For the entrepreneurs and inventors in Nashville, this month is perfect for learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, sharing your ideas, and connecting with potential partners.
First up, the Entrepreneur Boot Camp hosted by CTTC, Cool Springs Life Sciences Center, and the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. This inaugural event is designed specifically for Vanderbilt students, staff and faculty who are looking to start or join a new venture or have an invention or new technology that could form a new venture. It will be held Wednesday, April 10, from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Cool Springs Life Sciences Center.
Fast forward 24 hours, and you join dozens of Vanderbilt students and faculty/staff inventors in the annual 
TechVenture Challenge. This educational competition aims to teach students about the process of commercialization and give them an opportunity to work side by side with accomplished Vanderbilt inventors. As if that’s not enough, TechVenture Challenge also serves as a showcase for emerging Vanderbilt intellectual property. It’s what you might call a “win-win’win.”
Throughout the spring, students have been working in teams to develop commercialization plans. The final competition will be held Thursday, April 11. Presentations begin at 4:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. The event is open to the public but RSVPs are appreciated.
Wrapping the month up, Launch Tennessee will host Venture Match – a “speed dating” event for entrepreneurs and inventors. Venture Match will be held Thursday, April 30, from 6 – 8 p.m., at the Vanderbilt University Club. Beniot Dawant, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Engineering and co-founder of Neurotargeting, will serve as the guest speaker.