Application Deadline: June 26th, 2023

Proof Positive is designed to help entrepreneurs identify and understand their target market and the needs of their potential customers. This unique 4-week curriculum fuses Science Center startup expertise with the proven lean startup concepts of the National Science Foundation I-Corps methodology to help entrepreneurs build products that meet real customer needs and create long-term value.  

Designed in conjunction with NSF I-Corps Northeast Hub, Proof Positive helps entrepreneurs focus on customer discovery, leading to better and faster business validation.    

This collaboration has been seeded by a generous gift from Spark Therapeutics to support entrepreneurs addressing unmet community needs with a focus on recruitment in West Philadelphia. The inaugural cohort of Proof Positive will culminate with The Marrazzo Award which will be presented to a groundbreaking company exemplifying the values of entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation espoused by Spark Co-founder, Jeff Marrazzo. 

Following the cohort, eligible Proof Positive participants will have access to additional financial support from the NSF I-Corps Northeast Hub. 

NSF I-Corps Northeast Hub is sponsored by grant #NSF 2048602 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Participating ventures must be tech-enabled   
• Two team members required  
• Participants must be able to attend all four sessions in-person 

Session Dates and Times: 

• Thursday, July 6th from 4-7pm EST
• Thursday, July 13th from 4-7pm EST
• Thursday, July 20th from 4-7pm EST
• Thursday, July 27th from 4-7pm EST

Session Location:  All sessions will take place in-person as part of Venture Cafe Philadelphia at 3675 Market Street, Floor 3 Philadelphia, PA 19104.  

Questions? Email Jen Rajchel at jrajchel@sciencecenter.org