5:30) PM, Winter & Spring Quarters 2026
• Enrollment in the MBA Food & Ag winter immersion course (first 5 Fridays of winter quarter)
  • postdocs may audit, if approved
• Completion of the IIE Entrepreneur Academy, if not already done
• Periodic out-of-meeting assignments (about 50% of the time), anticipated average 2 hours/week commitment when assignments arise
• Disclaimer: This is a new program! Exact activities and commitments may fluctuate in the program’s first year.

The application asks you to share your experience or interest in the following areas:

• Your background
• Your current research
• Your current startup or innovation idea, if you have one
• Your past experience with entrepreneurship or innovation
• Your overall interest in industry and innovation in your area of research

We will also ask for a copy of your CV or resume. No additional letters of recommendation or reference are required at this time.