Startup Studio kicks off at 121 Tech Hub with 10 student entrepreneurs and unlimited potential
The program is put together by Haseeb Qureshi and the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UT, Knoxville.
On Monday morning, ten of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s brightest aspiring entrepreneurs gathered at the 121 Tech Hub to kick off this summer’s Startup Studio.
Haseeb Qureshi, better known as “HQ,” welcomed the students into the space where they’ll meet over the next 12 weeks to transform their business ideas into working prototypes.
In its fist year, the accelerator was primarily virtual meetings. However, this summer, HQ and the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEI) opted to bring the program fully in-person to boost engagement and give students the best chance at success.
HQ said the goal is to help students clearly define their value proposition, and figure out how to make a meaningful impact on their target customers.
“You don’t learn anything about your business until you get it into the hands of your customers,” HQ said.
The first week focused on sharpening their pitch skills—learning how to hook potential users, investors, and partners on a product or service. After an opening lesson, students spent several hours workshopping their ideas and messaging.
For HQ, Startup Studio is an opportunity to invest in the next generation.
“We need to support young people in taking risks. We all took risks when we were young, and we all wish we had some support when doing that,” he said.
He believes these students are uniquely positioned to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges.
“Entrepreneurship has always been—and continues to be—a powerful tool for anyone to shape their own future,” he said. “And we have tons of problems in this world. So why not empower young people to solve and improve them?”
The Startup Studio will culminate in a Demo Day on September 5.
Learn more about the program here.
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