INVENT Internship Application

INVENT Internship APplication
Program Overview

Thank you for your interest in the KCV INVENT Startup Internship Program.

The KCV INVENT Internship Program connects highly motivated students with early-stage STEM startups to build pathways into Kentucky's innovation economy. Funded by the National Science Foundation, INVENT is a selective, paid opportunity designed for students interested in commercialization, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.

Please complete the application below. We aim to keep this process streamlined while collecting the information needed for eligibility verification, program matching, and NSF-required evaluation.
- Name*
  
  First NameLast Name
- E-mail*
  example@example.com
- Phone
- University/Institution*
- Current Program / Major:*
- Expected Graduation Date:*
- Estimated weekly availability during internship:*
  
  10-15 hrs15-20 hrs20+ hrs
- Are you able to commit to a 6-month internship?*
  
  YesNo
- If offered, would you be interested in a potential extension (up to 18 months total)?*
  
  YesNoMaybe
- Do you anticipate any major commitments during the internship period (classes, employment, travel, etc.) that may affect availability?*
- Which pathway best describes your eligibility? (check one):*
  
  Completed KCV Innovation FellowshipCompleted NKU Entrepreneurship prerequisites: ENTP 201 - Entrepreneurial Mindset & ENTP 302 - Opportunity RecognitionWill complete eligibility requirements prior to internship startI have not have completed the eligibility requirements prior to the internship start
- If applicable, indicate term/year prerequisite was completed:
- Are you currently authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the KCV INVENT Internship Program without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future?*
  
  YesNo
- This information is used only for matching with host companies and does not affect
  
  applicant ranking.
- Current location during the academic year (City, State)*
- Expected location during Summer 2026 (City, State):*
  
  Same as currentTBDOther
- Are you willing to work in a hybrid or limited in-person internship if required by the host company?*
  
  YesNoDepends on location
- Please note any known location or transportation constraints:
- Preferred industry sector(s)*
  
  Artificial IntelligenceBiotechnologyLife SciencesAdvanced ManufacturingOther emerging technologies
- Internship opportunities are posted online here. Indicate which opportunities most interest you below. Check all that apply.
- Preferred internship position
- Before You Begin
  
  We are looking for your authentic voice when answering the following questions. We want to get to know you as a person, so please respond in your own words. There are no "right" answers, and we value honesty and reflection over perfection.
  
  Career Goals & Interests
- Describe your career and/or internship aspirations.
  What kind of professional experience are you hoping to gain through this program?
- What type of startup environment excites you most?*
  
  Fast-paced builder environmentMission-driven social impact teamTechnical/product-focused teamCustomer-focused growth teamCreative or design-focused environment
- Why did you choose the startup environment above? Please explain in 3-4 sentences.
  You may use a personal example or reference point.
- Rank your top three areas of interest (1 = most preferred, only the top three will be considered):*
- In 3-4 sentences, explain why your #1 area of interest above fits your strengths or personality.*
- Tell us about something you made or helped build.
  
  Upload one example or describe it if a file isn't available. Examples may come from coursework, community involvement, employment, volunteering, or personal projects.
  
  Examples include:
  - Class projects
  - Research summaries
  - Writing samples
  - Designs or creative work
  - Websites, apps, or digital content
  - Community or personal projects
- Upload your example here.
  
  Cancelof
- Use this space to describe the example above if needed.
- Briefly describe your role in the example above (2-3 sentences).*
- List 2-3 skills you believe are your strongest in a startup environment. *
  For each, give a short example (2-3 sentences) of how you've used that skill. Examples may come from coursework, community involvement, employment, volunteering, or other experiences.
- List any technical or digital skills you have (e.g., Excel, Canva, coding, analytics, social media tools).*
- Startups often change quickly. Describe a time when something didn't go as planned and how you adapted. Include: the situation, what you tried, what you changed, what you learned about yourself.*
- Taking initiative is important in startups. Describe a time you figured something out on your own without being given step-by-step instructions.*
- Describe any previous work, project, leadership, or other meaningful experiences that are relevant to working at a startup.*
- Resume Upload (PDF preferred)*
  
  If you need assistance preparing a resume or setting up a professional profile, your campus career services office can help.
  Cancelof
- Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
  
  You may submit up to one letter of recommendation.
  Cancelof
- Optional: Link to LinkedIn profile or digital portfolio
- Please rate your current familiarity with the following areas.
  
  This information supports required NSF evaluation and will be used only in aggregate to measure program impact.
- Entrepreneurship*
  
  1
  
  2
  
  3
  
  4
  
  5
  
  1 is None, 5 is Very Familiar
- Business Strategy*
  
  1
  
  2
  
  3
  
  4
  
  5
  
  1 is None, 5 is Very Familiar
- Commercialization*
  
  1
  
  2
  
  3
  
  4
  
  5
  
  1 is None, 5 is Very Familiar
- Product Development*
  
  1
  
  2
  
  3
  
  4
  
  5
  
  1 is None, 5 is Very Familiar
- Signature
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) requests voluntary demographic information to help assess the participation of individuals from different demographic groups in NSF-supported programs and activities such as the NSF grant funded KCV INVENT internship program.
  
  Providing this information is voluntary. Your decision to provide or not provide this information will not affect your application, selection, participation, or evaluation in this internship program.
  
  This information is self-reported and will be used only for statistical and reporting purposes in accordance with NSF policy and applicable federal privacy protections.
- Gender Identity
  
  FemaleMaleNon-BinarySelf Identify
- Race / Ethnicity (check all that apply)
  
  African American or BlackAmerican Indian or Alaska Native or Indigenous or First NationMiddle Eastern or ArabAsian or Asian AmericanHispanic or Latina or LatinoMultiracial or BiracialWhite/Caucasian
- Military Status (check all that apply)
  
  Never servedActive DutyNational Guard/ReservesMilitary spouseMilitary dependent/childVeteran (eligible to receive VA benefits)
- Are you a first generation college student?
  
  YesNo
- Are you a Pell-eligible student?
  
  YesNo
- Are you a career transitioning professional?
  
  YesNo
- Are you a first-time participant in an NSF-funded program?
  
  YesNoUnsure
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INVENT Internship APplication