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.
Blueprint over the years
Participants
1,611
Teams
736
Institutions
137
Cohorts
11
Alumni Stories
Real Opportunities. Real Impact.
Identifying the series of milestones that will prepare you for commercialization.
Paris Smalls, PhD | Spring 2022:
Founder & CEO, Eden.
Blueprint's program focuses on nine critical learning areas that are essential for founders to build a successful, translatable Tough Tech startup:Intellectual Property,
Intellectual Property,
How to begin the intellectual property process and create a legal moat for current and future work.
Leadership,
Leadership,
Develop your role as CEO, understand your leadership style, and learn strategies for guiding your team through various stages of startup growth.
Tech Development & Product Roadmap,
Tech Development & Product Roadmap,
Build your technology strategically with a backward, milestone-driven roadmap.
Communications,
Communications,
Master the art of conveying your founder narrative to diverse stakeholders and audiences.
Team Building,
Team Building,
Attract and identify your founding members and create a thriving, human-first team that can scale.
Board Management,
Board Management,
Learn to leverage your board effectively for strategy, governance, and oversight.
Business Strategy,
Business Strategy,
Develop financing and business strategies that align with your technology and human capital development in the Tough Tech space.
Government Relations,
Government Relations,
Navigate how and when to engage with government agencies for your technology deployment.
andNetwork Development.
Network Development.
Connect and engage meaningfully with a range of stakeholders in the Tough Tech innovation ecosystem to support your company's growth.
Blueprint's comprehensive program elements offer personalized learning experiences and engagement opportunities, empowering technologists to navigate the challenges of Tough Tech entrepreneurship and make a strong debut in the ecosystem.
Blueprint Spring 2026: 8-Weeks Virtual, Ending In-Person Facilitated Core Sessions (Fridays)
7 facilitated workshops (April 3- May 15) covering key concepts like IP, leadership, and tech roadmaps. Fireside Chats & Networking Events (Tuesdays/Wednesdays)Fireside chats every Tuesday with guest speakers and topics complementing Friday content, plus Networking Wednesdays to connect with fellow Blueprinters. Expert Office Hours & Mentor Groups (Fridays & Ad-Hoc)
Personalized office hours and mentor groups, with each participant assigned dedicated mentors for tailored guidance. The Blueprint Showcase (May 20, In-Person) Culmination of all your work: your debut to the Tough Tech ecosystem, applying everything learned in Blueprint.
“We created Blueprint, built for the earliest stages of company formation, to help researchers assess and de-risk their technology, and catalyze their transformation into entrepreneurs ready to tackle the unique challenges of translating Tough Tech.”
Ian JohnstonVP, Tech Translation & Ecosystem Development, The Engine
Blueprint welcomes applications from graduate students (Masters or PhD), postdocs, research scientists affiliated with universities or national labs, and early-stage founders actively engaged in the commercialization process of innovative Tough Tech solutions. We welcome and encourage applications from across the U.S and Canada to apply to Blueprint by The Engine's program.
Selection is based on the technological breakthrough's merit and potential impact. It does not matter who is listed as the primary applicant; that is simply our main point of contact. What matters most is the strength of the technology, the team’s commitment, and the potential for real-world impact, not job titles or academic seniority.
The program focuses on Tough Tech which is transformational technology that solves the world’s most important challenges through the convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership.
No, a company is not required, nor do you need customers, revenue, or traction. Individuals with a significant technical breakthrough and a desire to commercialize it are encouraged to apply, regardless of business formation status. Blueprint is designed for teams at the R&D and early exploration stage with a compelling technology or idea poised for real-world impact.
While teams are encouraged, individual applications are also welcome. Teams may include up to five participants: one primary team lead and up to four additional team members. Not everyone needs to attend every session, as long as at least one representative from each team is present weekly. Principal Investigators (PIs) are welcome alongside their students or research teams, and potential or future team members can join to test working relationships.
The program is primarily open to researchers based in the U.S and Canada. International researchers with compelling cases are encouraged to contact blueprint@engine.xyz to discuss their situation.
The program is primarily for graduate students and above. Undergraduate students with compelling cases should contact blueprint@engine.xyz to discuss their situation.
No, Blueprint does not sponsor visas. While we regularly work with international founders and teams, we’re happy to point participants to trusted resources and advisors who can help navigate visa options independently.
No, The Engine does not take an equity stake or form a business relationship during the program.
Any IP developed through your research remains yours.
Blueprint offers mentorship, access to industry experts, and tailored workshops covering topics such as technology risk mitigation, market discovery, IP strategies, and effective storytelling.
No,there is no cost to participate in Blueprint?
Yes, applicants are welcome to reapply in future cohorts if not selected.
Yes, all application materials are confidential and only reviewed by The Engine's selection committee.
The program runs for 8 weeks entirely virtually, with 7 facilitated core sessions on Fridays and supplementary Tuesday and Wednesday sessions each week, including fireside chats, networking events with other Blueprint cohort teams, expert office hours, and mentor groups. The program culminates in the in-person Blueprint Showcase at The Engine, 750 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. Participants are expected to dedicate approximately 20 hours in total, attending all workshops, mentorship sessions, and program activities.
If you anticipate a conflict, mention it in your application. The Engine is open to deferring accepted participants to a later cohort that better aligns with their availability.
