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Tinkerbox Program:

The Tinkerbox Program provides seed funding for WPI student-initiated innovation and entrepreneurship ideas/projects. 

Grant recipients gain access to

  • accomplished entrepreneurial mentors who provide guidance on projects
  • workshops aimed at developing and honing student’s entrepreneurial skills
  • community networking events

 

Building the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Community:

The main driver for the Tinkerbox Program is a deep desire to build an I&E Community by fostering partnerships with students who wish to work on their ideas/projects.  In the spirit of building a ‘Tinkering Community’, participants engage in Group Mentoring/Goal Setting sessions which allow teams the opportunity to learn about other student projects, suggest improvements as well as brainstorm - all aimed at building a diverse and inclusive I&E Community.

 

Program Commitments:

Each Tinkerbox participant is required to sign the Tinkerbox Student Agreement and commits to the following:

  • Attend Kick-off Meeting
  • Submit monthly status reports through Tinkerbox Canvas course site
  • Participate in virtual meetings with mentor at least twice a month
  • Participate in at least two virtual monthly Group Mentoring/Goal Setting sessions 
  • Submit five-minute reflection video at the conclusion of the cohort documenting their Tinkerbox experience
  • Follow proper reimbursement policies and procedures

 

Honest Broker:

  • WPI’s Tinkerbox does not take equity in student companies.
  • Students and teams do not give up any rights to intellectual property through participation in Tinkerbox.
  • Funding for WPI Tinkerbox is possible because of the deep commitment of alumni and friends to WPI’s mission.

 

Apply today! 

Tinkerbox Cohort 6 - Application Link

 

The application deadline for Tinkerbox Cohort 6 is Wednesday, September 15 at 11:59 pm.

For additional information/questions contact Kristie Dejesus, kldejesus@wpi.edu