401TB Scale Up! RI

What is 'scale up! RI'?

401 Tech Bridge and Polaris MEP have teamed up with expert Polaris MEP commercialization consultants to deliver a 6-month long program designed to help companies take their next steps towards commercialization and scalable production.

Scale Up! RI is built around an action-oriented approach. Participants will work to solve many of the challenges faced getting a product to market. Select participants will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a commercialization consultant towards solving a specific problem or completing a specific project over the course of the program. Participants will also be in the running to receive one of ten $2000 credit awards towards prototyping with a local manufacturer.

Who should apply?

Scale Up! RI is designed to support both Entrepreneurs and startups, and business leaders of established companies looking at bringing a new solution to market.

If you’re not sure if Scale Up! RI would be a good fit for your current needs? Talk to us! It might be perfect for you. Even if it’s not, we’ll get a better understanding of your business and challenges and help you connect with the programs, people, and organizations that can best help.

Why Should You Apply?

  • 8-hour Bootcamp: 30 applicants will be selected to attend an intensive 8-hour product commercialization Bootcamp (spread over 4 days, 2 hours/day), led by Polaris MEP partner, Peter Russo. Participants will dig deep into commercial, technical, and manufacturing readiness assessment and planning, market research and market fit, and manufacturing readiness.

  • 6 Deep Dive Workshops: Over the length of the program, 6 workshops will be delivered, each of which will be tailored to explore specific hurdles and challenges that Bootcamp participants are facing.  Attendees will come away from each workshop with actionable answers and solutions.

  • Chance At 6 Months of One-On-One Consulting: 10 Bootcamp participants will be selected to receive 6 months of one-on-one consulting with Polaris MEP partner, Peter. The consulting includes:

    • Interview pre-manufacturing readiness assessment

    • Assessment and coaching session                                                                  .

    • Roadmap to commercialization goal                                                                          

    • Scope for immediate next milestone 

    • Coaching through targeted milestones                

    • $2,000 credit to one of several prototyping shops for each participant

  • Networking: Participants will get the chance to connect with other Rhode Island-based product designers and developers, and to the services and network of 401 Tech Bridge and Polaris MEP

  • Visibility: Participants will be highlighted in 401 Tech Bridge content and media, increasing their visibility and presence within the Rhode Island innovation ecosystem.