Redhawk Venture Lab

Throughout the program, participants focus on understanding their customers and the problems they want to solve. They conduct customer interviews, gather feedback, and test their ideas with real people. This helps them learn what customers need, what challenges they face, and whether their proposed solution is useful. Participants use what they learn to improve their ideas and make informed decisions about what to build.

The program also introduces participants to important startup skills and tools. They learn how to research their market, understand competitors, identify potential customers, and consider the size and potential of their market. Teams also learn how to develop and test products or services, manage their time, and make changes when their original ideas need to evolve.

Participants receive support from experienced mentors and venture coaches throughout the program. They also learn alongside other entrepreneurs, creating opportunities to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another.

The Redhawk Venture Lab is designed to help participants learn by doing. Instead of simply developing a business plan, teams spend the program testing their assumptions, talking with customers, and using what they learn to improve their ventures.

By the end of the program, participants will have a clearer understanding of their customers and market, experience testing and improving a business idea, and a stronger foundation for taking their venture forward. The program helps turn early ideas into opportunities that are ready for the next stage of development.

• Format: In-person Monday sessions on campus, plus approximately 30 hours per week of team work Tuesday–Friday
• Coaching: Weekly Monday workshops and one-on-one meetings with an assigned coach
• Stipend: $5,000 per team, paid at the end of the program