Substance Use Disorders
Transforming Tomorrow.
explores cutting-edge AI technologies to solve complex challenges.
We bridge the gap between theory and application, driving
advancements that shape the future.
Our Mission
Tackle the Substance Use Disorder Crisis with Innovation
Substance use disorders (SUDs) remain critically underfunded despite their widespread societal impact. I4SUD is changing that by equipping scientists with the tools, training, and mentorship needed to turn groundbreaking research into real-world solutions.
Our program blends business, medicine, and science to help basic and clinical researchers—no prior business experience required—transform ideas into entrepreneurial ventures. Over several weeks, participants engage in asynchronous learning, followed by an intensive 4-day, in-person training in Baltimore, MD. The experience includes hands-on design thinking, clinical site visits, and insights from experts and those with lived SUD experience.
By program’s end, trainees will pitch their ideas to investors, with a chance to win seed funding and gain an edge in securing NIDA entrepreneurial grants. Graduates receive a formal certificate from the Carey Business School, and both individuals and teams are encouraged to apply.
Multidisciplinary Faculty
Our team comprises multidisciplinary faculty and experts from the fields of business, medicine, entrepreneurship and substance use disorders research.
Clinical Site Visits
Our participants get the opportunity to do first-hand market research by visiting operational clinics and organizations that serve persons with substance use disorders.
Certificate of Completion
All participants who complete the program receive a certificate of completion from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Office of Executive Education.
Adults Suffer from SUD
Totaling around 28.8 million people in the United States.
Fatal Overdoses Occur
In 2020, 30% higher than previous years.
In Costs to the U.S.
Between healthcare, law enforcement, and lost productivity.
Started or Increased Use
To cope with stress related to COVID-19 Pandemic.
People
Our Team
Applications for the 2025 Cohort will open on April 1, 2025
Participant Testimonials
I4SUD transformed my approach to commercialization. Before the program, my ideas lacked clarity, but with its guidance, they became well-defined. The market analysis workshops and brainstorming sessions were enlightening, helping me identify gaps and refine my product's unique value. Thanks to I4SUD, I've honed my commercialization strategy significantly.
This experience has 100% changed me personally. I have branched out in a way that I have never before and I was able to affirm my self-confidence in the SUD space, my flexibility, adaptability, and ambition. As a daughter of immigrant parents and low SES background, business was something that was always "interesting" but I was never exposed to models of successful business entrepreneurs. This program has really opened my ideas and affirmed my abilities to step out into a whole new world more equipped than ever before.
I do think that this made the business model less frightening to me. The instructors were very helpful and kind and understanding... I did not feel stupid asking basic questions . I do think now that there is a potential for my product to be marketed and understand who I need to work with now . It was overall a great experience and I was thinking of creating a company/ licensing program now.
Participating in I4SUD was transformative both professionally and personally. Professionally, it enhanced my confidence in navigating the complexities of commercialization and validated my ability to translate innovative ideas into actionable solutions. It affirmed my belief in the importance of addressing health-related social needs and substance use disorders with practical, impactful tools. Personally, it reinforced my resilience and adaptability, showing me that I can thrive in interdisciplinary settings. As a result, I’ve set new goals to pursue entrepreneurial ventures focused on public health innovation, and I now view myself as both a researcher and a changemaker capable of driving meaningful societal impact.
This course was excellent in helping reframe my academic thinking towards commercialization. My ideas on how to address unmet needs has changed and I look forward to applying these teachings towards future endeavors. The pitch was a great opportunity to apply everything learned in the class: even if we were at the point where the idea was at a bit of a roadblock, it still exposed us to invaluable feedback and potential alternative strategies. The most beneficial aspects of the class were, in order, the in-person networking opportunities, the business development 101 bits, and the funding insights.
Our team has worked on this idea for more than two years. Before this week, it took us about 30 minutes to get anyone even close to understanding what it is that we do. Now we can do it in 5 minutes in relative ease. This has led to several participants who have more business experience than us to offer their help because we were able to a) quickly explain what we do and b) get them enthused. I am extremely grateful for that and would like to thank all instructors, facilitators, and all participants of the program.
Events and Engagement
Training Program
Courses
The comprehensive curriculum is geared towards academic researchers with little to no business knowledge.