Spark Factory™

Funding and Programs

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Startup Founder presenting at The Innovation Space Spark Factory virtual pitch event

Spark Factory™ is a free, virtual pitch event that offers mentoring to new founders so that they can develop their ideas and build their businesses. Participants pitch 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 critical business questions. For one month leading up to the Spark Factory™ event, each founder is paired with one of our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who help to refine your business pitch.

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 Martin

Co-Founder of Carbon Reform

How It Works

For a month leading up to the Spark Factory™ event, each founder is paired with one of our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who help to refine your business pitch. The event consists of 5 minutes of pitching, 5 minutes of Q&A, and 30 minutes of breakout rooms with mentors. Once you’ve finished your pitch, you can ask our group of expert mentors any questions about your business and get advice in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, select mentors will provide follow-on support to companies who have pitched at Spark Factory™.

In one month, you will:

  • Improve and practice your pitch with one-on-one support
  • Pitch your company to 20+ experts and mentors and receive critical feedback
  • Ask the questions you are grappling with and receive follow-on mentorship after the pitch

At the end of Spark Factory™, you will have expert insights to inform concrete next steps for your startup.

Science founder preparing for Spark Factory in the Innovation Space coworking space
Woman scientist pipetting in Innovation Space lab

Who Can Apply to Spark Factory?

Spark Factoryis 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 Factoryis free of charge and involves an approximately 10 to 20 hour commitment over a one-month time period. Applications are reviewed by the Innovation Space on a rolling basis.

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