Curriculum for this unique course includes the following features:
- Teams: Teams are comprised of a mix of individuals — students specializing in biomedical or alternative energy technology and individuals with the drive and entrepreneurial spirit needed to launch a business — both of whom will use their unique talents to develop a business plan that can be commercialized within 18 – 24 months
- Mentoring: Teams receive guidance throughout each step of the commercialization process by an Industry Advisory Committee composed of successful regional entrepreneurs and industry professionals. These important interactions increase the likelihood of successful commercialization of teams’ technologies, as well as provide access to valuable industry networks.
- Business Plan Development: Each team develops a clearly defined business plan, which is submitted into highly competitive business plan competitions nationwide.
- Networking: Networking events include guest speaker presentations followed by question-and-answer sessions and networking breaks. In addition to WEP participants, other entrepreneurs from the community, and those interested in starting a business, are invited to attend.
- FastTrac® TechVenture™ Program: The FastTrac® TechVenture™ program is used as a guide during the course. Through comprehensive, real-world exercises, FastTrac® TechVenture™ guides students through the intricacies of forming a technology or life science company through its modules that consist of facilitated discussions, lectures by guest speakers and coaching sessions.
