Runway

Turn Your Idea into a Business

Runway is UND's venture accelerator for students who want to transform ideas into viable businesses. Through hands-on training, mentorship, customer discovery, and startup coaching, participants develop a business model, test their concept, build a pitch deck, and prepare for funding opportunities.

Runway is powered by the UND Center for Innovation, in collaboration with the Middleton School of Entrepreneurship & Management and the North Dakota Small Business Development Center (ND SBDC).

Runway is open to all students, whether you're exploring a new idea or working on a prototype of an innovation. The program provides the support, resources, and connections to help you move forward.

Runway In Action

What You'll Gain

Participants work through a structured 10-week accelerator focused on turning concepts into businesses.

During Runway, you'll:

• Validate your idea through customer discovery
• Build and refine your business model
• Develop a minimum viable product (MVP)
• Receive one-on-one coaching and mentorship
• Attend networking and entrepreneurship events
• Create a 5-7 page abbreviated business plan
• Build a professional pitch deck

Each team receives access to weekly sessions, office hours, guest speakers, and mentors from UND's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Before starting the Runway Accelerator program, we just had an idea. Runway helped us understand how to turn our idea into a business. Moones Alamooti, CEO of Geotinkers LLC

Runway Grant Funding Opportunities

Participants may qualify for up to $5,000 in funding to support venture development, business growth, and market validation.

NOTE: Students with existing businesses may also access Runway grant funding if they complete coaching with the ND SBDC to strengthen and scale their operations.

Supported by UND's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Runway participants benefit from a collaborative support network that includes:

• Center for Innovation startup coaching and program leadership
• Middleton School of Entrepreneurship & Management faculty expertise, mentors, and entrepreneurial programming
• North Dakota Small Business Development Center (ND SBDC) business advising and business plan support
• Community entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts

Together, we help students build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to launch successful ventures.

Who Can Participate?

Runway is open to all UND students with an idea, innovation, or a desire to build a side hustle or business they want to grow.

Runway grants are available to students participating in the accelerator program or students with operating businesses who are registered and receiving support from the ND Small Business Development Center.

A formal business plan is NOT required to apply. Just bring your curiosity, commitment, and willingness to learn.

Interested in finding out more?

Use the link below to fill out the interest form to get in touch with the Runway team to provide more information, answer any of your questions, and assist with the application process.

INTEREST FORM

Questions?

If you have questions regarding the Runway Accelerator, please contact: