The Sullivan Family Ideator Program at the Wond’ry helps aspiring university-affiliated innovators (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) evaluate and develop their ideas by teaching an evidence-based approach to idea evaluation and offering expert mentorship and access to resources. Participants can receive microgrants if they demonstrate a strong commitment to their idea and its merit. Completing the program and demonstrating product-solution fit can lead to further opportunities, such as eligibility for the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps Program and the Wond’ry’s Builder Program.
To apply for the Fall 2024 cohorts, click here.
Applications will fill up quickly!
Cohort 1:
Orientation : Monday 8/26 4-6pm CT
Class 1: Tuesday 8/27 4-6pm CT
Class 2: Tuesday 9/3 4-6pm CT
Class 3: Tuesday 9/10 4-6pm CT
Class 4: Tuesday 9/17 4-6pm CT
Optional Pitch Day: Tuesday 10/1 4-6pm CT
Cohort 2:
Orientation: Monday 10/7 4-6pm CT
Class 1: Tuesday 10/8 4-6pm CT
Class 2: Tuesday 10/15 4-6pm CT
Class 3: Tuesday 10/22 4-6pm CT
Class 4: Tuesday 10/29 4-6pm CT
Optional Pitch Day: Tuesday 11/12 4-6pm CT
Participants of the program must:
Participants of the program have the option to attend Pitch Day at the end of the full course.
At the end of the program, a pitch day will be held and participants will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a group of high-caliber judges composed of business leaders, investors, and accomplished entrepreneurs. Attending pitch day is optional.
Microgrants will be provided for a number of teams that excel in the Ideator Program.
To inquire about any program, book an appointment with one of our Entrepreneurship team here.
This program is composed of 5 virtual, interactive sessions with required instructor and mentor office hours. Each participant will have the opportunity to pitch their idea for potential microgrant funding.
A limited number of microgrants are awarded to participants displaying a high level of commitment to pursuing their idea and having sufficient, supportive evidence of its merit.
The Sullivan Family Ideator Program is funded in part by the Sullivan Family and in part by the National Science Foundation (Grant #1735762, PI David Owens).