The Sullivan Family Ideator Program at the Wond’ry helps aspiring university-affiliated innovators (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) evaluate and develop their ideas by teaching an evidence-based approach to idea evaluation and offering expert mentorship and access to resources. Participants can receive microgrants if they demonstrate a strong commitment to their idea and its merit. Completing the program and demonstrating product-solution fit can lead to further opportunities, such as eligibility for the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps Program and the Wond’ry’s Builder Program.
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Full Program:
Saturdays January 20th, January 27, February 3, February 10 | 11am-1pm CT
Pitch Day - February 24
Sullivan Family Ideator I-Corps Bootcamp:
Tuesdays February 6, February 13, February 20 | 4pm-6pm CT
Spring 2024 Cohort | Saturdays 11am-1pm CT
Kickoff: Jan. 20
Session 2: Jan. 27
Session 3: Feb. 3
Session 4: Feb. 10
Break: Feb. 17
Pitch Day: Feb. 24
Summer 2024 Cohort | Saturdays 11am-1pm CT
Kickoff: May 18
Session 2: May 25
Session 3: June 8
Session 4: June 15
Pitch Day: June 22
Participants of the program must:
Participants of the program have the option to attend Pitch Day at the end of the full course.
At the end of the program, a pitch day will be held and participants will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a group of high-caliber judges composed of business leaders, investors, and accomplished entrepreneurs. Attending pitch day is optional.
Microgrants will be provided for a number of teams that excel in the Ideator Program.
To inquire about any program, book an appointment with one of our Entrepreneurship team here.
This program is composed of 5 virtual, interactive sessions on Saturdays with required instructor and mentor office hours. Each participant will have the opportunity to pitch their idea for potential microgrant funding.
A limited number of microgrants are awarded to participants displaying a high level of commitment to pursuing their idea and having sufficient, supportive evidence of its merit.
The Sullivan Family Ideator Program is funded in part by the Sullivan Family and in part by the National Science Foundation (Grant #1735762, PI David Owens).