From Tufts to Techstars: My Transformative Weekend at Harvard Innovation Labs
Written By: Kritika Sanhi, MSIM '25
Transformation often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone. This is what my team and I experienced at the Techstars Startup Weekend in Boston, hosted at Harvard Innovation Labs. Our initial plan was straightforward: network with industry experts, attend workshops, and develop our venture's MVP over the weekend. However, the event turned out to be much more enriching and transformative than we had anticipated. I spent the past year as a graduate student at Tufts Gordon Institute in the MS in Innovation & Management program during which I co-founded Saha, an interactive online platform that aims to create a solution to promote awareness and understanding of women's health among young women in emerging countries. After a year of working towards my degree, I had the incredible opportunity to experience the whirlwind of innovation, collaboration, and personal growth that is the Techstars Startup Weekend.
Stepping Out of the Tufts Cocoon
When my team and I first decided to attend the Techstars Boston event, we had a simple plan: network with industry experts and work on our no code MVP. Little did we know that we were about to embark on a transformative journey that would push us far beyond our comfort zones.
The Techstars Experience
The Startup Weekend is an intense 54-hour event where participants take an idea and turn it into a startup. As someone with a background in entrepreneurship from Tufts, including experiences like the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp, I felt prepared yet excited for this new challenge. From the moment we entered Harvard i-labs, the atmosphere buzzed with energy and excitement.
Here’s a glimpse into what our action-packed weekend entailed:
● Pitching Madness: We kicked things off by pitching our idea for Saha in just 60 seconds. The pressure was intense, but it taught us the importance of being clear and concise—an essential skill for any entrepreneur.
● Building Our MVP: Over the next 54 hours, we transformed our idea into a real product with a quick no code web application . This hands-on experience highlighted the need for quick iterations and constant feedback, which are crucial in the startup world.
● User Insights: We conducted interviews throughout with potential users, gaining valuable insights that reshaped our understanding of our target market. It was a powerful reminder that knowing your audience is key to success.
Networking: The Secret Sauce of Startup Success
One of the most valuable aspects of Techstars Boston was the opportunity to connect with an incredible array of people.
We met:
● Healthcare professionals who provided insights into the medical aspects of our project
● Venture capitalists who gave us a crash course in startup financing
● Fellow entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and challenges
The diversity of perspectives we encountered was mind-blowing. Even though our project focused on issues relevant to Indian women, we found diverse mentors across industries who were eager to listen and provide valuable insights.
The Unexpected Pitch
Initially, we hadn't planned to pitch our idea at the final event. But as the weekend progressed, fueled by the energy and encouragement of our newfound network, we decided to take the plunge. We worked tirelessly to refine our pitch deck into a concise three-minute presentation. Standing in front of an audience that included 27 other teams and industry experts was nerve-wracking, but exhilarating. And guess what? We won the Judge's Pick category! The thrill of victory was a testament to our hard work and the incredible support we received throughout the weekend.
Why Techstars Boston Matters in the Entrepreneurship Space
Participating in Techstars Boston was a game-changer for Saha and for me personally.
Here's why I believe it's a crucial event for anyone in the entrepreneurship space:
1. Rapid Learning: The compressed timeline forces you to think on your feet and make quick decisions – essential skills for any entrepreneur.
2. Networking Opportunities: The connections you make can open doors to mentorship, funding, and partnerships that can propel your startup forward.
3. Real-World Validation: Getting immediate feedback from mentors and potential customers helps refine your idea and business model.
4. Skill Development: From pitching to prototyping, you'll hone a variety of skills crucial for startup success.
5. Ecosystem Immersion: Being surrounded by like-minded individuals and industry experts gives you a crash course in the startup ecosystem.
Bringing it Back to Saha
The experience at Techstars Boston has been transformative for Saha. We've refined our vision, expanded our network, and gained invaluable insights that will shape our future strategy. The event reinforced the importance of our mission to address issues facing Indian women while also teaching us how to communicate that mission effectively to a diverse audience.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
For any Tufts student or aspiring entrepreneur, I cannot recommend the Techstars Boston Startup Weekend enough. It's more than just an event – it's a launchpad for your entrepreneurial dreams. The experience reinforced everything we've learned at Tufts while opening our eyes to the vast possibilities that lie beyond the classroom. Our time there was not just about building a product; it was about building ourselves as resilient and innovative entrepreneurs. Jumbos truly rocked the land of Harvard, and we recommend this event to anyone ready to take their startup journey to the next level. So, are you ready to break out of your cocoon and soar? Join the next Techstars Boston event and prepare for a weekend that could change the trajectory of your startup journey. Trust me, it's an adventure you won't want to miss!
