Embark on a transformative journey with the Innovation Cohort Program, a pivotal element of the University Innovation Hub Program (UIHP). This initiative is a structured program designed to nurture and develop potential entrepreneurs from among students, graduates, and alumni who have innovative ideas and the ambition to turn them into viable businesses. We are committed to nurturing the next wave of entrepreneurs among students, graduates, and faculty members by equipping them with essential skills, tools, and resources.
Guided hours : 81 hours spread across 16 weeks
Frequency : Multiple cohorts running across campuses
Class Model : Blended (in-person and online sessions)
Assessment : Weekly evaluations
Eligibility : open to any team of 3 to 5 students, alumni and faculty members
Gender inclusivity : Teams must have minimum one female member
Develop Entrepreneurial Skills : Equip participants with comprehensive training in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Foster Product Innovation : Guide participants in developing over 300 working prototypes that solve real-world problems.
Launch Successful Startups : Support the establishment and growth of at least 100 startups, ready to make an impactful entry into the market.
The Innovation Cohort Program is organized into strategically designed cohorts, each comprising about 50 participants. The program unfolds in several phases over a few months, perfectly aligning with the academic calendar to accommodate the availability of our participants:
Cohort-Based Learning : Participants are grouped into cohorts, each typically consisting of around 50 individuals. These cohorts go through a structured program that may last several months, depending on the university's academic calendar and the availability of participants.
Training Modules : The curriculum includes training on innovation principles, such as design thinking and lean startup methodologies, as well as practical aspects like business model development, financial literacy, and leadership skills.
The curriculum spans several critical areas to provide a well-rounded educational experience:
Innovation Methodologies : Learn about design thinking and lean startup methodologies to enhance creative problem-solving skills.
Business Acumen : Gain insights into business model development, financial literacy, and strategic leadership.
Hands-On Experience : Engage in practical sessions involving prototyping and MVP development, facilitated by experienced industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
Continuous Mentorship : Receive guidance from seasoned mentors who provide industry insights and networking opportunities.
Ideation to MVP: Initially, the cohort participants receive training and mentorship to refine their ideas. This phase includes workshops, seminars, and interaction with industry experts. As the program progresses, participants work on transforming their ideas into prototypes. Successful prototypes may receive further support to develop into MVPs.
Mentorship and Resources: Throughout the program, participants have access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals. They also get access to the necessary resources such as co-working spaces, labs, and technical equipment to develop their prototypes.
Funding Support: To aid the development process, top performing teams within the cohorts can access pre-seed and seed funding. This financial support is crucial for testing, refining, and launching their prototypes into the market.
Innovation Showcases: At various stages, participants have the opportunity to showcase their prototypes and MVPs to potential investors and industry stakeholders in pitch events or innovation fairs.
Post-Cohort Support: After completing the cohort, participants continue to receive guidance and support to help scale their startups, including potential additional funding rounds, networking opportunities, and strategic advice.
The curriculum spans several critical areas to provide a well-rounded educational experience:
Innovation Methodologies: Learn about design thinking and lean startup methodologies to enhance creative problem-solving skills.
Business Acumen: Gain insights into business model development, financial literacy, and strategic leadership.
Hands-On Experience: Engage in practical sessions involving prototyping and MVP development, facilitated by experienced industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
Continuous Mentorship: Receive guidance from seasoned mentors who provide industry insights and networking opportunities.
Students and Alumni: Eager to transform innovative ideas into business solutions.
Faculty Members: Interested in commercializing research or fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship within the academic community.
Demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to pursuing entrepreneurship.
Engage actively with the program’s curriculum and mentorship opportunities.
Collaborate effectively with peers and industry professionals to enhance their learning and project development.
If you are affiliated with one of our participating universities and have a project or idea that aligns with technology-driven innovation, we strongly encourage you to apply. The Innovation Cohort Program is your gateway to turning entrepreneurial aspirations into reality.
Apply today and begin your journey to making a significant impact as an innovator and entrepreneur. Let us help you turn your vision into success
