Patrick Pichette
About the program
Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a nonprofit organization that delivers an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage, science- and technology-based companies.
CDL has designed a new approach to enterprising research and innovation, nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset through expert opinion, funding opportunities, research analysis, and business development support.
The Program involves:
Mentorship from select entrepreneurs and angel investors: the Fellows and Associates
Intensive full-day sessions with the CDL Mentors take place every eight weeks with the purpose of assessing progress and setting new short-term objectives. Fellows and Associates provide professional judgment (entrepreneurial knowledge) to help guide CDL Ventures and prioritize actions.
The program is designed for early-stage, science-based technology companies, though we consider all applicants based on their potential to scale and the viability of their product. CDL’s objective-setting process enhances the performance of technical founders who learn from the insights of experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their probability of success.
Opportunities to raise capital
CDL Mentors are made up of a carefully selected group of exited entrepreneurs, angel investors, and partners from leading venture capital firms. These participants often invest in ventures that demonstrate a track record of achieving their objectives.
Advice on technology roadmaps from CDL’s Chief Scientists
World-renowned experts from leading academic institutions provide technical feedback to founders and advise the Fellows and Associates on objectives related to technology validation.
Business development support from top students
Business school students work to support ventures including developing financial models, evaluating potential markets, and fine-tuning strategies for scaling.
CDL’s objective-setting process enhances the performance of technical founders who learn from the insights of experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their probability of success. All Alumni Companies ▶︎
CDL operates 18 streams
CDL Streams act as focus areas: typically an emerging technology area, an area of application where multiple emerging technologies are converging to create new commercial opportunities, or a mission-driven focus. CDL startups work with mentors within a stream to sharpen objectives, prioritize time and resources, raise capital, and engage with experts working on the frontiers of research.
