Banner for iStartup Academy
Student Innovation Idea Labs

iStartup Academy

The iStartup Academy walks you through the process of launching a new idea. In this program, you will receive training from our faculty and industry partners, who will provide you with valuable insights and first-hand accounts into the world of product development and building a business from the ground up. We welcome everyone who has the desire to learn.  Since we start at identifying potential customers and proposing solutions that meet their needs and wants, you do not need to have a current idea or team to participate. 

The 2021-22 program is divided into two parts:   

  • The first eight weeks – developing ideas, generating solutions, and getting to the prototype so that you can write a business brief about your idea.  
  • The second eight weeks – Completing customer research, building a minimum viable product, completing a Business Model Canvas and presenting your idea in a typical business pitch format. 

The iStartup Academy has been the starting point for startups such as Pirüli Design and Azuza Beverage. 

Digital Badging 

The SIIL offers digital badges for entrepreneurs to recognize the following three levels of learning: 

  • Explore Level -
    • Complete at least 3 hours of entrepreneurship workshops or class lectures,
    • Pitch their startup or innovation idea to an audience, or Submit a business brief summarizing their innovation/startup idea
  • Implement Level -
    • Complete at least 8 hours of Entrepreneurship workshops or class lectures,
    • Submit a Business Model Canvas that describes the innovation or startup idea
    • Pitch their innovation or startup idea to an audience
  • Master Level - 
    • Submit a report of sales for your venture, or provide evidence of receiving investment from a non-CPP affiliated source
    • Apply for a patent, trademark, or copyright

 Acknowledgments 

This year we are grateful for the support of Dr. Edward Clancy and Constance Tappan Clancy.  Dr. Clancy is a former Engineering faculty and department chair at Cal Poly Pomona, as well as a patent attorney who wanted his gift to support student innovation projects.