Nowadays, everyone is an entrepreneur! Right? Maybe? Well, whichever your position on the issue, the important thing to
note is that it is not about your big idea. No, it is about the problem you are solving for the customer. At StartUP FIU we
support entrepreneurs in creating scalable ventures, but we know not everyone is ready to get in front of an investor… yet.
The Proof of Concept Studio powered by StartUP FIU is a program ideal for individuals that are in the idea stage, working on
their prototype or have identified problems they want to solve and have a business idea they want to make come to life. For
those who are in the idea stage, this six-week program will guide you:
● (in)validate your assumptions and idea
● Identify your customer/user
● Size the opportunity (market)
● Rapidly test your solution
● Understand the difference between prototypes and MVP
By the end of the program individuals or teams should be prepared to apply to accelerator programs or commercialize their
product independently. If you already have a functioning prototype or are generating revenue, be sure to check out the StartUP FIU Empower Accelerator, a 14-week program for startups looking to scale.
How Often Does the Program Take Place: The Proof of Concept Studio will continuously run throughout the year, making it feasible for individuals to pivot their solutions and be able to continue the program without having to re-apply.
How Does The Program Work: The Proof of Concept Studio is a six-week long program. Meeting once a week for five hours, for six consecutive weeks and culminating in a demo-day where you will be able to showcase your idea. Each class is broken into small sprints that are designed to help you understand a methodology, apply it through a hands-on real time exercise, have group discussions and present deliverables when applicable.
Although the program meets face-to-face once a week, members are expected to apply their learnings and get “the job
done” in between f2f meetings in order to apply what you learned to potential users in the real world.
For example, when we learn about identifying the needs for your customers, you will be asked to conduct face-to-face
interviews to understand the needs, wants and fears of your target user. But don’t worry, we will prepare you with the right
tools and mindset to get the job done!
By the end of this program typically you will have a prototype or be weeks away.
Benefits: As a member of the Proof of Concept Studio program you will receive support from the StartUP FIU team in helping
you understand how to go from idea to prototype. You will be part of a program designed by world class experts and a
network of community members that want to create ventures that help solve the world’s problems.
You will be provided exclusive office hours with mentors and experts to help you through this journey. You will not be assigned a mentor rather you will be offered the opportunity to meet different experts and mentors based on their availability.
