Biotechnology & Lab-Based Entrepreneurship Internship Program
Program Duration: 11 Weeks (June 1, 2026 – August 14, 2026)
An optional, unpaid 12th week focusing on AI, Automation, and LIMS is available for interested students.
Location: University Enterprise Laboratories (Week 1 Lab Training occurs at the University of Minnesota Genomics Center Lab)
Cohort: 3 St. Olaf Students (joined by 3 students from the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences)
Professional Development Sessions: Occurring weekly, these sessions are designed to provide networking opportunities, entrepreneurial skill-building, and exposure to the business side of commercialization and the broader Minnesota STEM communicty.
Program Overview
University Enterprise Laboratories (UEL) is seeking motivated students for our 2026 Intern Ready Pilot Program. This 11-week experience allows students to gain experience in a commercial lab setting while engaging with resident companies in an environment focused on lab-based entrepreneurship. Interns will receive intensive technical training followed by a 10-week placement within a biotechnology company.
The UEL internship will start with a weeklong module of hands-on training in a biotechnology lab learning lab safety, good documentation, basic lab methods, and sample handling, followed by a 11-week placement in a UEL resident company. As part of the experience, we will provide weekly seminars focused on introductory business skills, lab-based entrepreneurship, and networking.
Summer 2026 Opportunities
- Data Science Intern at Jord Bioscience (CLOSED)
- R&D Intern – Biology at NovoClade (OPEN – EXPIRES: 4/30/2026)*
- R&D Intern at Claros Technologies (OPEN – EXPIRES: 5/8/2026)*
- Biochemistry Intern at GRIP Molecular Technologies (OPEN – EXPIRES: 5/8/2026)*
* Postings may close early depending on application volume – please apply as soon as possible if interested.
- Complete intensive training in lab safety, good documentation, basic lab methods, and sample handling.
- Execute a clearly defined project under the dedicated support and mentorship of a UEL resident company.
- Master the use of common lab equipment, such as pipettes, centrifuges, and pH meters.
- Adhere to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and laboratory mathematics.
Successful participants will possess the following qualities:
- Manage Ambiguity: Ability to remain productive and focused in a fast-paced startup environment where project scopes may evolve.
- Independence & Drive: Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects forward to meet documented goals.
- Rapid Learning: Ability to learn quickly, particularly when mastering new lab methodologies or complex business concepts like Intellectual Property and fundraising.
- Growth Mindset: A willingness to “be comfortable with being uncomfortable” during networking and professional development sessions.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for engaging with company mentors, guest speakers, and the broader professional community.
- Attention to Detail: Capacity to maintain high standards for Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and laboratory mathematics.
- Technical Foundation: Basic understanding of foundational science and a strong interest in biotechnology.
- Attention to Detail: Capacity to maintain high standards for Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and laboratory mathematics.
Stipend: Interns will receive a total stipend of $6,000 paid in three installments (50%, 40%, 10%
- Note: St. Olaf students may be required to apply their Piper Center Internship Grant towards the stipend.
Professional Development: Direct exposure to the business side of commercialization and the broader Minnesota STEM ecosystem.
Connections and Networking: Take advantage of 60_ companies located at UEL to network and build connections within the Minnesota Bio-tech Entrepreneurial and Innovation Community.
- Participating Institutions: Current students from St. Olaf College or the University of Minnesota (CBS).
- Academic Level: Students completing their sophomore or junior year.
- Prerequisites: Students must complete a basic online lab safety training prior to the program start date.
The following expenses are provided as a point of reference for a student intern that requires housing, transportation, and groceries for the summer. Individual expenses may vary.
- Housing: $2,400.00 (Augsburg University Internship Housing for 11 Weeks)
- Monthly Metro Pass: $0 for students who live in Augsburg Summer Internship Housing
- Note: Both Augsburg and UEL are located within short walking distances to Metro Green Line stations.
- Groceries: $935.00 (Kitchen facilities are available.)
- EXPENSE TOTAL: $3,335
Co-Curricular Seminars & Training
A core component of this internship is to expose students to the commercial side of science and jump-start professional network building. Seminars are open to the community to strengthen networking opportunities.
| Pre-Internship | Online lab safety training (asynchronous) | Must be completed prior to the start of the program. |
| Week 1 | Lab Training at CoLab (located at the University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC)) | A full week of lab training at the University of Minnesota Genomic Center. Students will work in pairs on basic experiments focused on commercial lab methodology and preparation. |
| Week 2 | Project Management Skills | Training focused on fundamental project management skills identified by industry partners as essential. |
| Week 3 | Introduction to UEL Resident Companies | A panel discussion featuring companies currently operating within the UEL building. |
| Week 4 | STEM Career Pathways in Minnesota | Guest professionals will highlight the breadth of local opportunities where a STEM education is a key differentiator. |
| Week 5 | Career Panel | An “ask an expert” session featuring bios and discussions with industry veterans. |
| Week 6 | Networking Training | Tactical training designed to help students become comfortable with professional networking. |
| Week 7 | Intellectual Property / Trade Secrets | Exposure to patent law and how IP fits into business strategy and entrepreneurship. |
| Week 8 | Business Fundraising | A seminar, ideally led by a local VC, regarding how tech commercialization and startups are funded. |
| Week 9 | Business Functional Roles | An introduction to the various roles within a tech organization, such as technical purchasing, that students may not be aware of. |
| Week 10 | Intern Project Presentations | Each intern will present their project results and key learnings from the summer. |
| Week 11 | Networking Event | A final, large-scale networking event to conclude the program. |