Blueprint by The Engine

Blueprint by The Engine is designed to help graduate students, postdocs, researchers, and their teams explore the translational potential for their breakthrough research and innovations. First launched in 2020, Blueprint offers two cohorts a year: Fall and Spring. This primarily-virtual program runs over the course of 8 weeks with Friday core sessions, midweek chats and office hours, specifically designed for technologists who have been developing a Tough Tech innovation for over 6 months and who plan to pursue it full-time as a startup within the next 12-18 months. Blueprint’s program equips the next generation of Tough Tech leaders with the foundational knowledge and real-world insights of experienced Tough Tech founders in The Engine’s network. Participants gain the tools to conduct self-diligence, de-risk their ideas, and chart a clear path forward for their entrepreneurial journey. Through weekly sessions, mentorship, guides, and assignments, participants develop key entrepreneurial skills and progressively build a pitch deck for their Tough Tech innovations. The program concludes with the Blueprint Showcase, where participants present their work, receive feedback, and connect with stakeholders relevant to their next steps. Participants gain access to a robust network of resources and opportunities to connect with Tough Tech founders, investors, and entrepreneurial program leads that will be pivotal to their entrepreneurial journey.