By Hailey O'Connor YC ’24

Yale Ventures associates are students across campus who provide critical support to Yale innovators and entrepreneurs collaborating within interdisciplinary teams of staff, faculty and EIRs. These students undertake a diverse array of projects aimed at advancing pioneering research into new ventures. These students play a pivotal role in fostering groundbreaking innovation, and collaborating on the commercialization of Yale research while making impactful connections for their careers.  

Engaging in the Yale Ventures Associate program offers students the opportunity to support start-ups in a variety of stages, facilitating and bolstering their career goals long after the students graduate from their programs.

Ali Hamodi, an associate research scientist, said that “the impact of my role at Yale Ventures on my professional aspirations is immeasurable. Irrespective of one's career path, this experience is invaluable for understanding the intersection of science and business and fostering a robust professional network.”

Hamodi emphasized the collaboration and connection that allows associates to gain invaluable experience: “Personally, being a part of Yale Ventures has allowed me to collaborate with pioneers in cutting-edge technology to translate scientific innovations into tangible therapies. It serves as a unique opportunity to learn the intricacies of idea evaluation, business implementation, and market viability.”

Yale Ventures champions Yale research translation, fostering dynamic ventures and seizing opportunities across diverse industries including climate technology, biotechnology, and healthcare.

For Hamodi, who aspires to enter venture capital, calls the experience a “steppingstone” through the connection with the New Haven biotech community, and for the ability “to bridge academia, pharma, and venture capital.”

Venture Analyst Aaron Turczynski said that his role at Yale Ventures will support his pursuits of advisory roles moving forward. “When I reflect on what my career will likely encompass, I will likely play a critical role among many start-ups through an advisory role. Through that role, I will be able to leverage all of the lessons learned, contacts made, and unique experiences from Yale Ventures to help those start-ups succeed. In a sense, Yale Ventures has been the perfect sandbox for me to figure out my style for helping young start-ups to be the most successful they can.”

Turczynski has supported 8+ startups in various stages during his time at Yale Ventures.  

At Yale Ventures, associates collaborate “with people doing fascinating work,” said Gauri Binoy. The program, while interdisciplinary, takes care to align students with their industry interests; for instance, Binoy is working toward her MBA/MPH at Yale, and thus has a strong interest in the intersection of healthcare and business.  

“Fascinating people” not only includes up-and-coming innovators, but also Yale Ventures’ host of Entrepreneurs and Executives-in-Residence. EIRs work alongside Yale Ventures associates to workshop and advise aspiring ventures, offering experiential knowledge and practical strategies that bolster Yale’s innovation ecosystem.

“The allure of Yale Ventures lies in the chance to collaborate closely with forward-thinking Yale faculty members and contribute to the development of groundbreaking ideas. The opportunity to be actively  engaged in the science while gaining insights into the business side through interactions with the entrepreneur-in-resident network and the business development team adds a distinctive appeal,” said Hamodi.  

Applications are now open for the next cohort of Yale Ventures Associates.