NextWave: A Startup Lab for Cluster-Based Innovation
Date: June 25 - 26
Location: University of Washington Energy Test BedsBowman, 4625 Union Bay Pl NE, Seattle, WA 98105
NextWave gives early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators a crash course in how to build a high-impact startup. Over two days, you’ll dive into hands-on workshops, get real-time feedback from mentors, and learn how to transform your idea into a venture that would impact in the industry and communities that you are in.
Whether you're interested in electrifying transportation, building sustainable aviation solutions, exploring the future of advanced nuclear energy, or using AI and quantum to solve global problems—NextWave is your entry point to the world of scalable, cluster-connected entrepreneurship.Why Join NextWave?
Great ideas can come from anywhere—but many innovators don’t have the tools, network, or support to get started. NextWave is designed to be a welcoming space for innovators, creatives, engineers, and community members who are curious about building solutions to some of our toughest economic and environmental challenges.
No business experience? No problem. All you need is an idea—or the desire to explore one.
Over two days, you’ll:
- Learn how to validate your idea with real customer insights
- Create a business model to shape a scalable solution
- Build a lean financial forecast
- Go To Market Strategy
Connect with mentors and innovation leaders for feedback.Who Should Attend?
This program is open to all Washingtonians—especially first-time founders, BIPOC innovators, students, and community members who want to explore tech and impact entrepreneurship. Whether your interest is in clean energy, bioscience, smart cities, sustainable food, or climate tech, NextWave connects you to the people and platforms shaping the future of innovation in Washington.
Come with an idea—or just your curiosity. Leave with tools, feedback, and momentum.
