Mentoring programs promote collaborative learning environments that, in turn, foster the development of aspiring innovators. Mentors can provide access to networks, internships, and resources for education and professional growth. Experienced inventors who serve as mentors can also share insights about intellectual property (IP) protection to help aspiring inventors advance their careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and their ability to obtain patents, commercialize their inventions, and start businesses.
Create a mentoring program
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) encourages companies and other organizations to start their own mentoring programs. We have developed a mentoring toolkit that provides information to help you start and maintain your program, including templates and forms.
Join a mentoring program
The USPTO’s partnership with the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) emphasizes mentorship and expanding access to free IP resources to help build community among innovators.
The NAI’s Global Academic Inventors Network (GAIN) connects seasoned academic inventors with college-level innovators using a matching algorithm. Mentees can review their matches and request consultations with the experts who align most closely with their goals.