Market readiness

Market Readiness is a program for Purdue-connected startups. If you are a current Purdue student, we encourage you to apply for the New Venture Challenge.

Are you a founder seeking clarity about your startup? Searching for extra mentorship or support? Maybe looking to secure additional funding?

Purdue Innovates presents Market Readiness, a comprehensive five-week program designed to help founders develop and walk away with a stronger pitch deck.

Figure out where you’re going and how in the next 6-12 months.


What will you learn in Market Readiness?

By the end of this program, participants will:

  • Develop a clearly defined product, customer, and value proposition.
  • Build out financial projections and milestones.
  • Conduct weekly customer discovery interviews.


All teams will leave the program with a finalized executive summary and pitch deck.

*Applications for Market Readiness are now closed. To get on the waitlist for a future cohort or reach out with a question about starting a company, please contact us. We are always happy to talk to you if you have an idea you’d like to develop.

Who is this program for?

If you’re a Purdue student, faculty/staff, or alumni that meet some or all of these statements, this is the right program for you:

  • I/we have completed Firestarter.
  • I/we have built a team.
  • I/we have created an MVP or prototype of some kind.
  • I/we have received a grant, prize money or investment from friends or family.
  • I/we have made my/our first dollar.


Not sure it’s the right fit? Apply anyway and our team will help you find the program best suited to your needs.

Key Information

Applications Open:
February 16, 2026

Applications Close:
March 1, 2026 @ 11:59 P.M.

Workshop Dates:
Sessions run each Thursday virtually 10am-1pm EST between March 12 and April 16

Location

Virtual

Market Readiness Application Form

Applications are now closed.