Foundry Information

For more detailed information see the Guide to the Foundry.

What is the Foundry at 1795?

The Foundry at 1795 is Olin College’s new student business incubator.

What is the objective of the Foundry at 1795?

The objective of the Foundry is to allow student entrepreneurs to convert feasible projects into potential fledgling organizations. This will afford students the experience of going through the paces of creating an organization. The Foundry will provide an extension of the Entrepreneurship portion of the Olin triangle. It will allow the opportunity for mixed teams of Olin and Babson students to work on technology entrepreneurship. Collaboration and integration with Babson students on project teams is highly encouraged and desired.

Where is the Foundry at 1795?

The Foundry at 1795 is located at 1795 Great Plain Avenue, down the hill from the main campus. 1795 Great Plain Avenue is also known as Edison House.

What is provided?

Admitted groups to the Foundry at 1795 will be provided furnished office space as well as access to common business equipment such as copiers and phones. Student groups will have access to the Foundry’s Board of Advisors, which can provide both business and technical guidance. Startup funds may also be provided based on annual availability.

How long is a student group’s term?

Admitted students groups are granted space for one semester at a time. At the end of a semester, incumbent groups are invited to reapply for space for the next semester. All applicants will be judged equally.

Who can apply?

All students of the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering are eligible to apply for
space in the Foundry at 1795. Each student group must have at least one student
from Olin College.

How do I apply?

Each group must submit one application packet. The application packet consists of a Space Request Form, Statement of Intent, and a business plan or executive summary. These forms will be distributed as editable PDF files.

When should I apply?

You may apply at any time as the Foundry at 1795 is now admitting groups on a rolling basis. However, there is a preferred date of application of Friday, October 8, 2004. Please submit electronic documents to 1795foundry@olin.edu and paper documents or prototypes to John Bourne or Steve Schiffman.

How will applicants be selected?

Applications will be judged based on both technical and commercial feasibility. The technical problems must be solvable within a reasonable period of time with available resources. Applicants should also have a thorough understanding of their target markets and customers. The point of the application is to educate and convince the evaluators of the real potential of your venture. Final applicants will be asked to present their venture before the evaluation team.