Faculty members and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for and promote the Faculty Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (FELP).

FELP is a professional development initiative designed to help faculty innovators amplify the commercial and social impact of their research by transforming ideas into marketable innovations and real-world ventures. This highly selective program brings together outstanding faculty from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. Participants enhance their entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy without needing prior startup experience. FELP offers an accessible and time-efficient way to gain the skills, mentorship and networks necessary to translate academic research into real-world outcomes.

The 2025 FELP application is available at the FELP website, where faculty can also find additional program details and resources. 

Key FELP details:

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
• Structure: Four In-Person Workshops at EnterpriseWorks in Champaign and Discovery Partners Institute in Chicago
• Who Should Apply: Full-time faculty and institute staff with active research programs
• Cost: No cost to faculty; prior startup experience or a venture idea is not required
• Learn More & Apply: FELP Website

The FELP website also features testimonials from past participants describing the program’s impact. For additional information, contact the FELP team at felp@business.illinois.edu.