Cowboy Innovation Accelerator has announced Cowboy Leaders Network mentor program
Monday, May 6, 2024
Media Contact: Cody Cramer | The Innovation Foundation at OSU | 405-613-2838 | ccramer@okstate.edu
The Cowboy Innovation Accelerator, housed within The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University, announced the launch of the Cowboy Leaders Network mentor program.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in fostering leadership and innovation within the OSU ecosystem, as it brings together a select group of senior business leaders to mentor and guide aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. Their participation is a key piece of the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator and provides guidance throughout the technology commercialization process.
"The launch of our mentor program represents a pivotal moment for both the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem," said Chelsea Fitzgerald, business development associate overseeing the program. "By connecting seasoned technology-based company executives and founders with promising entrepreneurs, we aim to not only foster the next generation of innovators but also create a supportive network that encourages collaboration, learning and growth."
The inaugural mentor group comprises individuals renowned for their expertise and accomplishments across multiple industries, with several having experience in energy, aerospace, agriculture, and One Health. Mentors' backgrounds span various leadership roles within a range of companies such as Accenture, Select Milk Producers, Proagrica, Symantec, FLIR Systems, and KICKER. Their dedication to nurturing emerging talent underscores the commitment of the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator to drive impactful change and cultivate a culture of innovation within the region.
“The most critical foundation in the success of my career was having good mentors,” said Ann Dyer, mentor and partner at Accenture. “Starting a new business or licensing a technology will bring challenges mentees may not be ready to face, and their success will depend on taking an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. Having a network of experts to mentor from an early stage will help expedite the time it takes from concept to prototype and on to launch.”
The Cowboy Leaders Network is set to provide participants with invaluable guidance, mentorship and networking opportunities, empowering them to navigate the complexities of translating proof-of-concept technologies into commercially valuable products and services and associated business models. Mentored technologies and teams, improve their ability to secure successful licenses to companies, or create startups able to attract venture capital. Through a series of structured engagements and relationships built, mentees will benefit from personalized insights, industry knowledge and strategic counsel tailored to their unique technologies and marketing opportunities.
The Cowboy Innovation Accelerator’s mission is to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development within Oklahoma and beyond. The launch of the Cowboy Leaders Network signifies a step forward in this endeavor.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the commencement of this transformative resource," Fitzgerald said. "The collective expertise and passion of our mentors will undoubtedly inspire, empower and propel our community's brightest minds toward realizing their full potential."
Learn about the Cowboy Leaders Network mentor program and the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator online.