The Idea Test Lab is a cohort based, 4-week program designed to create an inclusive pipeline of high-growth entrepreneurs and startups in Southeastern North Carolina and to build resilience in founders. These two cohorts in early 2024 will include a Women in Tech cohort, as well as a Bluetech/Climate-tech focused cohort.
Idea Test Lab is an early-stage entrepreneurship course to enable founders to determine if there is business value in an idea. Each of the four sessions will focus on different entrepreneurial design topics such as value proposition, identifying the customer's problem, competition, and market analysis.
This course outline provides a structured approach to guiding participants through the crucial stages of startup ideation, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and competition. Idea Test Lab wraps up with a Pitch Day, where founders have the opportunity to showcase their business idea to community members, students, and other founders.
Qualifications
- Early-stage (ideation stage) company
- High impact technology
- Relevant to cohort technology sector
- Able to attend the 4 sessions and the Pitch Day
Time Commitment
Four weeks - One 3-hour session per week for four weeks, followed by a Pitch Day (will be held at the of the fourth week). If you cannot make the sessions in person, there will be a hybrid option, but Pitch Day is in person.
What’s in it for YOU?
- Connections to a network of UNCW community and ecosystem partners
- CIE coworking membership for the duration of 2024
- Mentorship and guidance; access to CIE mentors
- Validation of ideas
- Identify value proposition
- Cohort experience – joining a cohort allows you to learn from experiences of other entrepreneurs and share challenges
- Post-program support
WOMEN IN TECH applications accepted until Feb. 23rd, 2024
BLUETECH/CLIMATE-TECH applications accepted until March 29th, 2024
Female Founders Cohort
| When |
Session |
| March 11th |
First Session |
| March 18th |
Second Session |
| March 25th |
Third Session |
| April 1st |
Fourth and Final Session |
| April 8th |
Idea Test Lab – Women in Tech Pitch Day |
*Mondays from 1-4pm
Bluetech/Climate Tech Cohort
| When |
Session |
| May 8th |
First Session |
| May 15th |
Second Session |
| May 22nd |
Third Session |
| May 29 |
Fourth and Final Session |
| June 5th |
Idea Test Lab – Bluetech/Climatetech Pitch Day |
*Wednesdays from 2-5pm
