Batten Institute

Batten Institute - Ventures - Innovation Grant - Committee

Innovation Grants Committee

The Innovation Grants Committee (IGC) is a student-led group responsible for reviewing applications and making funding decisions for the Batten Innovation Grants program at the $500 (“Create”) and $2,500 (“Innovate”) levels. To ensure applicants can receive substantive feedback, committee members are selected for their interdisciplinary backgrounds, industry experience and interest in entrepreneurship.

  • Eligibility and Application to Serve

    Currently enrolled Darden students in both the Residential MBA and Executive MBA programs may apply to serve on the IGC. The goal is to create a diverse pipeline of industry experience while building teams that demonstrate Darden’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage all students with a strong interest in acquiring asset-management and venture capital experience to apply.

    Conflict of Interest Exception: If a committee member submits a grant application for one of the grants administered by the IGC, this member shall inform the Batten Institute two weeks before the application deadline and will not participate in the activities associated with that grant application cycle.   
     

    Applications have now closed. Please contact Sandra McCutcheon, Assistant Director of Venture Programs, for more information.

  • The Opportunity
    • Play an active role in the success of Darden entrepreneurs and innovators;
    • Gain valuable experience in evaluating innovative ideas and startups in their early lifecycle;
    • Meet founders and build a great network in the Darden entrepreneurship ecosystem. 
  • Responsibilities
    • Available for active participation on the committee and ability to serve for the duration of the grant program between October and April (with the option to serve on the spring committee for the summer venture program);
    • Willingness to spend time individually evaluating and reviewing grant applications and final reports;
    • Participation in applicant interviews and/or committee meetings as needed;
    • Comfortable giving impartial and constructive feedback to applicants and committee members regarding an applicant’s eligibility or use of funds, and, more significantly, on the progress of the project or venture;
    • Commitment to reveal any conflict of interest with potential grant applicants.