Frequently Asked Questions

• What are The Engine’s programs for Resident Tough Tech companies?

  The Engine offers comprehensive educational and strategic programming to help Resident companies fund, grow and scale their technology. Programs includes monthly workshops cycling on critical skills for founders, office hours with The Engine’s experts in residence, pitch practice and fundraising support, leadership training, and networking events.

  Learn more about Resident programs at The Engine.
  

• Does The Engine provide mentorship to companies in the Residency program?

  Yes. The Engine connects Resident companies with a network of mentors, including investors, veteran Tough Tech entrepreneurs, and The Engine’s experts in residence. These mentors offer expertise across talent, public affairs, legal guidance, finance, communication, and leadership, tailored to each company’s technical and commercial goals.
  

• What kinds of events and workshops are part of The Engine’s Resident programs?

  The Engine hosts workshops, technical deep-dives, investor roundtables, policy briefings, and community networking events for Resident companies. These programs provide both technical and business insight needed to support Tough Tech commercialization. Each fall, The Engine also convenes the ecosystem for Tough Tech Week, including the Tough Tech Summit, where Resident teams connect with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the region.

• Do Resident programs at The Engine include access to investors and funding opportunities?

  Yes. While The Engine does not provide funding, it connects Resident companies to a curated network of investors and capital providers aligned with the needs of Tough Tech. The Engine also supports Residents in pursuing grant programs, corporate partnerships, and non-dilutive funding opportunities.

  Learn more about funding and investor connections at The Engine.
  

• How do The Engine’s Resident programs help with technical development?

  Resident companies at The Engine gain access to domain experts, educational resources, and a collaborative community of founders. The Engine’s engineering team also provides guidance on prototype design, helping startups accelerate product development and commercialization.

• Can companies in The Engine’s Residency program access regulatory or IP support?

  Yes. The Engine connects Resident companies with legal and regulatory experts to support intellectual property protection, compliance, and certification processes. This ensures that technical progress is paired with strong legal foundations and strategies to help companies scale responsibly.

• Do Resident programs include networking with other Tough Tech companies?

  Yes. Community-building is a core part of The Engine’s Residency programs. Resident companies connect through events, peer learning opportunities, and informal interactions in shared spaces. Programming includes CEO and founder gatherings as well as events and programs for Residents in a variety of roles.
  

• How does The Engine showcase or promote Resident companies?

  The Engine promotes Resident companies through public events, speaking opportunities, case studies, media engagement, and connections to industry stakeholders. This visibility helps companies attract talent, partners, and investors.

  
  Learn more about Resident company stories.

• Is participation in Resident programs included in the cost of Residency at The Engine?

  Yes. Resident programs are included with Residency at The Engine. There are no additional fees for participating in workshops, mentorship sessions, or community events.
  

• Can remote or hybrid companies take part in The Engine’s Resident programs?

  Yes. While in-person participation is encouraged, some Resident program activities offer hybrid or virtual options so remote team members can still benefit from mentorship, resources, and networking.

• Are The Engine’s Resident programs tailored for companies at different stages of growth?

  Yes. Programming is designed to meet the needs of companies from very early research stages through to later-scale prototyping and manufacturing readiness. Program content and connections are designed to match each company’s stage and goals.

• Are The Engine’s Resident programs available to non-residents?

  The great majority of resources and advisory services are exclusively available to companies as a benefit of their participation in The Engine’s Residency program. However, some events and programs are open to the public or non-resident startups.
  

• Do Resident programs cover both business and technical challenges?

  Yes. The Engine’s Resident programs address both technical and business challenges faced by Tough Tech companies. Programming supports every stage of growth from research and development, prototyping, and regulatory approval to fundraising and go-to-market strategy. Educational resources cover nine critical learning areas that Tough Tech founders need to master to transform groundbreaking ideas into scalable ventures with lasting impact.

• What makes The Engine’s Resident programs different from other startup accelerator or incubator offerings?

  Unlike many accelerators, The Engine combines infrastructure, mentorship, programming, and access to a broader network under one roof. Its Resident programs are specifically designed for Tough Tech companies whose timelines, capital needs, and technical complexity differ from traditional startups.