Startups

The Seven Biggest Challenges Faced by Student Entrepreneurs

We fund some of the nation’s top university students dedicating their time to inventing something new. Here are the top six challenges they typically face.

Five Trends To Watch in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Of the forces reshaping innovation, these stand out as signals of deeper, structural shifts in how science- and technology-based innovation is evolving.

Powering Women’s Health Innovators and Startups

The field of women’s health has evolved rapidly, coalescing into a powerful new movement. VentureWell’s unique capabilities help ensure that every dollar directed toward women’s health can make an outsized impact.

8 Podcasts We Can’t Stop Listening To

Podcasts shaping how we think about the future of science and technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

Why Wind Matters: Aloft Systems and the Quest for Smarter Shipping

VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator alumnus Aloft Systems is harnessing wind power for more efficient global shipping.

How Prospect Growth Is Revolutionizing Farming With Nanofertilizers

This E-Team Program and NSF I-Corps™ alumni startup is working to bring new technologies to farmers, helping them increase profitability while being responsible stewards of the environment.

FLIPspace in Action: Linking Federal Labs to Arkansas Innovators

At the final FLIPspace: Advanced Mobility Arkansas pitch event in May, attendees got a front-row seat to watch this bold VentureWell pilot unfold.

Designing for Change: How Kit Switch Is Rethinking Construction

E-Team Program and Aspire Climatetech alumnus Kit Switch delivers ready-to-install apartment interior kits designed to streamline construction and reduce project timelines.

Stepping Back To Move Forward: Practical Strategies for Healthier Startup Cultures

Founder mental health isn’t a peripheral issue. It’s a critical factor in startup outcomes.

Creative Funding Sources for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs: Interview With Brian Kerns

Aspire mentor Kerns advises that creative founders turn over all rocks when pursuing funding—exploring federal, state, and local options as well as accelerators, incubators, and assistance programs.

Five Essential (and Mostly Free!) IP Resources Every Innovator Should Know About

Intellectual property is the cornerstone of many products in the marketplace today, providing significant value by granting inventors exclusive rights.

The Impact of Angel Investing: Interview with Anne Maghas

After successfully founding three companies, Maghas realized she had valuable insights to share with other founders, particularly those facing similar challenges, as Black women in the innovation and entrepreneurship space.

ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub Connects Southeast Healthtech Experts

Spoke members gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, to share ideas and foster collaboration within the Southeast health innovation ecosystem.

It Takes An Innovation Ecosystem To Grow a Student Entrepreneur

Angel Teagle was a student at Elizabeth City State University with an idea that would become Car Seat Companion. An ecosystem of resources helped him grow into an entrepreneur.

Mentorship Makes the Difference for Aspire Participants

A transformative part of the Aspire program is the networking, peer-to-peer learning, guidance, and expertise participants receive from working directly with mentors.