Program Overview (Program is Presented By Berks and Brandywine LaunchBoxes)
Idea TestLab is a “customer discovery” investigation designed to help you better understand the customer, the problem you’re trying to solve, and how to provide value in a differentiated way. Participants compete for funding in the culminating Idea TestLab Pitch Competition.
Customer Discovery
This 6-week customer discovery investigation is designed to help you:
- Better understand your customer and the problem you’re trying to solve
- Determine where your potential customers hang out
- Identify the value of your product compared to what’s already on the market
- Compete for $2000 in prize money
Participants will learn how to develop a business model, validate their business model through a scientific process and work one-on-one with experienced entrepreneurs who serve as mentors. Final night pitch competition will award cash prizes.
This is a competitive accelerator for early-stage scalable business ideas. Idea TestLab is free to participants and takes no equity. Application is open to all early-stage, PA-based entrepreneurs – no affiliation with Penn State is required for participation, but you must have less than $500k in revenue.
Class Format
- 3 learning sessions, a pitch practice night, and a final pitch night
- 1:1 weekly coaching sessions
- You can expect 10 hours of additional work per week – moving your startup forward
- Teams will meet weekly from 6-8 PM
Application Process
- Applications open – Now!
- Applications close: Sept 10, 2024 at midnight!
- Teams selected & notified by: Sept 20, 2024