University of Maryland Graduate School

The Grid

Student Incubator

Are you a UMB student with an innovative business or social idea? The Grid is launching a student incubator to support students with big ideas. Apply now to the UMB Student Incubator. Selected student entrepreneurs will be paired with industry professionals and experts from diverse backgrounds to help them nurture and grow ideas with support and expertise. 

More details about the incubator can be found below. If you have any questions, please email Grid marketing and operations Specialist, Taylor DeBoer at taylor.deboer@umaryland.edu. 

 

Eligibility

  • The Student Venture Incubator is open to current UMB students

Funding Opportunities

  • Individual funding plans and opportunities will be developed as part of the plan for incubating the venture

Application

  • Fill out the application
  • Make sure to attach a short pitch deck (max 5 slides) or brief video (2-4 minutes) describing the project to the form. The videos should be sent to Taylor DeBoer at taylor.deboer@umaryland.edu
  • There is no application fee to apply
  • Applicants are accepted twice per year, in the spring and fall semesters
    • Spring Deadline: March 1
    • Fall Deadline: Oct. 1
  • Accepted entrepreneurs or businesses do not give up equity

Space

  • Individual space needs will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the program is currently virtual. 

Mentorship

  • Each student business will be assigned mentor(s) based on the business industry/experience
  • Specific recommendations for mentor pairings will be made, subject to the student’s approval
  • Student entrepreneurs will develop and commit to specific milestones and timelines to advance their venture
  • These milestones will be set between the mentor and the student entrepreneur
  • Milestones must be met in order for the students to continue in the program
  • Failure to meet milestones could lead to dismissal from the program

Resources

  • The Intellectual Property Entrepreneurship Clinic (IPEC) through the Carey School of Law at UMB. IPEC provides pro bono legal counsel to aspiring entrepreneurs with IP law concerns.
  • The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has counselors on campus that provide pro bono small business advice to business owners.
  • The Graduate Research Innovation District, “the Grid”, serves an innovation hub and resource for students, faculty, staff, and community members interested in entrepreneurship and innovation. The Grid has various programs and events that student entrepreneurs accepted into the incubator will have access to:
    • Lunch-and-learn programs
    • Student networking events
    • Career Lab
    • I-Corps
    • Pitch Presentation celebrating student entrepreneurs (application process)
    • Networking and discussion with other students interested in entrepreneurship

If you're interested in joining our mentor team, please fill out this application or email taylor.deboer@umaryland.edu. 

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