Illinois Launch
Ehsan Noursalehi, one of the founders of Illini Prosthetics Team who participated in 2010 SSDP, demonstrated a prototype during Illinois Launch Demo Day in August 2010. See more photos
Summer Startup 2010
The Summer Startup Development Program, a new program formed by the Launch partners to strengthen the pipeline, began in the summer of 2010. Students had access to mentors, up to $10,000 from AEL, incubator space, iV10 boost and more. The Academy collaborated with TEC to create a week long workshop in Chicago modeled after TEC’s Silicon Valley Workshop. The purpose was to introduce students to some of the who’s who in Illinois innovation, entrepreneurship and venture capital. The week consisted of visits and tours to Illinois businesses, lectures and roundtable discussions with successful entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and venture capitalists. Students had many opportunities to network with these potential mentors.
Upon returning to Champaign-Urbana, the teams worked on bringing their ideas closer to launch. The Academy, in partnership with Enterprise Works, provided incubator space for teams. Teams continued to work with their coaches and sought additional funds as needed. The weeks also included workshops and learning opportunities.
Certain teams were selected to participate in the iV10Boost. These teams received $25,000 and specific, hands-on coaching from the professionals at Illinois Ventures.
At the end of summer, teams presented to an audience of coaches and mentors. At Demo Day, teams received constructive criticism and final words of advice before potentially presenting to investors.
Check out the 2010 SSDP photo galleries