
innovation labs
For Harvard students with a demonstrated commitment and passion for a venture idea, Spark Grants will enable them to complete demand validation experiments. Students will test key assumptions and work with the Harvard Innovation Labs to validate demand through methods such as conducting customer interviews, running ad or social media campaigns, building a landing page, or creating a prototype.
How much funding is available and what is the process?
Spark Grants are non-dilutive grants distributed by the Harvard Innovation Labs. Students begin the process by completing an application in which they detail how they will use money to test demand for their product or service. In the first round, eligible students will be awarded up to $750 to test demand.
In a future semester, students can apply for additional funding. Applicants will be asked to describe the experiment(s) they ran and what they learned. From there, the Harvard Innovation Labs may award up to $2,000 in additional funding. Funds will be distributed based on demonstrated need, impact of funds, and overall demand.
Who is eligible?
Spark Grants are available to current Test and Propel teams who fulfill the following criteria:
Ventures must meet all the criteria above. No exceptions can be made.
May 24, 2023 | Application Launch
June 5, 2023 | Application Close
June 16, 2023 | Grant Notification
Before applying, please review the eligibility criteria carefully. Please contact i-lab@harvard.edu with any questions.