On October 1, 2024, Ann Arbor SPARK hosted its Boot Camp Celebration and Pitch Competition, showcasing the innovative work of two standout startups. The Entrepreneur Boot Camp, funded by the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), is designed to help early-stage companies rapidly assess the viability of their business ideas and determine the next crucial steps. Grounded in Lean Startup principles, the Boot Camp’s focus on customer discovery empowers entrepreneurs to validate their concepts and begin building a sustainable path forward.
Perpetual Sciences, which took home the first-place prize of $25,000, is revolutionizing the treatment for hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder often misunderstood despite its prevalence. Hydrocephalus, sometimes described as a “brain plumbing problem,” is caused by a mismatch in the brain’s ability to absorb cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Current treatment options, including shunt systems, have a high failure rate. Perpetual Sciences has developed a new shunt system that dynamically adjusts CSF flow based on the patient’s activity level, aiming to improve both the effectiveness of the treatment and the quality of life for patients.
Capture Tech, the second-place winner, focuses on clean technology with a mission to alleviate environmental stressors through innovative carbon-sequestering applications. Their processes capture large amounts of carbon while offsetting emissions, targeting industries like agriculture to promote circularity and sustainability. Capture Tech’s solutions not only reduce pollution but also convert waste into valuable products like fertilizer and soil amendments, helping industries address their carbon footprints more effectively.
Each Boot Camp cohort spends eight intensive weeks diving into their business models. While in-session time totals fewer than 40 hours, participants commit dozens of hours weekly to customer discovery work, refining their ideas, and meeting with coaches to stay on track. Graduating teams leave with sharpened pitches, connections to industry leaders, and crucial insights to help them solve big problems for their target customers.
Kristine Nash-Wong, Director of Entrepreneurial Services at SPARK East, expressed the significance of this process, stating, “These companies are out to change the world for the better, and the Boot Camp provides them with the tools to help execute their vision. It’s inspiring to watch entrepreneurs go through the customer discovery journey and emerge with stronger, clearer business models that have the potential to make a meaningful impact.”
The Boot Camp doesn’t just end with a pitch competition—it sets the foundation for companies to move forward with momentum. Participants work on several key milestones, such as:
- Validating their ideas with real customers
- Refining investor pitches with the help of experienced mentors
- Building the right team to drive their business forward
- Identifying financial needs and securing capital
- Accessing valuable networks of potential customers and advisors
The program requires full commitment from each team, and while there is a fee, partial scholarships are available to eligible companies. SPARK, however, takes no equity stake in the participating businesses, allowing entrepreneurs to retain full ownership.
With past graduates such as SkySpecs, Groundspeed, Mi Padrino, Spellbound, and HLX Engines, the Boot Camp has a proven track record of launching impactful ventures.
Interested in joining the next cohort? SPARK’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp is held twice a year. If you have a startup and are eager to take the next steps on your entrepreneurial journey, learn more and complete the application form here.
