Introduction to Lean Innovation

Making the world a better place is a messy prospect. However innovators - whether directing groundbreaking research, designing new products, or empowering communities - must all take similar first steps in order to be successful. They must know who they're helping, how and why help is needed, and how a proposed solution might benefit intended recipients.

This is a challenging but critical first step. GW's Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship invites our entire community to attend a short introductory workshop, offered monthly, to learn how savvy innovators take this first step - they talk to humans! It sounds simple, but this method is central to Agile Software Development, Design Thinking, and Lean Startup concepts.

We invite anyone who hopes to solve a global problem, start a new business, or develop a new product to join us. Even if your ideas aren’t fully formed, or you haven't yet assembled a team. OIE will provide an overview of the customer discovery process, as well as the basics of commercialization. Bob Smith, head of Lean Startup training at GW, will host the event and take questions from participants.

Once completing ILI, you'll gain access to the 2 short course tracks:

• EDNDC: For DC-based participants with a venture across any industry are eligible to participate in a free intensive lean startup bootcamp & milestone based mentorship worth $4k
• NSF I-Corps: Participants coming from an institution of higher education (GWU)

Please note that this is an online event. A Zoom link for the event will be sent to all registrants a few days prior to the session.