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Petrick Idea Center

Programming & Resources

Angel Flight School 

Angel Flight School is an eight-week program that teaches investors how angel investing actually works. Learn from active investors how to evaluate companies, conduct due diligence, and understand the mechanics of backing a founder. The program is in partnership with Illinois Ventures Angels, UIUC Research Park and UIS Innovate Springfield. 

 

Founders Studio

Founders Studio brings together business students with different areas of expertise to work directly with student founders. The team helps build the business scaffolding around an idea from market research and customer discovery to marketing, finance, operations, and strategy.

For founders, it means getting a team around the table. For the students on the team, it means applying what they are learning to help build a real venture.

 

Speaker Series

The Petrick Speaker Series brings founders, investors, creators, and operators to campus for candid conversations about what they built, what went wrong, what they learned, and the decisions that shaped the journey. Conversations continue beyond the room through the Founder Series Podcast.

 

Digital Badging

Students can earn 23 digital badges across five makerspace tracks: digital fabrication, laser-based manufacturing, electronics, creative fabrication, and textile fabrication. Each badge represents demonstrated, hands-on ability and gives students access to the equipment they need to turn an idea into something physical.

 

Entrepreneurs in Residence

Petrick’s Entrepreneurs in Residence are experienced founders, investors, operators, and professional experts who make themselves available to students. They hold open office hours, mentor student ventures, participate in programs and events, and help students work through the decisions that come with turning an idea into something real.

 

Titans New Venture Challenge

The Titans New Venture Challenge is our flagship pitch competition and expo. We bring together both sides of early-stage investing. IWU students and alumni compete with new ventures, while a student diligence committee evaluates those ventures, conducts due diligence, and writes real investment memos. Selected ventures can receive investment through SAFE agreements.