back to programs Our InVent innovative venture building program, implemented jointly with Aston University within the Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme framework funded by the British Council, aims to build startup teams from independent entrepreneurially minded individuals. The teams will then go through a uniquely designed 15-week venture development program. Eventually, successful teams will form startup companies, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) ideas provided by FAST and by our partners. These companies will compete for $5,000 seed prizes, and the highlight of the program will be a final pitch to the Science and Technology Angels Network (STAN) for early-stage funding.
General Information
About the program
Participants can expect the following:
- Structured skill-enhancing program,
- Tailored mentorship, coaching and advising from high caliber professionals,
- Access to a coworking space at FAST Creative Campus,
- Final pitch to access angel funding through the Science and Technology Angels Network (STAN).
InVent stages
- Exploration
- Idea validation
- Prototyping
- Pitching
- Funding and growth
- Ongoing mentorship
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the FAST InVent program, the ideal applicant would:
- Be passionate about science, technology, and innovation,
- Have previous exposure to entrepreneurship,
- Have skills and/or understanding of AI/ML or Programming,
- Be committed and available for the 15-week program (twice a week on-campus engagement in the evenings, ongoing hybrid (online+onsite) sessions/coaching),
- Be a creative thinker with a visionary and optimistic outlook (you will have to demonstrate this through your CV and during the interview),
- Have positive teamwork experience,
- Have English language proficiency (at least on a professional communication level).