Penn ELITE Fellowship
Empowering entrepreneurial leaders in health technology commercialization.
Overview
The Penn Emerging Leaders in Health Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Fellowship is a paid, full-time, one-year post-graduate program that places entrepreneurial leaders at the forefront of university-based health technology commercialization. Delivered collaboratively by University of Pennsylvania's Venture Lab and Penn Health-Tech in partnership with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the Fellowship advances cutting-edge medical technologies toward clinical translation and market readiness. Fellows serve as entrepreneurial leads for assigned technologies, driving commercialization strategy, milestone planning, and stakeholder engagement throughout their tenure.
Investment focus
The Penn ELITE Fellowship focuses on advancing health technology commercialization by placing entrepreneurial leaders in key roles to drive innovation from the university to market. It aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge medical technologies and their clinical application, fostering a new generation of leaders in health tech.
Program details
Applicants should highlight their relevant experience in healthcare innovation and demonstrate a strong commitment to full-time participation in the program.
Who it is for
Applicants must be recent University of Pennsylvania graduates (typically within 1-2 years of graduation) or students graduating by May 2026. Preferred qualifications include MD, PhD, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree with healthcare innovation experience. Full-time participation and Philadelphia-area residency are required.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Penn ELITE FellowshipAdmissions and application
Applications open on February 9, 2026, with finalist interviews taking place in March-April 2026. Selection notifications will be sent in May 2026, and the program starts on August 1, 2026.
Benefits
Fellows gain hands-on experience in technology commercialization strategy, customer discovery, clinical and regulatory pathway navigation, and investor relations. They also receive a joint certificate from Wharton School, Penn School of Medicine, and Penn Engineering.
Timeline
The fellowship runs full-time for 12 months from August 1, 2026, to July 30, 2027.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
Fellows receive an annual salary of $70,000 plus benefits, along with direct access to mentorship from investors, entrepreneurs, and industry practitioners.
Questions about this program
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts for 12 months.
How many fellows are admitted per cohort?
Three fellows are admitted per cohort.
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From public sources
What the sources say about Penn ELITE Fellowship
Penn describes the program lead's joint appointment.
Source: Glory Durham, MPH, MBAPenn Health-Tech identifies Glory Durham as the current director.
Source: Glory Durham, MPH, MBAAn inaugural participant described validation work with clinicians, patients, and industry partners.
Source: Meet the Fellows Working at the Intersection of Healthcare and EntrepreneurshipA participant described value from cohort camaraderie and varied expertise.
Source: Meet the Fellows Working at the Intersection of Healthcare and EntrepreneurshipThe article names two firms involved in pilot-year venture analyst experience.
Source: Meet the Fellows Working at the Intersection of Healthcare and EntrepreneurshipThe institutional story describes Fellows leading vetted, funded projects.
Source: Meet the Fellows Working at the Intersection of Healthcare and Entrepreneurship
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