Mentors
Helping next-gen innovators and entrepreneurs.
UC Entrepreneurship Academy
“I left the academy every day energized to develop my career in a new way. It taught me how entrepreneurship can be seen as a series of small experiments and the importance of positioning myself and my idea in the right market."
—Shannon Perna | Graduate Student | Electrical and Computer Engineering| 2024/25 Business Developent Fellow | UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The academy mentoring session brings experts from a wide range of backgrounds and expertise together with academy participants to refine their ideas through one-on-one pitching and feedback in a timed, virtual format.
Participants learn to adapt their pitch to different audiences, and mentors provide feedback and expertise to help move the idea forward. Get ready for an inspiring and invigorating interaction!
Mentoring Session Format
During the two-hour session, each mentor will interact with four or five academy participants or teams. The virtual format includes:
- Mentors and participants all gather in the Zoom Meeting for brief introductions and instructions.
- The Zoom facilitator pairs mentors and participants into breakout rooms to begin the first 15-minute rotation.
- Each participant briefly pitches their idea for feedback and discussion. Mentors ask questions and offer suggestions.
- Each breakout room will receive a broadcast text at the 10-, five- and one-minute remaining marks.
- At the end of each session, participants move to the next breakout room while mentors recharge for the next pitch.
What to Expect
Participants will be at various stages in their idea development, but most have formulated their initial elevator pitch, an overview of their business concept, and some initial market and customer validation.
Mentors provide support, enthusiasm, business acumen and questions to help participants get excited about continuing to work on their idea. Mentor questions may include:
- Is the elevator pitch concise and to the point?
- Did they answer the key questions around who, what, why and how?
- Did they define a market, customers and competition for the new venture?
- Did they identify a business model? What suggestions can you provide?
- What uncertainties would need to be resolved to move forward?
"The academy introduces brilliant minds to the process of starting, sustaining and scaling a business. It is very rewarding to provide advice, input and real-world experience to help them successfully migrate from the research world to the business world."
—FRANK ZACCARI
CEO, Life Altering Events LLC | Mentor
Apply to Mentor
Complete the mentor registration form to indicate your interest in mentoring. We will contact you closer to the academy date to confirm your interest and participation.
UC DAVIS | UC Entrepreneurship Academy
