UW–Madison faculty, staff, and students have a passion for problem solving and a long history of transforming groundbreaking research discoveries into innovative products and services that change the world. If you are an innovator or entrepreneur working to bring compelling solutions to the marketplace, Discovery to Product (D2P) wants to hear from you.
We are currently accepting applications for two spring semester courses to help campus innovators commercialize their groundbreaking ideas, Innovation to Market (I2M) and Igniter. All D2P programs are free and open to UW–Madison faculty, staff, and students. The application deadline for both programs is Monday, January 28*.
Innovation to Market (I2M) is a five-week course that begins on Thursday, February 14 and meets weekly on Thursday mornings from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, concluding on Thursday, March 14. I2M is ideal for individuals or teams that are just getting started with an innovation. Participants will learn how to avoid one of the main reasons startups fail: building something nobody wants. Minimizing this risk involves getting out of the lab and going out into the field to interview real people to refine what’s known as product-market fit. Speaking to potential customers is the first and most important step in developing a successful business model for any innovation. Learn more and apply for I2M.
Igniter is an intensive eight-week course that begins on Tuesday, March 5 and meets weekly on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm through April 30 (no class during spring recess). Igniter is designed for teams that are further along in the process of developing their innovation. Participants will practice all the steps and strategies that increase the odds of success in launching a startup company, continuing to speak to customers and partners while working on creating and validating all aspects of their business model. Successful Igniter teams may even be eligible for funding from D2P to support these efforts after the program concludes. Learn more and apply for Igniter.
*The original application deadline of Friday, January 25 was extended to allow more time after the recent conclusion of winter recess.