The TI:GER Program (Technology Innovation: Generating Economic Results) at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business merges classroom instruction, technology innovation projects, and practical, real-world experiences. It brings together MBA and Ph.D. students who collaborate in teams to develop their entrepreneurial ideas into impactful technology innovation projects.
Meet Anisha Rai, Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry.
What school are you in?
I am in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and affiliated with the Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB).
Who is your faculty advisor, and what is your research area?
My advisor is Prof. Aditi Das. My research area is membrane protein biochemistry and lipid metabolism, with a focus on cytochrome P450 enzymes, metabolite discovery, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications in cancer and human health.
What initially interested you about the TI:GER program?
What initially drew me to the TI:GER program was my desire to see scientific discoveries create impact beyond the laboratory. Through my research in membrane protein biochemistry and lipid metabolism, I became increasingly interested in understanding how promising technologies evolve into products and solutions that improve human health. TI:GER stood out because it offers the opportunity to learn the principles of commercialization and entrepreneurship while working in interdisciplinary teams. The program's emphasis on translating innovation into impact aligns closely with my long-term goal of bridging scientific research and real-world applications.
What were you hoping to gain from the program when you enrolled?
When I enrolled in TI:GER, I was hoping to develop a new perspective on innovation that extended beyond the science itself. My academic training had taught me how to identify important scientific questions and develop solutions in the laboratory, but I wanted to understand how to evaluate whether those solutions addressed real market needs and could be successfully implemented in the broader world. I was particularly interested in learning how to communicate the value of a technology to different stakeholders and how multidisciplinary teams work together to transform ideas into impactful products and ventures.
Was there a specific moment or conversation that helped you decide TI:GER was the right fit for you?
There was not a single defining moment, but as I progressed through my Ph.D., I found myself wanting to broaden my exposure beyond academia and better understand how scientific discoveries are translated into real-world impact. I was actively looking for opportunities that would allow me to explore areas beyond traditional research while still complementing my scientific training. When I learned about TI:GER, it immediately stood out as a unique opportunity for Ph.D. students to gain exposure to the business world while working at the intersection of science and entrepreneurship. The program offered the perspective I was seeking, which was an opportunity to understand how innovation moves from the laboratory to the marketplace and ultimately benefits society.
What skills did you develop or strengthen most through your TI:GER experience?
Through TI:GER, I strengthened my ability to evaluate technologies beyond their scientific merit and consider their commercial potential, market need, and competitive landscape. I also developed stronger skills in communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including individuals without scientific backgrounds. Working in interdisciplinary teams enhanced my collaboration skills and exposed me to different approaches to problem-solving and decision-making. Perhaps most importantly, TI:GER helped me develop a more strategic mindset, allowing me to think about research not only in terms of discovery, but also in terms of impact, implementation, and value creation.
How did the program challenge you in ways you didn’t expect?
TI:GER helped bridge the gap between concepts discussed in the classroom and the realities of bringing a technology to market. Through case studies, market analyses, and interactions with entrepreneurs and industry professionals, I learned how scientific innovations are evaluated in terms of customer needs, competitive positioning, regulatory considerations, and commercial viability. The program demonstrated that successful innovation requires more than strong science; it also depends on understanding the market, communicating value effectively, and working across disciplines to develop solutions that address real-world problems. This experience fundamentally changed how I think about the potential impact of research and innovation.
How has your TI:GER experience shaped your goals after graduation?
TI:GER has significantly shaped my goals after graduation by showing me that I want to build a career at the intersection of science and business. While I remain passionate about scientific discovery, the program exposed me to the broader innovation ecosystem and the process of translating research into products that create real-world impact. It helped me realize that I am particularly excited by roles that combine scientific expertise with strategy, commercialization, and cross-functional collaboration. Moving forward, I hope to leverage my research background and the perspectives gained through TI:GER to help bridge the gap between scientific innovation and its application in healthcare and biotechnology.
If you could describe the program in one sentence to a prospective student, what would you say?
TI:GER is a truly unique and valuable opportunity for Ph.D. students to step beyond the lab and learn how to turn scientific discoveries into impactful innovations by bridging the worlds of science, business, and entrepreneurship.