The Engine is accepting applications for the Blueprint Spring 2026 Cohort, an eight-week program designed to help graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research teams explore the commercialization potential of breakthrough Tough Tech innovations.

The primarily virtual program provides mentorship, weekly training sessions, and guidance from experienced founders and investors. Participants learn how to conduct self-diligence, de-risk their technologies, and develop a startup strategy while building a pitch deck for their innovation. The program concludes with the Blueprint Showcase, where participants present their work and connect with investors and ecosystem partners.

This opportunity is intended for researchers who have been developing a Tough Tech innovation for at least six months and plan to pursue it as a startup within the next 12–18 months.

The Spring 2026 program will run April 3 through May 20, 2026, with the final showcase held in person at The Engine headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The deadline for applications is March 13th, at 11:59 pm EST. To apply, click here .