Overview

Welcome to the Forge feature, where initial ideas are refined and validated. At Missouri S&T, this feature represents the critical phase where technological innovations undergo rigorous scrutiny and development. It’s a transformative period where customer discovery occurs, seed funding is secured and cohesive teams are formed, allowing startup companies to gain traction and build momentum.

Key Activities

Market Analysis and Customer Discovery

Understanding the market and identifying customer needs are crucial steps in transforming a concept into a viable product or service. We provide extensive support for market analysis and customer discovery, helping innovators refine their ideas to meet real-world demands.

Seed Funding and Technology Transfer

Securing initial funding and transferring technology from the lab to the market are essential for early-stage startups. Our ecosystem offers access to seed funding opportunities and guidance on technology transfer, ensuring that promising innovations have the financial and logistical support needed to move forward.

NSF I-Corps Program

The NSF I-Corps program plays a pivotal role in this feature, providing training and resources to help teams identify commercial opportunities and prepare for market entry. Participants receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and gain insights into customer discovery and business model validation.

Expertise Areas

Business Model Design and Value Analysis

Developing a robust business model is key to any startup’s success. Our programs include courses and workshops on business model design, value analysis and economic analysis, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to create sustainable and scalable business plans.

Benefit-Cost Analysis and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)

A thorough understanding of the economic implications of a new venture is essential. We offer expertise in benefit-cost analysis and LCCA, helping startups evaluate the long-term viability and financial impact of their innovations.

Research Methods and Quantitative Data Analytics

Accurate data and sound research methods are fundamental to validating any business idea. Our curriculum includes training in quantitative data analytics and research methods, providing entrepreneurs with the skills to gather and interpret data effectively.

Customer Focus, Negotiation, and Managerial Decision Making

Building a customer-centric business requires strong negotiation and decision-making skills. Our programs focus on customer engagement, negotiation techniques and managerial decision-making processes, ensuring that entrepreneurs are well-prepared to lead their ventures to success.

Join Us

The Forge feature at Missouri S&T is where ideas are shaped into viable business ventures. With a comprehensive support system and access to expert resources, you’ll have everything you need to refine and validate your innovations. Join us and transform your concepts into market-ready products and services.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact us at [contact information].