
MIX Innovators Launchpad





Mission
First-time founders eager to launch their business ideas now have access to a valuable resource on campus: the MIX Student Innovators Launchpad.
This program supports student entrepreneurs aiming to establish and expand their business ventures. Participants will gain a working knowledge of how to evaluate their innovative ideas from both business and customer perspectives, along with essential skills in conducting customer discovery interviews—the crucial first step in any commercialization process.
This course equips attendees with entrepreneurial skills and insights applicable across various career paths.
The workshop series is integrated with the NSF Regional I-Corps program.
Eligibility Criteria for the MIX Innovators Launchpad:
Technology-Based or Tech-enabled Idea: Teams must propose a solution or idea grounded in real, applicable technology.
Academic Level: Participants must be enrolled students ranging from junior and senior-level undergraduates to graduate students (Masters and PhD).
Cross-University Collaboration: Teams may include students from other universities.
Faculty Advisor Requirement: Each team must have a designated Principal Investigator (PI) of Record — a faculty member who is familiar with the technology and will serve as an advisor for your technology, for example your professor from your capstone project.
The PI is not required to attend training sessions.
Interview Process: All teams will undergo an interview as part of the selection process.
Contact: Minjin Batzorig, MIX Operations Coordinator, mbatzor@gmu.edu
VISIT the GMU I-CORPS Website for more information.
Phases of the MIX Innovators Launchpad Program
Next Steps – Program and Funding Opportunities
Once you have successfully completed the Innovators Launchpad program, we can support you in applying to the programs and funding opportunities below:
Mason Enterprise Accelerate Investor Conference (First Prize - $5K)
VISIT: https://acceleratedeals.org/student/Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Patriot Pitch Competition (First Prize - $8K)
VISIT: https://business.gmu.edu/PatriotPitchMid-South I-Corps Hub Builder Program (Microgrant)
VISIT: https://www.midsouthhub.org/builder-programThe VentureWell E-Team Program (Stage 1: $5K, Stage 2: $20K)
VISIT: https://venturewell.org/e-team-program/The VentureWell Ecosystem Futures Fellowship ($35K)
VISIT: https://venturewell.org/ecosystem-futures-fellowship/National Science Foundation (NSF) National I-Corps Program ($50K)
VISIT: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/i-corps/national-teams-applicantsNSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs:
Phase I ($305K) Phase II ($1.25M), and Phase IIB ($500K)
VISIT: https://www.sbir.gov/about
Contact: Minjin Batzorig, MIX Operations Coordinator, mbatzor@gmu.edu
VISIT the GMU I-CORPS Website for more information.
Our Incubator
A space to incubate your ideas
Do you have a business idea or want to learn more about entrepreneurship?
At the MIX Incubator we support students and faculty from ideation to startup.
This space is a resource for students at all stages of their entrepreneurship journey.
Start a business. Join a team. Learn how to pitch your idea.
It all happens at the Incubator.
Come explore what we have to offer!
Student Testimonials:
Our Sponsors & Partners
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Nexigen
Nexigen is an award-winning IT and cybersecurity partner, providing enterprises, SMBs, and fast-growing startups with expert service, support, and strategic insights.
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Mason Enterprise Center
Whether you need mentors, private offices, a shared workspace, conference rooms, or a space to host your events, we provide the capabilities you need to grow your business.
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Mason Small Business Development Center
Growing NoVA’s small business community with no-cost advice, training, and resources.
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Athletes Innovate
AthletesInnovate is a sports‑focused venture and investment group that helps build and grow companies by offering ideation support, fundraising training, and deal consultation where athletes’ involvement drives value.
Contact Us
Minjin Batzorig
MIX Operations Coordinator
mbatzor@gmu.edu
Location
Horizon Hall 1408 & 2100 - 4475 Aquia Lane - Fairfax, VA