RECEIVE MENTORSHIP FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS FOR YOUR STARUP
Do you have an idea that you want to share with the world but do notnow how to start? Are you working in the lab on research that could be a new technology, but you do not know how to make that transition? Are you a startup with a lot of passion but that needs access to experience? The Tulane University Innovation Institute can help you through our Startup Team Mentoring program, which pairs experts in industry with passionate people and impactful ideas to create value, products, and services.
Our distinguished vetted mentors play a crucial role in guiding entrepreneurs and addressing specific inquiries related to both business and technical facets. With a diverse range of expertise, including product development, marketing, intellectual property law, finance, and human resources, these mentor teams collectively provide a comprehensive knowledge base. The mentors within the Startup Team Mentoring program extend their support to entrepreneurs by sharing valuable insights, industry acumen, and valuable connections, all aimed at propelling the advancement of each team's innovative ideas and business goals.
A cohort of up to 15 teams will be selected to participate in the year-long program. Cohort teams will be matched with groups of up to 5 mentors and engage in monthly sessions that provide practical, day-to-day professional advice and coaching to help your start up succeed.
Apply today!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. After acceptance, startup teams will be matched with a mentor group pending mentor availability and alignment. Admitted startup teams will be committed to a year of mentorship from their first mentor session. Read below for more application details.
Who can apply?
We are looking for promising entrepreneurial teams with high growth potential and an idea that will benefit New Orleans and society! At least one team member must be 18-years or older.
Not affiliated with Tulane University? No worries! Anyone from the community with a viable idea is welcome to apply.
Don't have a formed company? Not an issue! The Startup Team Mentoring program will guide you through the process of forming a business. Applicants should be prepared to become a formed entity after acceptance into the program.
Why should you apply?
- No FEE
- Carefully curated experience experts to provide holistic real-world guidance and mentoring.
- Trained mentors
What do you need to apply?
- Executive summary of your startup idea
- Pitch Deck
- Team Registration
How do you get matched with mentors?
We will schedule meet-and-greets between potential mentors and startup teams either via Zoom or in-person (preferred). Startup teams and mentors must both identify their first, second, and third preferences for mentor matching, and matches will be made based on input from both entities. Teams and mentors will then be notified of the match and the mentoring scheduling will soon begin!
If you would like to learn more about the program structure and milestones, email jengland@tulane.edu to set up a meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone with an idea that they want to see enter the market!
TUII’s Startup Team Mentoring program is a free service that will connect aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself to industry experts. These experts can effectively guide you through the intricate startup journey. Each of our mentors has personally navigated the startup process, rendering their real-world insights exceptionally valuable to budding entrepreneurs.
This program is modeled after MIT’s proven Venture Mentoring Service which has helped to launch over 1,450 startups with $1.4 billion raised since 2000.
TUII selects teams with viable product, service, or technology that have the potential to grow into a market-ready product or service over the remainder of the fiscal year and have a commitment to mentoring for 1 year.
Applicants need to complete a brief online application, signing of TUII Startup Team Mentee Principles, and a virtual screening.
TUII will review all applications and deliver decisions regarding on a monthly basis.
Mentor teams meet virtually 1x per month for ~90 minutes.
TUII’s VMS Team Mentoring guiding principles emphasize strict confidentiality with regards to all proprietary information shared by the cohort teams. The cohort teams maintain the ability to determine whether to disclose confidential information.
Mentoring teams consist of up to 5 mentors and include at least 1 expert in each of the following areas: finance, HR and/or business logistics, and the cohort team’s technical field. Matching will take place in October following a series of virtual and in-person meet-and-greet events.
While TUII’s primary focus is on enhancing ideas that benefit the New Orleans entrepreneurial ecosystem, all applications will receive thoughtful consideration. However, all companies must be US-based to qualify for this mentoring program.
During and after the program, startup teams are able to participate in programs and be considered for competitive funding opportunities.
