Turning Tough Tech breakthroughs into Tough Tech startups.
Blueprint, by The Engine is a non-resident program for graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and their teams, to explore the commercial opportunities of their breakthroughs and startup projects.
First launched in 2020, Blueprint offers two cohorts a year: Fall and Spring. The program runs over the course of 6 weeks.
The program helps the next generation of Tough Tech leaders navigate the commercialization process through tailored programming which covers a wide array of critical topics, from technology risk mitigation and experimentation planning to market discovery, IP strategies, and effective storytelling, all through a lens of de-risking. Participants have access to a robust network of resources, including The Engine Accelerator and Engine Ventures teams, and connections with Tough Tech founders, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders.
There are two ways to participate in Blueprint:
— Blueprint Participants are technical graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and their teams exploring the commercial opportunities of their breakthrough or startup project.
— Commercialization Collaborators are individuals who become integral members of a dedicated Blueprint team for the duration of the program. These collaborators immerse themselves in the team dynamics, working hand-in-hand with their Blueprint counterparts.
Evolving bench-top science into practical solutions that address real-world challenges.
Market Risk
Evaluating consumer needs to develop and implement a viable business model.
Scaling Risk
Advancing technology from laboratory scale to commercial viability.
Regulatory Risk
Navigating the complexities of the regulatory environment.
The Blueprint curriculum offers frameworks to help teams manage and prioritize the mitigation of key risks.
“While technology isn’t the only solution, it is absolutely part of the solution, and we need entrepreneurs willing and able to tackle these challenges. Blueprint is built for the earliest stages of company formation, for individuals who ask themselves, 'can I commercialize my research?' and if yes, 'how do I start?'”
Michael KearneyGeneral Partner, Engine Ventures & Co-Founder, Blueprint
Fall 2024
The program schedule is as follows:
Session 1 (Virtual) - September 13th 10:00 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Session 2 (Virtual) - September 20th 10:00 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Session 3 (Virtual) - September 27th 10:00 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Session 4 (Virtual) - October 4th 10:00 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Session 5 (Hybrid) - October 18th - Your team is given a dedicated time slot for your Final Presentation, which can be conducted either in-person or virtually, based on your preferences. Attendees of the in-person presentation will have the opportunity to join additional sessions hosted by The Engine team and our partners. Furthermore, we are excited to invite all in-person participants to our Alumni Happy Hour at the conclusion of the day, as a warm welcome into our alumni community.
Questions for The Engine? Please contact our team at blueprint@engine.xyz.
FAQs
No, The Engine does not take an equity stake or form a business relationship during Blueprint.
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. We seek individuals who are deeply involved in developing innovative Tough Tech solutions.
No, a company is not required. Individuals with a significant technical breakthrough and a desire to commercialize it are encouraged to apply, regardless of business formation status.
While teams are encouraged, individual applications are also welcome.
Yes, all application materials are confidential and only reviewed by The Engine's selection committee.
Any IP developed through your research remains yours. Blueprint focuses on commercialization strategy development
If you can complete the application and have not yet started a company, you're a good fit. If you've incorporated a company, please contact our team at blueprint@engine.xyz for guidance.
No, we welcome applications from across the U.S.
The Blueprint program is primarily open to researchers based in the U.S. However, if you are an international researcher with a compelling case, we encourage you to reach out to us at blueprint@engine.xyz to discuss your specific situation.
Selection is based on the technological breakthrough's merit and potential impact.
The Engine team reviews all applications, and selected applicants receive an acceptance email.
Commercialization Collaborators are individuals who become integral members of a dedicated Blueprint team for the duration of the program. These collaborators immerse themselves in the team dynamics, working hand-in-hand with their Blueprint counterparts.
Commercialization Collaborators are selected for their expertise and how well their experience aligns with the specific needs of Blueprint teams. The Engine team carefully matches each collaborator with a team to ensure a synergistic relationship. For further inquiries regarding Commercialization Collaborators, please reach out to us at blueprint@engine.xyz.
If you anticipate a conflict, let us know in your application. We are open to deferring accepted participants to a later cohort that better aligns with their availability.
The Blueprint program is primarily open to graduate students, postdocs, and research scientist. However, if you are an undergraduate student with a compelling case, we encourage you to reach out to us at blueprint@engine.xyz to discuss your specific situation.
The Blueprint 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.
That's perfectly fine. We encourage continued innovation in your chosen path.
For the origins of Blueprint, refer to our article.
Blueprint offers mentorship, access to industry experts, and tailored workshops to support commercialization efforts.
There is no cost to participate in Blueprint.
Yes, applicants are welcome to reapply in future cohorts if not selected.
Participants are expected to engage fully in the program, dedicating approximately 20 hours in total. This includes attending all workshops, mentorship sessions, and other program-related activities to gain the full benefit of Blueprint. The program schedule is as follows:
Session 1 (Virtual) - 10:00 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Session 2 (Virtual) - 10:00 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Session 3 (Virtual) - 10:00 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Session 4 (Virtual) - 10:00 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET and 1:00 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Session 5 (Hybrid) - Your team is given a dedicated time slot for your Final Presentation, which can be conducted either in-person or virtually, based on your preferences. Attendees of the in-person presentation will have the opportunity to join additional sessions hosted by The Engine team and our partners. Furthermore, we are excited to invite all in-person participants to our Alumni Happy Hour at the conclusion of the day, as a warm welcome into our alumni community.
