Application

The E-Team Grant Program supports student-led science- and engineering-based teams from across the nation in bringing their high-impact innovation out of the lab and into the market. Every year, we award over $700,000 in non-dilutive E-Team grants to these early-stage innovator teams who are developing scalable innovations that aim to solve a large social, health, or environmental challenge. Over the past two decades, VentureWell has provided over $10M in grants to more than 450 entrepreneurial teams. Our 380+ alumni ventures have received over $470M in follow-on funding since taking part in the E-Team program.

In addition to funding, we offer a robust Early-Stage Innovator Training Program designed to thoroughly prepare our teams to discover possible pathways for their venture as they explore topics like business model development, customer discovery, and intellectual property.

The E-Team Program supports student ventures as they embark down the path they’re likely to take as an innovator and entrepreneur. If teams continue with their startup after they graduate, ASPIRE and our investor network are available to help them prepare to launch and scale their company.

Why apply to be an E-Team?

  • Up to $25,000 in grant funding
    Unlock $5,000 in Stage 1 and $20,000 in Stage 2 grant funding to launch your venture. Our grants are competitive, recognized nationally as a source of non-dilutive funding, and empower innovators to explore commercialization.
  • Sponsored training
    Attend a fully-funded training workshop and explore possible pathways for your venture. We have a bank of innovation curriculum that combines 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
    E-Team members have been named to the Forbes “30 Under 30” list, appointed as AAAS-Lemelson Invention Ambassador, and appeared in the New York Times, National Geographic, and more.

We’re looking for teams with:

  • Social/Environmental impact: Inventions that will scale to address a pressing social, health, or environmental need. We fund innovations that can solve challenges including health, food security, energy, and climate change.
  • Science- and engineering-based inventions: An innovation that addresses a pressing social, health, or environmental challenge.
  • 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.

stage 1 & stage 2 applications due: October 6