Tulane Innovation Institute Founder Journey
The Tulane Innovation Institute is committed to helping Tulane students, faculty, and community innovators in the Greater New Orleans area develop their ideas and launch startups. By working with our team and completing the milestones in our Founder Journey, a 4-stage program, you will develop entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to turn your BIG IDEA into a successful, scalable venture.
Already working on your startup? You can also start working with the Tulane Innovation Institute team at any stage to get the support you need to scale.
Stage 1 | Ideation
Test your assumptions early and confirm customer demand. This exciting foundational stage is important to validate your concept against market needs. By submitting to our Idea Bank (or an invention disclosure, if you are a Tulane researcher), completing a Business Model Canvas, conducting customer discovery, and participating in our early-stage pitch competitions, Open Season and Open Medical Innovation Challenge (MIC) Night, you will develop market research, problem identification, and early-stage pitching skills. Our team is ready to meet with you and get started!
Stage 2 | Proof of Concept
Strengthen your idea's commercial potential and reduce risk. Transitioning to Stage 2 will demonstrate that your idea has been validated. Now it's time to participate in our Startup Team Mentoring program with the Green Wave Innovation Network, attend a Startup Sprint Boot Camp, and, if you are a Tulane researcher, apply to the Provost’s Proof of Concept Fund and sign up for I-Corps. These programs will help you continue building entrepreneurial skills, craft a narrative about your idea, establish if an opportunity exists, and develop business fundamentals.
Stage 3 | Startup Formation
Turn your validated idea into a legally recognized business with committed leadership and market structure. You will determine your entity type, form a team, and develop a go-to-market strategy. You are also eligible to participate in our new 6-month Venture Mentor program and apply for $50K Demo Day. You will work with our team to receive investor pitch coaching and learn how to raise funding successfully. These programs will help you scale into an investable startup.
Stage 4 | Investment Ready
Position your startup to attract institutional capital and scale. Reaching this final stage bridges the gap between a functioning startup and a high-growth, venture-backed company. It's time to organize your data rooms, clean cap tables, and secure a lead external investor. The Tulane Innovation Institute and Tulane Ventures teams will help you learn the skills you need to get ready for due diligence and become investor-ready.
