Tech Programming

Start Studio

Start Studio is designed for aspiring startup founders with a tech-based business idea they want to test in the real world. If you’ve ever said, “I’ve got a great tech idea, but I don’t know where to start,” Start Studio is for you.

Start Studio has three different tracks: Start Studio ID - (Ideation and Discovery), followed by Start Studio MT - (Market Testing/Initial Market), and Start Studio IP - (Initial Product). Start Studio is focused on validating early tech ideas through customer discovery interviews while helping founders to create demonstration-ready Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) for customer-validated tech startups.

Start Studio ID

Ideation and Discovery

Ideation & Discovery – Identifying and Achieving Problem-Solution Fit

Start Studio ID is where innovative ideas meet catered support. This de-centralized program is designed for early-stage tech founders exploring the viability of their tech-based business concept. Through guided lectures, customer discovery sessions, and mentorship from experienced coaches, participants refine their problem statement, validate customer needs and unique value proposition, and identify initial business models.

This is a low-pressure space to explore, experiment, and build the foundation for a real startup - with the end goal of achieving a clear problem-solution fit and projected path to market. Founders complete the program when they can present their business model and strategy to a selection committee of sector experts and defend its viability.

Perfect for: Dreamers, solo founders, and early builders with a tech-based idea yet to be validated by the market.

To apply – please fill out the application!

Please schedule an Ask an Expert session with an EIR to learn more

Key Program Features

  • Rolling admissions and flexible onboarding
  • Personalized coaching and strategic support
  • Access to virtual learning content
  • A community of fellow innovators
Express Interest In Program

Start Studio MT

Market Testing/Initial Marketing

 

Prototype Development - Focusing on Product-Market Fit, and ICPs

 

Start Studio MT is designed for founders who are ready to validate their product with real users. This program focuses on creating functional prototypes through low-code and AI-powered tools so as to begin testing that product with early adopters across different customer segments and identifying ideal customer profiles (ICPs). Participants work closely with emerging developers, coaches, and subject matter experts to develop user feedback loops and test early key product features and design to figure out what works, and what doesn’t.

 

Participants also receive ongoing training on topics like go-to-market strategy, product management, and team-building. The program focuses on helping founders deliver a usable product into the hands of real customers - and determining if it truly solves their problem.

 

Perfect for: Founders with validated ideas who are ready to build, launch, and test a strong prototype with potential customers in the real world.

During this program, you will

  • Be having personalized coaching and strategic support
  • Have access to virtual learning content
  • Get the opportunity to build with and learn from a community of fellow innovators

 

Express Interest In Program

Start Studio IP

Initial Product

 

Market Readiness - Investor Readiness


Start Studio: IP supports founders who are ready to take their product and business to the next level. In this highly selective program, participants receive hands-on support to build robust MVPs with the help of full-stack developers - or enhance an existing MVP to be market- and investor-ready.

 

Founders also receive coaching in operations, capital strategy, legal infrastructure, and growth planning. This phase is about building not just a product, but a company that’s ready to raise capital, attract strategic partners, and scale.

 

Perfect for: Tech startups with a clear business case and strong potential, looking to build investor-ready products and secure funding or early traction.

During this program, you will

  • Build or enhance your MVP with support from experienced full-stack developers
  • Get hands-on guidance to make you market-ready and investor-ready
  • Receive expert coaching on operations, capital strategy, legal infrastructure and growth planning
  • Develop a clear path to raise capital, attract strategic partners, and scale your business
  • Transform your startup from a product idea into a fundable, scalable company
  • Get the opportunity to build with and learn from a community of fellow innovators

 

 

Express Interest In Program

Start Studio is made possible with support from Gilbert Family Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, U.S. Economic Development Administration and the William Davidson Foundation.

TechTown has worked with hundreds of emerging and premier tech-based and tech-enabled organizations. The Tech-Client Portfolio highlights the variety of tech businesses we’ve served and collaborated with. Check out the organizations by category. Visit their sites to learn about their specific offerings and impact.

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