For Bostonians interested in breaking into the startup realm, MassChallenge and Startup Institute are two go-to programs for achieving that goal. MassChallenge, which is the world’s largest accelerator (by number of participating companies), gives entrepreneurs the resources they need to launch their own business ventures. Meanwhile, Startup Institute provides professionals with the skills and networks required to get a job at a growing company.
So it makes sense that with somewhat parallel missions, the two organizations would join forces. And today, MassChallenge and Startup Institute announced that they are partnering to boost the Boston innovation economy and fuel both organizations' global expansion efforts.
MassChallenge and Startup Institute announced that they are partnering to boost the Boston innovation economy and fuel both organizations' global expansion efforts.
The agreement will give participants in both programs a wider range of benefits. MassChallenge entrepreneurs will now have access to Startup Institute’s network of nearly 1,000 alumni, curriculum and speakers, while Startup Institute students and alums will be able to forge stronger relationships with MassChallenge startups and alums through special events. Not only that, but MassChallenge entrepreneurs will have the option to teach Startup Institute classes, and Startup Institute students will have the opportunity to work on a range of special projects for MassChallenge companies during their eight-week immersion. For example, a group of students in the Startup Institute sales track might develop a model sales presentation for a MassChallenge company. The two organizations are also going to collaborate on an event, which will be announced at a later date.
“This is a natural partnership,” said John Harthorne, CEO of MassChallenge. “We want to provide entrepreneurs with what they need to succeed, and our relationship with Startup Institute helps solve one of their biggest challenges: access to outstanding talent.”
The Startup Institute spring session begins Feb. 23 and MassChallenge 2015 applications are due April 1. The organizations plan to begin working together immediately.
