A Strategic Network for Tech-Enabled Venture Growth
The upcoming Babson Tech Network will be a structured platform for supporting and connecting Babson-founded technology ventures.
Administered by the Metropoulos Institute, the Babson Tech Network will serve as both a pipeline for the Babson Tech 10 accelerator and an infrastructure for investors, mentors, and corporate collaborators.
The Babson Tech Network aims to empower entrepreneurs to apply technological tools for market discovery, product development, and strategic scaling—while providing curated support in mentorship, capital access, and visibility.
What the Babson Tech Network Offers
The Babson Tech Network operates through three interconnected systems:
1.
Knowledge Transfer
- Structured mentorship from domain experts
- Evidence-based workshops on emerging tech adoption
- Resource library featuring implementation protocols and case studies
2.
Capital Formation
- Curated introductions to tech-aligned investors
- Pitch preparation and due diligence guidance
- Quarterly investor showcases
3.
Visibility & Collaboration
- Inclusion in the Babson Tech Network’s growing venture database
- Eligibility to participate in open innovation challenges
- Strategic partnerships with corporations seeking early innovation
Who Can Join
The Babson Tech Network is open to ventures that meet the following criteria:
- Babson Affiliation: At least one team member is a current student or alumnus.
- Technology Integration: Technology is a primary driver of the venture’s value not just an operational tool.
- Venture Status: Company is legally formed or has a defined go-to-market roadmap.
- Engagement Commitment: Willingness to provide quarterly updates and participate in the Babson Tech Network programming.
Applications are reviewed bi-monthly by the Babson Tech Network Assessment Committee.
Babson Tech Network + Babson Tech 10
The Babson Tech Network also serves as the recruitment and evaluation base for the Babson Tech 10—a selective cohort of high-potential ventures. Each year, ventures that demonstrate market traction, tech leadership, and strong Babson Tech Network engagement will be nominated for a Babson Tech 10 designation.
For Corporate Partners
The Babson Tech Network provides a structured framework for corporate engagement with Babson’s most promising tech ventures. Partners may participate in:
- Innovation challenges with IP protocols and implementation pathways.
- Mentorship and technical advisory opportunities.
- Investment pipeline access and co-development programs.
Partnership Tiers Will Include:
- Observer: Access to showcase events and venture summaries
- Mentor: Active advisory with select ventures
- Challenge Sponsor: Co-design and host an innovation sprint
- Investment Partner: Curated venture introductions and due diligence access
Frequently Asked Questions
This term encompasses ventures that strategically employ technological tools as primary drivers of value creation, not merely as operational support systems. The assessment committee evaluates this through documentation of how technology creates competitive differentiation within the venture’s business model.
BTN employs standardized non-disclosure protocols for all mentorship interactions and innovation challenges. These include:
- Documented agreement on information usage parameters
- Structured disclosure limitations
- Third-party verification of compliance
- Clear attribution and ownership designation
Information collected follows a tiered confidentiality protocol:
- (Public): Company name, website, general description
- (Network-visible): General technological approach, funding stage
- (Restricted): Detailed metrics, specific technology implementation, capital requirements
Continued membership requires:
- Submission of quarterly standardized progress reports
- Participation in at least two BTN programming events annually
- Responsiveness to BTN communications (within 5 business days)
- Implementation of at least one technological recommendation annually
Selection occurs annually through a structured evaluation process that considers:
- Technological innovation implementation
- Market traction metrics
- Growth trajectory
- Active engagement with BTN resources
- Potential for institutional representation
