Blueprint Program Spring 2026 Cohort

Blueprint Program Spring 2026 Cohort is an 8-week, primarily-virtual Tough Tech commercialization program designed for graduate students, postdocs, researchers, and their teams exploring the translational potential of breakthrough innovations. The cohort’s content sessions are facilitated online from April 3 to May 20, 2026, and the program culminates with an in-person Blueprint Showcase at The Engine HQ in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 20, 2026. The program is intended for technologists who have been developing a Tough Tech innovation for over 6 months and plan to pursue it full-time as a startup within the next 12–18 months. The Engine states there is no cost to participate and that it does not take equity or form a business relationship during the program.

Key Benefits

• Mentorship and access to industry experts through tailored workshops and guidance
• Expert office hours and mentor groups with dedicated mentors assigned
• Progressive pitch deck building through weekly sessions, guides, and assignments
• In-person Blueprint Showcase to present, receive feedback, and connect with stakeholders

Eligibility

• Graduate students (Masters or PhD), postdocs, research scientists affiliated with universities or national labs, and early-stage founders actively engaged in commercialization of Tough Tech solutions
• Primarily open to researchers based in the U.S. and Canada
• Teams encouraged; individuals may apply; teams may include up to five participants
• Tough Tech innovation developed for over 6 months and planning to pursue full-time as a startup within the next 12–18 months

Program Structure

• 8-week primarily-virtual program
• 7 facilitated Friday workshops (April 3 – May 15, 2026)
• Tuesday fireside chats and Networking Wednesdays
• Expert office hours and mentor groups (Fridays and ad-hoc)
• Blueprint Showcase (May 20, in-person at The Engine HQ in Cambridge, MA)

Dates & Duration

• Program duration: 8 weeks
• Program start date: 2026-04-03
• Any key milestones (demo day, selection date, etc.): Applications close March 13, 2026, 11:59 PM ET; Blueprint Showcase May 20, 2026 (in-person)

This cohort is sponsored by Mercury, and the application page states that by submitting an application, applicants consent to their contact and high-level application information being shared with select groups to provide funding opportunities and related resources.