Traction Workshops are a unique opportunity to help aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups move their ideas forward. Open to any UConn student, this series of virtual workshops provides participants with hands-on guidance in developing a strong foundation of entrepreneurship knowledge. Whether you have a concept in its earliest stages—or no idea at all, these workshops aim to empower you to learn about entrepreneurship on your own terms.
Participants will benefit from expert-led sessions that cover essential startup topics, including value proposition creation, customer discovery, creating an impactful pitch deck, and business model development. Don't have all your questions answered? Set up office hours with any of our speakers!
Bringing a product from idea to impact is no small feat — but with the right roadmap, it’s possible.
This presentation will walk through the critical steps of moving from prototype development into full-scale manufacturing. FORGE — a leading resource for startups navigating the complex path from concept to commercialization — will guide participants through each stage, from market research and product validation to scaling up manufacturing operations. We’ll cover essential topics such as prototyping, design for excellence (DFX), and preparing for manufacturing readiness, along with strategies for building a sustainable, efficient supply chain. You’ll also gain insights into why early-stage planning, risk management, and quality systems are vital for ensuring product success at scale. Join us for an opportunity to learn directly from industry experts and discover the connections and resources that can help turn your innovations into reality.
Traction is coordinated by the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CCEI) at UConn. CCEI was founded in 2007 and is a focal point for entrepreneurial activity within the University. CCEI supports students, faculty, staff, and alumni entrepreneurs across all academic departments, schools, and colleges. For more info: ccei.uconn.edu
For more information, contact: Michaela Hartl at michaela.hartl@uconn.edu