VentureWell logo

GRANT · ACCELERATOR

VentureWell

E-Team Program

Independent editorial profile; DNA Future is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution unless expressly stated. A US university program offering student science and engineering teams up to $25,000 in grant funding.

Source checked · Spring 2027 upcomingView official page ↗
WHAT IT ISGRANT / ACCELERATOR
BEST FORUS university student teams
CURRENT STATUSSource checked · Spring 2027 upcoming
MAIN SUPPORT$5,000 Pioneer grant
FUNDING WARNINGAwards are made through US universities, and advancement to the second grant is not automatic.
EVIDENCE GRADEA · Current first-party program or institution sources
ADMISSION GUARANTEENo · Funding requires a separate decision, competition or offer
SOURCEOfficial institution and program pages
01

THE INSTITUTION

What is VentureWell?

VentureWell is a nonprofit founded in the 1990s to support university science and technology innovation.

It works with higher education, government and industry to help research-based innovators reach the market.

FOUNDED & WHY

VentureWell was established in 1995 as the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance and adopted its current name in 2014.

PUBLIC SCALE

Across 30 years, VentureWell reports training more than 8,000 teams, helping launch over 7,000 ventures and supporting innovators that raised about $9.8 billion.

PORTFOLIO & TRACK RECORD

The E-Team program alone reports more than 670 teams and 2,400 innovators, with over $649 million in follow-on funding and more than 280 ventures launched.

LATEST OFFICIAL SIGNAL

Summer 2026 selected 27 teams. The Winter 2027 deadline passed on 29 September 2026, and VentureWell lists the Spring 2027 application as opening on 9 November 2026.

Institution source ↗Latest official update ↗

02

THE PEOPLE

Who leads VentureWell and this program?

Phil Weilerstein

President and CEO

Has led VentureWell since its founding and oversees its national innovation programs.

Official profile or team page

E-Team delivery involves several staff members; Sarah Wharmby is the current named public program contact rather than a sole investment decision-maker.

03

THE PROGRAM

What is E-Team Program?

The program combines staged grants, training and mentorship for student-led inventions.

Read the official program page

04

WHO IT IS FOR

Who should consider it?

  • US university student teams
  • Science and engineering inventions with social or environmental value
  • Teams applying through an eligible institution
05

SUPPORT

What do you get?

  • $5,000 Pioneer grant
  • Additional $20,000 Propel grant for advancing teams
  • Training, mentors and national network
Do not misread this

Awards are made through US universities, and advancement to the second grant is not automatic.

06

PUBLIC EVIDENCE

What does the public record show?

The E-Team program alone reports more than 670 teams and 2,400 innovators, with over $649 million in follow-on funding and more than 280 ventures launched.

How to read this evidence

Examples show institutional or program history. They do not predict admission, funding, ownership terms or outcomes for a new applicant.

07

APPLICATION

How do you apply?

  1. Confirm institutional eligibility
  2. Submit through the university route
  3. Complete Pioneer
  4. Apply or qualify for Propel

Open the current official application or status page

DNA Future research note. This is an independent editorial profile based on official sources. Program terms and availability can change; the institution’s current materials take precedence.

Last reviewed · 13 October 2026