FAU Tech Runway® is a South Florida public-private partnership that serves as a hub to accelerate technology development and incubate startup companies.
VENTURE PROGRAM: The FAU Tech Runway Venture Program provides the most promising companies and talented entrepreneurs with the resources, services and guidance to build and scale their startups. It is a formal program for mentoring entrepreneurs and their ventures based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Venture Mentoring Service (VMS). The focus of the initiative is to combine VMS and Stanford’s Lean Launchpad curriculum with University resources and local community expertise to create an ecosystem conducive to the development of successful technology and growth industry start-ups. Tech Runway (TR) is supported by The Adams Center for Entrepreneurship, Research Park at FAU and all 10 colleges.
Tech Runway’s companies can access mentoring, introductions to early-stage capital, grants and seed funding. In addition, they are provided with the tools to become successful entrepreneurs, including a rigorous boot camp, access to business and technology events, and connections to a thriving regional innovation network.
Tech Runway seeks exceptional entrepreneurs and startups with high-growth potential and disruptive technologies. Companies accepted into the Venture Program often have a strategic alignment with FAU’s research focus areas, including: drone technologies, educational technologies, environmental science, marine science, ocean engineering, neuroscience, healthy aging, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security, sensing and smart systems. Learn more about FAU’s strategic goals here.
Applications are opened twice a year to be accepted into the Venture Program.
RUNWAY MENTORS: Tech Runway Mentors represent the best of the best in South Florida. From highly successful serial entrepreneurs, to innovative engineers, Tech Runway mentors are recruited not only for their expertise, but also their dedication to the success of the south Florida entrepreneurial ecosystem. At Tech Runway, experts have created a program that harnesses and directs the entrepreneurial spirit, providing a complete ecosystem for forward-thinking entrepreneurs, innovative students, faculty, alumni and the community.
MAVERICK RECEPTION: Each year, during Global Entrepreneurship Week, Tech Runway hosts it’s annual Maverick Reception honoring supporters of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and raising funds for the Tech Runway program. From $25 to $5000 or more, you can support entrepreneurs by making a donation here and choosing “Tech Runway” in the drop down menu.
Not Ready for the Venture Program?
Check out FAU’s Innovation and Business Development pipeline to learn about other resources. Learn more at fau.edu/innovation-and-business-development.
