Channel Sponsorship
GETTING INVOLVED | PROCESS | VALUE-DRIVEN OUTCOMES | TIME FRAME AND FUNDING
Getting Involved
At present, there remains a significant gap in how external organizations access the MIT ecosystem of labs, technologies and innovations. The current model of funded research does not optimize around the Sponsor’s needs.
A first-in-the-world Model: The Proto Ventures program enables sponsor organizations to access the innovative people, ideas and technologies across MIT to create new pathways to transformative technology ventures.
Process
The Proto Venture process starts with identification of opportunities around a problem space or “channel” by the Sponsor.
A Venture Builder with deep technology experience is hired by MIT to lead discovery and experimentation of opportunities around that channel with advice from domain advisors that are experienced in technology translation.
The Venture Builder and an MIT team composed of Venture Fellows will de-risk any proposed solutions during the Discovery and Experimentation phases. These activities culminate with the forming of Proto Ventures which focus on technically feasible solutions, clear value propositions, product-market fit, and beachhead customers. A select few in this stage progress further to fully incorporate as a venture outside of MIT.
Value-Driven Outcomes
DEDICATED AGENT
Exceptional, dedicated agent to explore all of MIT (research partnerships, insider’s access to IP landscaping, licensing opportunities and talent recruitment)
TANGIBLE NETWORKS
Tangible (value-generating) networks created within/between MIT and the Sponsor
NEW VENTURES
New venture(s) launched in partnership with extraordinary serial entrepreneur(s)
Time-Frame and Funding
The standard Proto Venture channel lasts two years and requires commitment from sponsorships. Corporations, institutions, individuals can be sponsors depending on the channel structure.
We’re here to discuss support for our channels. Let’s discuss how we can adress the world’s great challenges together.