We help student inventors make an impact on the world.
What’s an E-Team?
An E-Team—or Entrepreneur-Team—is a multidisciplinary group of student-led teams working together with faculty to bring an invention to market. View our E-Teams.
About the Program
Receive an E-Team grant and get training through our early-stage innovator training program. The program provides peer networking, expert coaching, national recognition, and hands-on workshops to move your innovation forward. Our offerings advance you through the pathway you’re likely to take as an innovator and entrepreneur. If you are able to continue with your startup after you graduate, ASPIRE and our investor network are available to help you prepare to build your company.
We accept applications three times a year. See our upcoming application deadline in the sidebar.
Why apply to be an E-Team?
Funding. We offer $5K and $20K grants that are typically the first money in the door. Our grants are competitive, recognized nationally as a source of non-dilutive funding, and empower innovators to prototype and explore commercialization.
Training. We’ve trained thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators in our workshops and have an arsenal of case studies. We have a bank of innovation curriculum that combines lean startup principles with company building, professional development, and individual cultivation.
Networking/Mentorship. Each training workshop allows participants the opportunity to interact with 20-30 fellow entrepreneurs, experienced startup trainers, and guest speakers and mentors. Workshops have a 3/1 ratio of trainers to teams. Post-workshop, VentureWell staff host office hours and coaching series for you to stay in touch.
National Exposure. Each training workshop convenes in a bustling startup hub, giving access to fellow entrepreneurs and our national network of mentors. After the 3 days, you return home to grow your startup.
Do you qualify?
For each cohort, VentureWell selects dedicated science and engineering based student-led teams from across the nation that are creating high-impact inventions or innovations.
Other requirements include:
- Developed Invention. Do you have a science or technology invention with the intention to commercialize?
- Social/Environmental Impact. Could your invention scale to address a social or environmental need? We fund and support innovations to local and global challenges including health, food security, energy and climate change. See examples here.
- Student Team Identified. Does your team include two or more students (grad or undergrad)? Does your team have a faculty advisor?
- Institution Member Status. Is your institution a VentureWell member? Check your school’s membership status. Membership is required by the time you submit your proposal.
Need additional information about the program? Read the detailed guidelines.
Watch what past E-Teams are saying.
Impact numbers
- $11.1M in grants given to teams of student inventors and entrepreneurs
- 699 E-Team grants have been awarded since 1996
- E-Teams have launched 230 ventures and have received $578 million in follow-on funding