Ignition: Collegiate Founders Program

Ignition is a program powered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Community Collaboration Fund, designed to support collegiate founders from across Indiana as they build ventures and futures in the state. The program fills a critical gap between university-based entrepreneurial programs and Indiana's larger startup ecosystem.

Program Status: Program concluded in November 2025 (inaugural cohort). Future cycles unknown.

Geographic Scope: Indiana statewide; based in Indianapolis at 16 Tech Innovation District

Program Structure: Eight-week hybrid program combining:

• Weekly virtual workshops and mentorship
• Three in-person gatherings:
  • Kickoff event alongside the RALLY Innovation Conference
  • Mid-October networking and mentorship meetup
  • Final showcase and demo day in November at 16 Tech

Target Participants

• Collegiate/student founders
• Early-stage startup companies (concept, MVP, or early revenue stage)
• Founders from multiple Indiana universities

Inaugural Cohort (2025)

• 25 student founders
• 15 startup companies represented
• Students from Butler University, Purdue University, Indiana University – Indianapolis, and Indiana University – Bloomington
• Industries: diverse mix including AI, biomedical, dental technology, e-commerce, and more

Selection Criteria

• Problem definition and clarity
• Growth potential
• Founder's readiness to engage with mentors and peers
• Competitive application and review process

Benefits

• Access to Indiana's startup ecosystem resources, mentors, and networks
• Peer-to-peer connections across institutions
• On-ramp to Indiana's broader startup ecosystem
• Preparation for post-program next steps
• Exposure to support systems, spaces, programs, and professional networks

Contact Information

• Address: 1220 Waterway Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202
• Program Director: Andy Lehman, 16 Tech
• Website: 16tech.com

Application Process

1. Application Submission: Competitive application and review process
2. Review Criteria:
   • Problem definition and clarity of the business problem being solved
   • Growth potential of the startup idea/company
   • Founder's readiness to engage with mentors and peers throughout the program
   • Commitment to participating in all program components (virtual and in-person)
3. Program Dates: Eight-week program (inaugural cohort launched late September 2025)
4. Cohort Size: 25 student founders from multiple Indiana universities
5. Contact: Andy Lehman, Program Director at 16 Tech Community Corporation