Helping aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs develop life science inventions, from lab to market.
This is not a class, it’s a launchpad.
The Scipreneur Challenge is an intensive, cohort-based entrepreneurship experience designed to equip life science researchers, post-docs and graduate students with the tools to explore the commercialization potential of cutting-edge science and technology.
Over the course of several weeks, participants work in teams, engage with expert mentors, and develop real business strategies around scientific innovations. There are two tracks. The summer track is for participants who have their own intellectual property and want to build a real company around it. The fall track is for those interested in learning the entrepreneurship and commercialization process. Those participating in the fall track will be assigned a piece of IP from a Tennessee research institution to turn into a mock business proposition. Each track of the program culminates in a high-profile pitch event where participants present to a panel of industry leaders, funders, and commercialization experts. The winners of each will present their findings at Life Science Tennessee’s annual LSTCON in November.
Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or already developing your own technology, the Scipreneur Challenge gives you the structure, training, and support to move your idea toward real-world impact.
Summer Track — BYO-IP
- 8 weeks
- Virtual meetings
- 2-3 hours per week
- Free to join
- MUST have your own IP
- Culminates in a final pitch showcase
- Winner Receives $5k in non-dilutive funding
Fall Track — IP Provided
- 8 weeks
- Virtual meetings
- 2-3 hours per week
- Free to join
- IP provided
- Culminates in a final pitch showcase
- Winning team receives prize money
Who should apply?
- Life Science researches, post-doc or grad students with or without your own IP or invention.
- You’re ready to explore commercialization but don’t know where to start
- You’re curious about venture building and want expert guidance to accelerate your path
- You want to connect with other ambitious scientific founders and potential early-stage supporters
What you’ll gain
- A practical, founder-focused curriculum tailored to deep tech and life sciences
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, commercialization experts, and investors
- The skills to develop business models, identify your markets, and build fundable narratives
- Exposure to pathways for startup formation, SBIR/STTR grants, and early-stage capital
- An opportunity to share your pitch at LSTCON in November.
The winners of each Scipreneur track will present at LSTCON in November.
Meet the director of Scipreneur
Bryan brings 30+ years of hands-on experience as an entrepreneur, venture builder, and advisor, helping founders and executives drive innovation and scale their businesses. As a mentor, speaker, and educator, he delivers sharp, actionable insights and plans on entrepreneurship, product development, scaling, leadership, and performance strategy—challenging audiences to rethink how they create, protect, and grow ventures in today’s fast-changing market. Any questions about the program can be directed to Bryan at [email protected].