Launch Fund Nexus

Launch Fund Nexus features student-startup-industry trios, each working on a collaborative project that helps move a startup forward. Unlike a traditional internship, where students may contribute to various tasks, Nexus trios focus on a single, well-defined collaborative project.

Students | It all starts with you! Student Interest Form — Apply by the end of the day, September 17, 2025.

• Give: Their time and expertise on the project. Expectations:
  • Commit to the collaboratively decided upon meeting schedule and asynchronous project time (as will be defined in the joint application)
  • Exercise professional workplace conduct
  • Treat any confidential material properly
• Get:
  • Mentoring from the startup
  • Experience growing skills and applying them
  • Exposure and network connections to two different workplaces
  • Monetary award (if selected; approximately $2,000, after a successful mid-point check-in)

Startups | Startup Signup Form — USM-affiliated startups are the current focus. 

• Give: Their time to manage the project and mentor the student. Expectations:
  • Provide a warm, welcoming environment for the student. Exercise professional workplace conduct.
  • Treat any confidential material properly
  • Make time for the collaborative project (as defined in the joint application)
  • Make time for additional mentoring (as defined in the joint application)
• Get:
  • To “own” the project, which will help move their venture forward
  • Connected to a student as a potential future hire
  • Connected to the industry partner as a potential future partner, service provider/supplier, or client.

Industry Partners | Industry Partner Signup Form

• Give: Their time and expertise on the project. Expectations:
  • Commit to 15 hours of pro bono advising on the project, which can be split among more than one employee
  • Exercise professional workplace conduct
  • Treat any confidential material properly
• Get:
  • Connected to a student as a potential hire
  • Connected to a startup as a future potential partner, service provider/supplier, or client
  • Exposure to entrepreneurial activity
  • Opportunity for visibility to the entire Nexus community by providing an educational session

Additionally, Launch Fund Nexus includes training and capacity-building, with workshops on innovation topics and project management that are accessible to students, entrepreneurs, and industry mentors alike. These virtual trainings will be led by startups, industry experts, and university personnel.

**We recognize that students may have their own startups. And startups may be interested in being an industry partner. Applicants may apply from more than one perspective (e.g., as a student and as a startup founder). However, for any project receiving student funding, individuals or organizations may only participate in one role—student, startup, or industry partner. For example, a student with their own venture cannot be funded to work on that venture, and a startup cannot also serve as the industry partner on the same project.

Timeline:

• September 17 – Last Date for Students to Submit Interest Form
• October 1 – Due Date for Joint Applications from students and startups; Industry partners see applications. Preview the Student <> Startup Joint Application Form (still in development).
• October 8 – Last Date for Industry partners to express interest in joining specific collaborations
• October 9-17 – Student-Startup-Industry trios chosen for student funding are notified; (other trios or student-startup pairs may have opportunities to engage as well)
• November  3 (on or about) – Virtual Kickoff
• February 2 (on or about) – Virtual Midpoint
• April 6 (on or about) – Closing Event (may be virtual or hybrid)