How does a space dedicated to innovation and molding the next generation of entrepreneurs fold itself into the fabric of both the academic community that it is a part of and the neighborhood it aspires to serve as an unofficial gateway to?
This is something that has long been on our minds as we try to shape the future of the Harvard innovation lab.
One thing we’ve collectively learned working at, mentoring, and helping to build startups, is that sometimes, best laid plans and excruciatingly mapped-out schemes are far less effective than the magical and organic alignment of passion and innovation. Wednesday night served as a great example of this as the i-lab opened its doors to the community for the Stand Up Startup Showcase as part of the inaugural HUBWeek.
More than 500 members of the Harvard community and HUBWeek attendees from throughout the Metro and Greater Boston areas descended on the i-lab to witness some of the best and brightest ventures that have been molded by their involvement in the i-lab community. Most who walked through the i-lab seemed impressed by the company’s displaying their products and ideas.
While a lot of buzz surrounded the unique, and, quite futuristic, presentation of food at the event, companies such as LovePop Cards drew lots of attention for their product displays and many checked out Getaway’s new small cabin parked in the HBS parking lot. Everyone who I talked to was equally impressed -- and moved -- by the startup’s short presentations.
Many of the teams who presented also reported interest from potential partners, investors, and possible future team members who mingled among the crowd that was drawn to the i-lab with a general interest to find on what actually goes on behind the walls of this white monolith on Harvard’s Allston doorstep.
It was another shining example of both how far the i-lab has come in a few short years since its founding and where it’s primed to go in the future.
