Turning Ideas into Global Impact
The mission of the i3-Lab at WPI is to cultivate a connected and inclusive campus ecosystem that empowers STEM talent through immersive learning in the purposeful value creation of responsible ideation, innovation and strategic incubation of emerging ventures.
Our Goals
- Accelerate Venture Growth: Fast-track the journey from bold ideas to thriving STEM startups through tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to essential resources.
- Advance Entrepreneurial and Technical Mastery: Equip student founders with cutting-edge STEM expertise and real-world business skills to drive sustainable innovation and long-term success.
- Ignite Transformative Innovation: Empower ventures that push the boundaries of science and technology while creating meaningful impact in industries and communities worldwide.
i3 Lab maintains strong ties with both on-campus and regional entrepreneurial organizations to broaden opportunities for student founders. On campus, it collaborates with groups such as the CEO Club, the Investment Association of WPI, and Colibre, fostering a vibrant community of student innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs. Externally, i3 Lab partners with regional organizations including Mass Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, while also coordinating intercollegiate engagement through the Worcester Intercollegiate Innovation Exchange (WIIX)—bringing together students from Clark, Holy Cross, Assumption, Nichols, Anna Maria, and Quinsigamond Community College to share ideas, pitch ventures, and collaborate across institutions.
i3 Lab Specialized Services
Our Programs
Venture Catalyst Incubator (VCI) offers startups personalized mentorship, a comprehensive curriculum, and essential resources, focusing on ideation, development, pitching, and growth, to nurture successful, scalable businesses.
The BDL "WPI's Startup Expo" is an annual event highlighting WPI's entrepreneurial milestones and community contributions through awards, keynotes, panels, networking, and showcases of student and faculty innovations.
The AMP! Bi-Monthly Pitch Event Series provides startups with opportunities to pitch to industry experts, receive tailored feedback, and build networks for VC and angel funding, enhancing their market readiness and growth potential.
The BDL Startup Fund strategically supports startups with SAFE investments, mentorship, and resources, bridging them to larger financings and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurial growth and regional economic development.
The BDL Goat Innovators Summer Accelerator (GISA) is an 8-week program providing mentorship, practical workshops, and a collaborative environment to early-stage startups, culminating in a Demo Day for growth opportunities.
The Advancing Research Translation (ART) program equips faculty with tools and skills to transform research into practical applications, fostering real-world impact through workshops, mentoring, and strategic market-focused project development.
Ardian Preci Named Director of WPI's Business Development Lab
Ardian Preci joins WPI Business School as the new Director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Programs at i3 Lab, infusing it with his extensive experience in SaaS, Fintech, and Blockchain.
Startups at the i3 Lab
Personilizing Braille Education
BrailleBox is an innovative learning system designed to transform Braille education for blind and visually impaired students. Combining a tactile smart device for learners with a powerful data-driven dashboard for teachers, BrailleBox makes Braille practice engaging, immediate, and measurable. Our mission is to ensure that every child—regardless of ability—has equal access to literacy. We believe that literacy is a human right, and that inclusive technology should empower both students and educators. By modernizing how Braille is taught and tracked, BrailleBox helps schools provide personalized support and gives every student the chance to read, write, and shape their own future.
Simplified Housing Solutions for International Students in the USA
Gradhomes.com is an international student housing provider dedicated to assisting international students in finding right accommodations in the USA. Recognizing the challenges faced by students moving abroad for their studies, GradHomes.com offers a seamless and supportive service to secure safe, affordable, and convenient housing options.
Hope|Health|Life
Therapeutic Innovations is dedicated to developing medical interventions for emerging economies without compromising on quality. We hope that someday all children across the global will have access to life saving and affordable medical technology.
College data tools and financial literacy education for high school students
Croi is revolutionizing the college process with its web-based college data platform that not only equips students with personalized college data but also teaches them financial literacy, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.
Building Accessible Renewables for Sustainable Development
We are dedicated to providing clean electricity to rural areas of Indonesia by deploying low-cost hydroelectric microgrids. A donation will help fund microgrid deployments in communities without electricity throughout West Java, Indonesia.
Your AI Pocket Career Coach
Skilltrak Makes Career Services Personalized, Accessible and Scalable. We unify your learning, help you receive career-specific advice, uncover blind spots in your decision-making, and help you achieve your dream career with Skilltrak.
...freedom with flight efficacy
SAMIS is a collaborative tool that simplifies, and streamlines aviation maintenance and inspection processes. SAMIS leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to empower autonomous aviation maintenance and inspection operations, ensures safety by design, and fosters a collaborative environment between humans and robots using spatial computing, blockchain, and robotics.
Technotonin
Technotonin is a startup focused on rapid product development for innovative products. Currently, they are working on the PAWE (Portable Affordable Wheelchair Enhancer), designed to enhance the mobility and independence of wheelchair users.
AI-driven academic advising for personalized student support
Utilizing advanced AI technology, Advisimo streamlines the advising process, providing personalized guidance and support to students. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems, offering a user-friendly interface for both advisors and students. Advisimo’s goal is to improve student outcomes by ensuring timely, relevant, and data-driven academic advice.
Q&A with Rosanna Garcia, Paul R. Beswick Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Professor Garcia answers questions about the entrepreneurial culture of WPI
Student Success Story
Combining a Passion for Robotics with an Entrepreneurial Spirit
Antonio Marzoratti ’27 and Ivan Zou ’27 are pursuing what they consider a promising idea—an affordable adapter that will convert a manual wheelchair into one run on electricity.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the i3 Lab at WPI?
The i3 Lab at WPI is an interdisciplinary learning lab focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth through various programs and services, including mentorship, educational programs, funding assistance, and more.
What services does i3 Lab offer to startups?
i3 Lab offers a comprehensive suite of services to support startups, including workspaces, technology infrastructure, mentorship, training programs, networking opportunities, funding and financial assistance, legal support, and market access.
Who can benefit from i3 Lab's programs?
i3 Lab's programs are designed for student entrepreneurs, startups, and companies at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to acceleration, looking to make a positive societal impact through innovation.
How can startups access funding through BDL?
Startups can access funding opportunities via i3 Lab through grants, connections with venture capitalists and angel investors, and the i3 Lab Startup Fund, which focuses on strategic equity investments.
What types of mentorships and expert guidance does i3 Lab provide?
i3 Lab connects member companies with a network of mentors and Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) who offer expertise in finance, marketing, legal, technology, and other areas essential for business growth.
Can i3 Lab help in product development and market entry?
Yes, i3 Lab offers specialized incubation and acceleration programs that include structured training, product development support, and resources for market entry and growth.
What networking opportunities are available through i3 Lab?
i3 Lab hosts networking events and pitch events like Demo Day, GOAT Tank, and WIIX! facilitating connections with potential customers, partners, industry experts, and investors.
How does i3 Lab support educational growth in entrepreneurship?
i3 Lab offers workshops, seminars, and courses focusing on entrepreneurship, business skills, and industry-specific knowledge, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs with the necessary skills for success.