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Pratt Ignition Lab
Also known as: Ignition Lab Crash Course, Ignition Lab Pitch Competition
Pratt Institute · Brooklyn, NY
Seven-month non-credit entrepreneurship crash course run by Pratt's Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), founded in 2017 by Associate Director Carl Fengler. Teams of 2-5 students and alumni attend five monthly intensive sessions (September-April) covering business models, pitch decks, branding, competitor analysis, VC funding, and target audiences. Culminates in the Ignition Lab Pitch Competition judged by venture capitalists, angel investors, and startup professionals.
The CCPD Entrepreneur-in-Residence James McArthur provides ongoing mentorship. Guest speakers have included Peter Ragonetti and other industry professionals.
Quick fit check
- Indirect support only
- No equity required
Key numbers
Funding range
$0 – $0
Non Dilutive Grant
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2019-04
Low confidence
Application and Timing
Annual cycle. Teams apply prior to fall start. Program runs September to April, culminating in April Pitch Competition.
Participants
Pratt students and alumni in teams of 2-5.
Funding and Equity
No direct funding from the program. Pitch competition connects finalists with VC and angel investors for potential investment. 2019 winner Taiyo received no cash prize but gained investor access. All participants receive an experiential learning certificate.
Recent Activity
- 2019: Second-year cohort. 2019 Pitch Competition: Taiyo (1st), Haven (2nd).
- Post-2019: No public evidence of continued operation. The CCPD may have paused, rebranded, or moved the program — no public documentation found for 2020-2026.
- Note that Pratt still has an active EIR (James McArthur) and entrepreneurship services at CCPD.
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Earthpact
Pratt Institute
Sustainability app concept from Pratt Ignition Lab 2018 cohort (Akgül, Pressman, Sandoval, MS SES '19).
Haven
2nd place
placement
Pratt Institute
Social athletic club; 2nd place at Pratt Ignition Lab Pitch Competition 2019.
Taiyo
1st place
placement
Pratt Institute
Ethical womenswear subscription; 1st place at Pratt Ignition Lab Pitch Competition 2019 (Katherine Jacobson, BFA Fashion Design '18).
Wa-Ma
Pratt Institute
Modular shelving venture by Connie Cheng (BFA Communications Design '11); Pratt Ignition Lab 2019 participant.
Wandering Aid
Pratt Institute
Inclusive mapping services venture; Pratt Ignition Lab 2019 participant.
Yellow Napkin
Pratt Institute
Recycled-material accessories venture; Pratt Ignition Lab 2019 participant.
Historical winners (research notes)
- Taiyo (Katherine Jacobson, BFA Fashion Design '18) — 1st place 2019. Ethical womenswear subscription.
- Haven — 2nd place 2019. Social athletic club.
- Yellow Napkin — 2019 participant. Recycled-material accessories.
- Wandering Aid — 2019 participant. Inclusive mapping services.
- Wa-Ma (Connie Cheng, BFA Communications Design '11) — 2019 participant. Modular shelving.
- Earthpact (Akgül, Pressman, Sandoval, MS SES '19) — 2018 participant. Sustainability app concept.
Verification Gaps
- Current program status entirely unknown for 2023-2026.
- No contact information, application page, or program page found on current Pratt website.
- Number of cohorts and total participants beyond 2018-2019.
- Post-program outcomes for winners and participants.
- Prize amounts and equity terms (if any) not documented.
Pratt Ignition Lab
Additional research notesShow
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Pratt Ignition Lab at Pratt Institute.
1 source
