Here’s a quick look at what’s available in May and June!
NSIN Propel (Info Sessions on April 28 and May 13, Deadline May 19): Technology companies new to the defense sector are now invited to apply to participate in NSIN Propel, a program delivered by Newlab, Decisive Point, and the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). NSIN Propel program enables the development of next-generation applications of emerging dual-use technology for government and defense. Apply today. NSIN Propel is collaborating with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate (AFRL)—the premier research organization for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber technologies—to recruit companies new to the defense sector with technology solutions that can be adapted to address the needs of both the AFRL and the broader DoD community. We are seeking applications from technology companies working in areas including: smart cities, urban tech, mobility, agriculture, industrial automation, manufacturing, next-gen connectivity, logistics, and supply chain management.
Nucleate Bio (Info Session, May 4): Nucleate Bio is a nonprofit, non-dilutive entrepreneurship program for aspiring biotech startup founders. The program is advised by George Church and Robert Langer, among 100+ world-class innovators/startup founders and investors hailing from Lux Capital, Flagship Pioneering, Polaris Partners, Alexandria, Pfizer Ventures, Bayer, and many more. Nucleate Bio is launching in Fall 2021 in New York. Participating teams will be early-career scientists and business-minded graduate students with an ambitious biology-driven vision. Teams will meet potential co-founders, receive one-on-one mentorship, and gain opportunities for non-dilutive funding and perks valued at $200,000. The info session on Tuesday, May 4th at 6 PM ET is an opportunity to meet the Nucleate Bio team, learn more about the program, and prepare for the application process.
Columbia Alumni Virtual Accelerator (CAVA) (Info Session May 7, Deadline May 11): CAVA’s mission is to enhance Columbia Business School alumni’s early-stage startups through resources and mentorship. Applications for its Summer 2021 cohort are now open.
Ignition Grants (May 14): Ignition Grants are financial grants to assist Columbia University students in launching new businesses, social and not-for-profit ventures. Ignition Grants support the initial stages of early venture development from formation, IP protection, and incubation to building prototypes and creating proofs of concept. Teams must have at least one SEAS founding member to be eligible for grants. Judges will decide the level of funding (ranging from $5k-$15k) for teams based on their applications.
Third Thursday: Mix & Mingle End of Semester Social (May 20): Join your fellow entrepreneurs, alumni and current students for this special networking event. This is a chance to get to know your entrepreneurial community. Come with a question you need help with from fellow entrepreneurs and be prepared to offer your advice to others.
Executive Education – Leading Creative Team Collaboration (June 8): Creativity is a necessary team capacity as organizations respond to change. This interactive program, designed and led by Adam Royalty, Designer in Residence at the Columbia Entrepreneurship Design Studio, provides an overview of techniques that leverage the innate creative potential of your team. You will learn how to establish norms that promote well tested creative behaviors like divergent thinking, associative thinking, and problem reframing. The program will also introduce tools to manage the creative process of teams working remotely and in-person. The lessons are equally applicable for leaders driving innovation and leaders who are simply looking to add a creative boost to their team.
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New York Defense Innovation Summit (May 12): The focus of this (virtual) summit will be on increasing the impact of NY startups, universities, and industry on Department of Defense missions by identifying strategic initiatives and partnerships that enhance collaboration across the community.
Dragonfly Bootcamp (Jun 28): Impact America Fund and Silicon Valley Bank have launched applications for of our first, free, six-week annual bootcamp, Dragonfly, for first time womxn & non-binary founders. Dragonfly will provide you with tactical insights, best practices that can be immediately implemented within your business strategy and a valuable, strategic network. Upon completion of the Dragonfly, you will have developed a strategy to help your team hit benchmarks needed to raise a pre-seed and seed round. More details here.
.406 Ventures Student Fellows Applications are Open: This program is a 2-year fellowship for current student entrepreneurs and founders – Cohort XIII will kick off in Fall 2021. The purpose of the program is to build upon entrepreneurial experiences offered in academic institutions and provide real-world skills and networks needed to start and scale companies successfully. Past student fellows have gone on to launch companies such as Codecademy, Freenome and Je