VentureWell Connect
VentureWell
We support early-stage science- and technology-based inventors driven to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
Week of October 26, 2023
Every Thursday, we share a quick digest of stories and resources related to the science and technology innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Scary Situations Entrepreneurs Can Avoid with Stress Tests
We asked former participants of our VentureWell Accelerator how they handled a number of known (and unknown) risks that threatened the growth of their startups, like inescapable red tape from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that prevented critical studies, and strict government contracts that couldn’t be changed—even when last-minute costly adjustments needed to be made.?
It’s vital to prepare for whatever hair-raising turn of events may lie ahead. With our stress-test guide, early-stage entrepreneurs can identify business-related vulnerabilities and design solutions before any worst-case scenarios occur.
OPEN 2024 Call for Proposals Is Closing October 31
There are only five days left to submit a proposal for OPEN 2024. Here are some resources that can help support your submission:
Seize this opportunity to share your tools, trends, and new strategies for advancing innovation and entrepreneurship education. You will leave your impact on new contacts from all corners of the industry—collectively working together to accelerate and advance inclusive innovation & entrepreneurship (I&E).
Less Than Two Weeks Left To Apply for a Course & Program Grant
Have you submitted your proposal for a Course & Program Grant yet? You have until November 8 to apply for up to $30,000 to expand and strengthen STEM innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems on your campus. In addition to funding, grantees also receive professional development and peer networking opportunities to support their work.?
“Receiving this grant provided validation of the proposed work to all our stakeholders and partners,” said Bayo Ogundipe, a 2021 Course & Programs recipient. He leveraged his funding to advance sustainability in his engineering department.
Save the Date: 13th Annual Deshpande Symposium in June 2024
We are excited to announce that the 13th Annual Deshpande Symposium will take place June 12-14, 2024 at the University of Maryland. Last year, nearly 200 changemakers in higher education innovation and entrepreneurship convened to discuss best practices and emerging opportunities, while forging deep connections. Five awardees were also honored for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of I&E within their campuses and communities.
Save the date! Our call for submissions will open in November 2023. We look forward to you joining us next summer.
Join Our E-Team Program Waitlist for All the Latest Updates
Applications for our next E-Team Program cohort will open in November 2023. Be the first to receive updates on upcoming information sessions, submission guidelines, and application tips and tricks by signing up for our waitlist. Selected E-Team Program grantees will unlock up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, access to a dedicated teaching team, and rigorous training through a proven curriculum.
“The early-stage innovator training program truly showed us the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of growing an idea from the lab into a real product,” said AeroShield Founder and CEO Elise Strobach, an E-Team Program grantee (Pioneer, 2019, and Propel, 2020). “It taught us how to think and cultivate our work as individuals into high-impact results.”
Innovation & Entrepreneurship News:
Join Our Team
We’re looking for a senior manager with a thorough mastery of federal cybersecurity regulations, standards, and frameworks. This person will foster collaborative efforts with cross-functional teams to detect vulnerabilities, respond to incidents, and maintain a robust cybersecurity stance across the organization.
Get In Touch With Us!
Thrilled to hear about the latest "Venturewell Connect" newsletter! ?? As Steve Jobs once said, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Your dedication to sharing insights and opportunities is truly paving the way for future innovators. On a similar note, we're excited to share an opportunity with your audience - a Guinness World Record sponsorship for Tree Planting, which could be a remarkable chance to inspire and connect even further. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/TreeGuinnessWorldRecord ???