Spark Factory™
Funding and Programs
@
Spark Factory™ is a free, virtual mentorship event that offers mentoring to founders at critical points in their businesses. Participants present their vision to a community of entrepreneurs and innovators at the Spark Factory™ event and receive real-time feedback and follow-on mentorship around their mentoring asks.
What Businesses Are Saying
It was quite remarkable as an early-stage company to interact with such a high caliber of mentors at the Spark Factory pitch event. The Spark Factory experience was undoubtedly one of the most valuable experiences (our company) has been through. We now have a heightened level of optimism and direction as a result of our involvement.
Nick MartinCo-Founder of Carbon Reform
How It Works
The event consists of a 5-minute presentation highlighting the startup’s traction and mentoring asks, 5 minutes of Q&A, and 30 minutes of breakout rooms with mentors, where you can ask our group of expert mentors any questions about your business and get advice in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, well-aligned mentors may volunteer follow-on support to companies following Spark Factory™.
In one month, you will:
- Present your company to 15+ experts and mentors and receive critical feedback
- Ask the questions you are grappling with and receive follow-on mentorship after the event
At the end of Spark Factory™, you will have expert insights to inform concrete next steps for your startup.
Who Can Apply to Spark Factory?™
Spark Factory™ is open to founders who are developing a concept for a science-based startup in the scientific sectors including life sciences, clean tech, and advanced materials. Qualified participants will have a unique science concept that addresses a proposed market need and a preliminary understanding of the target market.
Participating in Spark Factory™ is free of charge and involves a 5-10 hour commitment over a one-month time period. Applications are reviewed by The Innovation Space on a rolling basis.