Ignition supports collegiate founders with mentorship, resources and statewide connections through an eight-week hybrid experience that helps students advance ventures and see Indiana as a place to grow.
PROGRAMS
Ignition
A Launchpad Beyond Campus
Ignition connects you with mentors, founders and investors to validate your idea and expand your network beyond the university bubble.
Building Indiana’s Next Generation of Founders
At 16 Tech, we believe big ideas deserve room to grow beyond the classroom. That’s why we launched Ignition, an 8-week hybrid program designed to help Indiana’s collegiate founders turn early ideas into real traction. Whether you’re solving a real-world problem or exploring something new, this is your front door into the broader startup ecosystem.
The Spring 2026 cohort, which started with the Collegiate Entrepreneur Summit in February, just finished their session, combining weekly virtual workshops with in-person meetups at Indiana’s home for innovation. In addition to mentorship and business support, participation also includes access to the Indiana Founders Network and a 1:1 call with TechPoint’s Venture Support team.
Join a statewide community of builders, makers, and founders who are shaping what’s next — and doing it right here in Indiana.
Mentorship, Workshops and Real-World Exposure
Ignition brings together 25–30 students from universities across the state, creating a collaborative cohort experience. Founders learn from each other, build lasting relationships, and gain the confidence to pursue their next steps.
Program Timeline
- Applications open January 5
- Info session for Ignition February 3: SIGN UP
- Applications for Ignition close February 16 at midnight
- Program Dates
- Week of 2/23, Kickoff and Collegiate Entrepreneur Summit (in-person)
- Week of 3/2, Product Market Fit/Customer Discovery session (hybrid)
- Week of 3/9, Marketing/Sales session (hybrid)
- Week of 3/16: Perfecting your Elevator Pitch/Telling your Story session (hybrid)
- Week of 3/24: Networking/Mentor session (In-person)
- Week of 3/30: Legal/IP session (Hybrid)
- Week of 4/6: Funding & Future Growth session (hybrid)
- Week of 4/13: Showcase Day (in-person)
- Week of 11/10 Showcase Day (in-person)
Support Collegiate Founders
Become a Mentor
We’re looking for experienced entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and industry experts to support our next cohort of collegiate founders. Whether you can commit to the full 8 weeks or just one afternoon, your experience matters. Mentors provide guidance and perspective, and you’ll help founders navigate early decisions, ask better questions, and build real ventures.
Get in touch!
Connect
Feel free to reach out. We’re happy to answer any questions on how to get involved with future cohorts.