All USA USA Territories: American Samoa (USA); Guam (USA); Puerto Rico (USA); Virgin Islands (USA); Northern Mariana Islands (USA);
Important Dates
Conference Date: 04/02/25 Deadline: 04/29/25 11:59 PM ET
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Grant Description
Grants and in-kind services to USA and territories colleges and universities to assist students in the development of technological innovations with market potential. Funding is intended to support engineering or science-based innovations that have a positive impact on the world, are commercially promising, and are scalable. Funds, training, immersive workshops, and specialized coaching are provided to student innovators and entrepreneurs to help move their inventions into the marketplace.
Pioneer is the first stage in the E-Team Program, part of the VentureWell Accelerator. Pioneer is designed for student teams developing a novel science/engineering-based innovation. Teams who complete the Pioneer workshop are eligible to apply to Propel, the next stage in the Accelerator.
Propel for E-Teams is the second stage in the E-Team Program, part of the VentureWell Accelerator. Propel is intended to support teams in further developing their inventions/innovations and plans for commercialization.
Innovations with the following are a good fit:
Social/Environmental Impact: Inventions that will scale to address a pressing social, health, or environmental need. VentureWell funds innovations that can solve challenges including health, food security, energy, and climate change.
Science- and Engineering-Based Inventions: An innovation that is different from other competing technologies.
Intent To Commercialize: A strong commitment to exploring commercialization of your innovation.
Student Team Identified: Teams that include two or more students and a faculty advisor.
VentureWell awards grants to U.S.-based colleges and universities only.
VentureWell grants are awarded to colleges and universities, not directly to individuals and/or ventures. If you are a student with an innovation, you need a team, consisting of other students, a Principal Investigator, advisors, mentors, etc., in order to qualify for the E-Team Program.
Minimum requirements include:
• A student-led team of at least two active and enrolled students at a college or university who are committed to development/commercialization of the technology
• A technology innovation that benefits society (people or the environment)
• A Principal Investigator who supports and oversees the project
• Support of your university (Administrative Contact, most often in the Office of Sponsored Programs) and department (Chair)
Summer 2025 Key Dates:
• Applications Open: February 24, 2025
• Info Session 1: March 12, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
• Faculty/Staff Info Session: March 14, 2025, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
• Info Session 2: April 2, 2025, 5:00-6:00 p.m. ET
• Application Deadline: April 29, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. ET
• Pioneer Workshop: July 24-25, 2025 | Seattle, WA
• Propel Workshop: August 14-15, 2025 | Seattle, WA
Winter 2026 Key Dates:
• Applications open: July 28, 2025
• Deadline to apply: September 30, 2025
• Pioneer workshop dates: January 15-16, 2026
• Propel workshop dates: February 5-6, 2026
All teams will be notified of their status via email within 60 days of the deadline date.
Pioneer (Stage 1) or Propel (Stage 2):
• Student teams who are new to the program enter at Pioneer, the first stage of the program; there are no exceptions. If you have not received a Pioneer grant ($5,000) or participated in the Pioneer workshop, please be sure to start a Pioneer application.
• Teams who have received a Pioneer grant and have successfully completed the Pioneer workshop should apply to Propel, the second stage in the E-Team Program.
Approximately 50 Stage 1 teams and 20 Stage 2 teams.
Estimated Size of Grant
• Teams selected for Pioneer receive a $5,000 grant.
• Teams selected for Propel receive a $20,000 grant.
Successful applicants receive:
• Up to $25,000 in Grant Funding
• Sponsored Training: Attend VentureWell's fully funded training workshops and explore possible pathways for your venture. We have a bank of innovation curricula that combine lean startup principles with company building, professional development, and individual cultivation.
• Networking & Mentorship: Tap into the VentureWell mentor and E-Team network, with the potential to connect with investors and strategic partners who can transform your venture.
• National Exposure & Recognition
