Spark Factory™
Funding and Programs
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Spark Factory™ is a virtual mentoring program that helps founders work through business challenges as they grow their companies. During each Spark Factory™ event, founders present their companies, goals and current challenges to a community of seasoned professionals and industry experts. They receive real-time feedback and follow-up guidance based on their specific needs.
What Businesses Are Saying
Spark Factory gave us the opportunity to work through specific business challenges with experienced mentors. Their feedback helped us clarify our priorities and identified the next key questions we had to ask ourselves, tailored to the stage of our business.
Hannah ZhouChief Executive Officer, LisenID
Each Spark Factory™ event includes:
- A brief presentation highlighting the startup’s progress and the areas where its founders are seeking guidance
- A question-and-answer session with all participating mentors
- Small-group breakout sessions with each presenting founder and mentors
During breakout sessions, founders ask questions about their businesses and receive advice in a supportive environment. Mentors whose expertise aligns with a company’s needs may also volunteer to provide follow-up mentorship after the event.
In one month, you will present your company to 15+ experts and mentors, receive candid feedback on the questions and challenges you are navigating connect with mentors who may provide follow-up guidance.
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 two-to-five-hour commitment over a one-month. Applications are reviewed by The Innovation Space on a rolling basis.