The Wyoming Technology and Business Council (WTB) is supporting a new startup challenge focused on science: the Microbial Ecology Collaborative Startup Launchpad. Though, the launchpad isn't just for microbial ecology.
"Microbial ecology collaborative sounds like it only has to be about microbial ecology," said Veronica Donahue, an intern working on the startup challenge. "But it's really broad, especially when you take into account the environmental sustainability, natural resource management and data science."
Applicants don't need to have a business already started but only need to have a business idea. WTBC business counselors are available to help applicants.
"I would suggest that anyone who has an idea, even if they don't know that it qualifies yet, should go and apply anyway," said Donahue. "Because you're still going to get to meet with business counselors and get advice and learn about the other opportunities there are even if this one doesn't exactly fit. There's other opportunities for everyone out there."
Selected applicants will receive further business counseling. Five to 10 semifinalists will then be selected to present their businesses at the spring Pitch Day.
Pitch Day winners will split $25,000 in seed funding to help grow their business.
There will be an informational session on Friday, November 15. An RSVP is required. Applications are due November 30.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Ivy Engel, at iengel@uwyo.edu.
