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Eagle Innovation Accelerator offers support for USI entrepreneurs

Applications open now for USI teams

May 27, 2016

The Eagle Innovation Accelerator (EIA) is offering USI student or faculty-led teams of entrepreneurs access to seed funding, knowledge and other University resources as a part of a six-week summer program, from July 11 to August 19. The EIA mission is to transform an inventor or entrepreneur's idea into a scalable venture.

"EIA helps maintain focus on what matters most to get ideas off the ground and gives innovators a chance to ensure their ventures reach full potential," said Dr. Jason Salstrom, technology commercialization manager. "In order to be successful, participants must be prepared to test, iterate, throw ideas away and iterate again."

EIA teams will work no less than three days per week at Innovation Pointe in downtown Evansville during the summer phase. Beginning in the fall, teams will meet every two weeks to discuss progress. Throughout the academic year, teams will continue to have access to resources as well as opportunities to demonstrate their start-up ideas and present at a variety of events.

In addition to Innovation Pointe access, participants will be able to use the Applied Engineering Center, on the USI campus for prototyping and talk to mentors about their innovative ideas. As for expenses, $2,000 stipends will be awarded to active USI student participants and $4,000 to USI faculty. Each startup receives access to up to $10,000 in early-stage seed funding for prototyping materials, supplies, travel, research and other necessary costs. The most promising ventures can apply for up to $50,000 in additional seed funding.

To participate, submit an application by June 10, 2016. Interviews will take place by June 22. Awards will be announced by June 24, 2016.

UPDATE: Deadline for applications has been extended to June 24, 2016.

For more information, visit usi.edu/EIA or contact Jason Salstrom at jsalstrom@usi.edu.

Written by Jenna Deisher.

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