UNCW CIE - The Idea Test Lab (applications due)

The Idea Test Lab is a cohort based, 5-week program designed to create an inclusive pipeline of high-growth entrepreneurs and startups in Southeastern North Carolina and to build resilience in founders.

Applications are being accepted for the inaugural Biotech/HealthTech cohort for the fall of 2025! The 2025 Women-in-Tech cohort wrapped up in April 2025 and the BlueTech/ClimateTech cohort finished in June 2025 (applications will open again in later 2025 for 2026 cohorts). 

Idea Test Lab is an early-stage entrepreneurship course to enable founders to determine if there is business value in an idea. Each of the five sessions will focus on different entrepreneurial design topics such as value proposition, identifying the customer's problem, competition, and market analysis.

This course outline provides a structured approach, using the Wendy Kennedy Methodology (WKI), to guiding participants through the crucial stages of startup ideation, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and competition. Idea Test Lab wraps up with a Demo Day, where founders have the opportunity to showcase their business idea to community members, students, and other founders.

Apply to Idea Test Lab

Qualifications 

• Early-stage (ideation stage) company  
• High impact technology  
• Relevant to cohort technology sector 
• Able to attend the 4 sessions and the Demo Day  

Time Commitment 

Five weeks - One 3-hour session per week for five weeks, followed by a Demo Day. If you cannot make the sessions in person, there is a hybrid option, but Demo Day is in person. 

What’s in it for YOU? 

• Connections to a network of UNCW community and ecosystem partners  
• CIE coworking membership for the duration of 2025
• Mentorship and guidance; access to CIE mentors 
• Validation of ideas using WKI tools
• Identify value proposition 
• Cohort experience – joining a cohort allows you to learn from experiences of other entrepreneurs and share challenges 
• Post-program support 
• The opportunity to receive up to $5K to put towards your company!

What types of ideas or companies are applicable to the Biotech/HealthTech Idea Test Lab cohort?

• Biotech/HealthTech examples include, but are not limited to: novel therapeutics, diagnostic tools, biomanufacturing, digital health, remote patient monitoring, medical devices, healthcare access solutions, and clinical workflow tools. 

Application Deadlines and Schedules

• BIOTECH/HEALTHTECH application are open until September 30, 2025. 
• WOMEN IN TECH/ FEMALE FOUNDERS applications for 2025 are now CLOSED. 
• BLUETECH/CLIMATE-TECH applications for 2025 are now CLOSED. 

Biotech/HealthTech Cohort

Apply to Idea Test Lab