DSU to host Launch Labs in new year

Starting a business, starting a nonprofit, or starting a large company or class project all have something in common. The upcoming Launch Lab, hosted by Dakota State University’s Paulson Cyber Incubator and Entrepreneurial Center can help the process by providing important information for any of these endeavors.

Katherine Cota, DSU’s Director of Economic Development, said that anyone who thinks they have a business or a non-profit idea can benefit from this training because it teaches a process for evaluating any idea.  

The timing of the Launch Lab is strategically planned to conclude before the deadline of the Governor’s Giant Vision Competition.  Submissions for business ideas for the competition are due February 28th.  The competition is an opportunity for South Dakota residents to explore ideas and benefit from expert advice, and the chance to win up to 20-thousand dollars in prize money.

Cota will teach the Launch Lab sessions, which will run from January 10th through February 17th.  Classes will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. Attendees may take the classes in person at the Paulson Center on the DSU campus, or by Zoom, but must register for and attend the entire series, as the material presented each week builds on the previous week’s information. 

Interested individuals or teams can register by emailing [email protected] by December 10th, at which time businesses will be selected for the Launch Lab session. Between Dec. 10 and January 10, the participants will perform pre-work activities, including team-specific interview protocol homework and Udacity videos; university-based teams will take part in Citi Training (Human Subjects Certification) and Institutional Review Board Approval.