Innovation Pathway

Offered:
All year-round
Open To:
All BU students and to alumni within one year of graduation (See Requirements)
Application Deadline:
Rolling – Click here to apply anytime
Upcoming Innovation Pathway Events:
Click here to explore

Innovation Pathway Lunch spring 2022

About The Program

The Innovation Pathway is a self-paced program that supports ventures of all kinds created by current BU students and alumni who have graduated within the last year. All schools, majors, and education levels are welcome to apply!

It’s perfect for ideas with a sustainable business model – think for-profit startups or nonprofit organizations. It is NOT for one-time projects like events.

Once accepted, you’ll work toward program milestones at your own pace. Midterms have you pressed for time? No worries. We’ll still be here when they’re over.

Each milestone unlocks funding and additional resources to fuel your progress. For even more support, you’ll be matched with a coach, given access to our Innovation Pathway Handbook, and added to our online community.

(P.S. Did you know you can get special, early access to our Innovation Pathway Handbook? Just fill out the form at the top of this page and we’ll send it to you right away!)

By joining the Innovation Pathway (IP), you’ll get:

  • Up to $4,750 in funding
  • A dedicated coach to support your progress
  • Access to the Innovation Pathway handbook, a curated set of articles, videos, and other content to support your venture development
  • Discounts on subscription services that are helpful for your business like AWS and Scroobious
  • Exclusive access to workshops and guest speakers
  • A listing on our website (view the Innovation Pathway teams here) 
  • And more!

IP is for you if:

  • ✅ You’re ready to take your for-profit or nonprofit venture from thinking to doing
  • ✅ You have evidence (see requirements) that your idea has potential
  • ✅ You are a current BU student or alumni within one year of graduation

IP is NOT for you if:

  • ❌ Your idea is a one-time project, not a sustainable business model
  • ❌ You have not completed the research required to be considered
  • ❌ You don’t have an idea for a venture yet

The Application Process

    1. Read the application requirements and FAQs page.
    2. Complete an application form.
    3. If your idea meets the requirements, you’ll be invited to an Application Interview and be asked to choose a date.
    4. Complete the Application Interview and await the results.

Apply Today!

Important program dates

Application interview dates

Application interviews are a 10 minute pitch followed by 10 minutes of Q&A. Please review the Walk stage criteria here to see what we’re looking for in an application interview pitch. Apply here.  

  • Monday, January 29th, 10am-1:30pm
  • Monday, February 20th, 10am-1:30pm
  • Monday, March 18th, 10am-1:30pm
  • Monday, April 8th, 10am-1:30pm
  • Monday, April 29th, 10am-1:30pm

Investment panel dates

Investment panels are how teams advance in the Innovation Pathway program and unlock funding. Apply here (for currently eligible and active teams only)

  • Wednesday, January 24, 2024
  • Wednesday, February 14, 2024
  • Wednesday, March 6, 2024
  • Wednesday, April 3, 2024
  • Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Advancement ceremony dates
Advancement ceremonies are lunches (open to the community) where new teams or teams that have recently advanced get to tell the community about their business. Register here (open to all)

  • Wednesday, February 28, 2024
  • Wednesday, March 27, 2024
  • Wednesday, April 17, 2024


Details & FAQs

Explore

Meet the Teams on the Pathway

Meet the teams