Spreenkler Talent Labs in Bayview recently launched a seed incubator that will help fund and offer assistance to students with innovative ideas for products and companies.
“Ideally we are looking for ideas from college students, traditional, graduate school or one to two years out,” said Steve Glynn, founder of Spreenkler Talent Labs.
“Ideally we are looking for ideas from college students, traditional, graduate school or one to two years out,” said Steve Glynn, founder of Spreenkler Talent Labs.
Students can submit idea proposals on the Spreenkler Talent Labs website.
According to Glynn, up to ten ideas will be selected.
“We really want to reach students with technology or software related ideas. As part of our design technology initiative we know there are a lot of bright students out there who know what they want to build they just need help from a design team to put the face on the product.”
Each idea can have up to three founders, Glynn said. Those chosen will receive up to $6,000, a laptop with the necessary software, and office space with an internet connection will be provided in order to create an environment of collaboration, Glynn said.
In the program, the selected students will have 12 weeks to complete their business plan; create the prototype and prepare a pitch presentation.
At the end of the 12 weeks students will present to a group of additional funders who could potentially help take some of these ideas to market, Glynn said.
“Sometimes even I struggle with how big this opportunity is for students,” Glynn said. “Those selected will have an opportunity to work closely with local professionals and potentially some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the region.”
According to Glynn, one local entrepreneur, who would like to remain anonymous, is the main financial backer for the Seed Incubator.
“The person who is funding the project will also be responsible for the idea selections,” Glynn said. “(That person) has a team set up to go over the applications sometime early next year.”
Glynn and at least two of his Spreenkler colleagues, Romke De Haan and Bill Bensman will volunteer their time and talent to help the students who’s ideas were selected get started.
“We will also be working with local professionals from all different fields to offer the students feedback and perspective from different industries,” Glynn said.
Greg Meier, Wisconsin entrepreneur, is also on board to help out, Glynn said.
Idea applications need to be submitted by the end of January 2011, selections will be made in early to mid February with the 12 week program starting shortly after that, Glynn said.
“Our goal is to help grow our regional economy,” Glynn said. “If we can help even a few companies form out of these ten we will be helping these students hire other young professionals. It times well with Governor-elect Walker and his plans to create jobs.”
