"Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship-the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth."  -Peter F. Drucker

CRDF's Technology Entrepreneurship Development Program (TEDP) -- formerly known as the CRDF Partner Development Program -- supports the development of knowledge-based free-market economy in Russia and other emerging markets. Working with innovative companies abroad, TEDP activities benefit U.S. companies by making foreign markets more open to U.S. exports and investment, thus contributing to job creation and economic growth in the United States. TEDP also offers U.S. business and technology communities access to leading-edge innovations and a growing network of technology entrepreneurs.

At the same time, TEDP provides technology entrepreneurs from Russia and other emerging markets with effective training and mentorship necessary to build viable enterprises, become familiar with intellectual property protection issues, and connect with potential partners, investors and service providers. CRDF's Business Mentors Network assists the organization with this mission. This network is comprised of business leaders, successful entrepreneurs, practicing investors, business development and technology commercialization experts.

CRDF’s Science & Technology Entrepreneur Program (STEP) introduces local   businesses and investors to innovation and seed new science-business partnerships that assist both local and international business to remain competitive.  STEP training, events, and competitions assist scientists and engineers abroad to engage with business and industry.  STEP activities create links between the research community and local businesses, establishing a market-driven R&D system that increases efficiency, introduces new products, and solves existing problems.  The benefit of these joint ventures goes well beyond profit margins, as new technical jobs are created — jobs that meet the needs of the community and that grow in number as the consumer economy expands.