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Get Started with the Spark Program

Spark your entrepreneurial spirit

Do you have an idea for a business, social enterprise, app, or creative project? You may want to participate in a unique extracurricular activity: the Spark program. Every year, the Brandeis Innovation Virtual Incubator prepares Brandeis teams to create startups and social impact projects that have a strong chance of becoming successful.

Spark offers aspiring change-makers at Brandeis the support they need to turn their vision into reality. Through Spark, Brandeis innovators will work on exploring the viability of their research and ideas while building the basis of what can come to be game-changing solutions.

Startup Mixer

Date: September 15, 2025
Time: 5:30pm - 7pm
Location: Mandel Forum

This event is not just a networking opportunity; it's a catalyst for entrepreneurial creativity! Join us for an evening filled with inspiration as you connect with fellow innovators, seasoned alumni, and influential industry professionals who can play a pivotal role in your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're looking to refine your business idea or seeking insights on navigating the startup landscape, the Startup Mixer is your gateway to a wealth of knowledge and resources. Explore the diverse programs at Brandeis, engage directly with the dynamic teams from the Brandeis Innovation Center and BETA Club, and indulge in complimentary refreshments. Don't miss this chance to expand your network, ignite collaboration, and step closer to turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Pitch for Pizza

Date: October 20, 2025
Time: 5:30pm - 7pm
Location: Usdan International Lounge

Get ready for an evening of innovation, inspiration, and, of course, pizza! Pitch for Pizza provides an exciting platform for Brandeis entrepreneurs to showcase their early stage business ideas to a panel of judges composed of Brandeis faculty and staff with expertise in business. This unique event allows you not only to present your concept but also get helpful feedback that can help elevate your idea to the next level.

Participants will have the opportunity to deliver concise pitches that capture the essence of their ideas, along with the potential impact they aim to create. After each pitch, judges will provide invaluable feedback, tailored to refine your strategy and presentation skills. This is a golden opportunity to hone your pitch and network with fellow innovators who share your passion for entrepreneurship.

Join us for fun, ideas and connections, all while enjoying pizza! Whether you're a seasoned presenter or taking the stage for the first time, this event is designed to empower you to grow and succeed.

FAQ

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Benefits of Spark

Participating in Spark will give you opportunities to:

Recruit team members
Obtain entrepreneurial skills training
Get connected to industry leaders and experts outside Brandeis

as well as be eligible to apply for seed funding for your startup idea.

Each year, up to $10,000 in Spark funding is divided among the most promising projects. The amount of funding is commensurate with the scope of the project and is distributed based on achievement of project milestones.

Who May Apply

Eligible Projects

The Spark Program at Brandeis provides pilot funding for innovative projects that involve the environment, education, computer science, healthcare, economic solutions, or social needs. The projects should further have a positive social, educational or financial impact. Some examples of such projects would be a smartphone or web app, educational tools, social solutions, cyber security, big data and arts.

Intellectual Property

For students that are exempt from the Brandeis University Intellectual Property (IP) Policy, the teams will own the IP and/or any source code unless (a) one of the team members falls under the IP policy; and/or (b) significant Brandeis resources are utilized in the project. Brandeis University Intellectual Property Policy can be found on the OTL website here.

Application Process

Evaluation Criteria

Spark Program Final Proposals are judged by a panel of independent, outside reviewers. Applications will be judged using the following criteria:

Potential for social, educational or financial impact;
Potential importance of the proposed project;
Overall quality of proposed project plan;
Competence, balance and completeness of entrepreneurial team;
Probability of achieving proposed goal with the Award resources and in the time proposed;
Degree of innovation and novelty in the proposed project;
Possibility of attracting future development funding to advance the proposed project.

The highest-ranking proposals will be invited to pitch at our SPARKTank competition.