This course is focused on providing students with an opportunity to learn how to develop, grow, vet ideas to create a product, service or business. Each week, students will be presented with and engage in discussion about topics specific to the development ideas into viable products, services or businesses, an understanding of customers/users and a firm grasp of the marketplace. One to two guest experts on each topic will be present to respond and advise.

 

The semester will be composed of three main phases. The first phase will be focused on developing and building student ideas, guided by market forces and basic business fundamentals. The second phase will focus on the refining ideas, based on “customer” and/or “user” needs, wants and interests. The third phase will focus on gaining a firm understanding of market potential, competition, drivers, trends, and factors.

The semester will conclude with a final presentation of student ideas to a panel of venture capitalists and experienced entrepreneurs. Students with ideas viewed to have potential for pre-seed or seed-level ventures will be invited to participate in a highly-focused Spring semester where ideas will be further analyzed and sculpted into an actionable plans, with the potential of being funded and transitioned into the Syracuse Technology Garden’s Student Sandbox.