Torrey Explorers Fund

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Have an idea? The Torrey Explorers Fund (TEF) is a venture capital fund for students at LJCDS. Whether students seek to start a business, launch a social campaign, invent a technology or create an art installation, TEF will offer mentorship by a team of local entrepreneurs and professionals and/or funding to help bring our students’ ideas to fruition.

What will students do with this fund?

We expect students to develop businesses, invent technologies, support local and national social needs, etc. However, this fund was not created for what we expect the students to accomplish; rather, it’s for them to achieve something that we would have never expected.

How it works

Students will submit their ideas/project proposals to the panel. Proposals will be reviewed, and students will be asked to present their project in person to the panel.

Once the proposal has been presented to the panel, students will either be asked to perform further work, given advice and guidance, or receive an offer for funding to help move their project forward.

FAQs

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

If I started a nonprofit organization, would this fund help with that or is it just for tangible inventions?

This fund is not just for tangible inventions. We would like to see nonprofit project ideas, whether for an organization or a project that benefits others, such as an art installation.
Do you give me funds for the manufacturing and help me through that process? Also, will you help me, if my invention is good enough, to get it patented?

When you get to manufacturing, there are many avenues to get funding for the manufacturing process. Let’s say the amount you need to build molds and purchase products far exceeds the fund’s capacity, we will help you get to other larger venture capital to get you where you need to go. Remember, the panel is not just there for funding but to assist and guide you. We will also be able to help you with the patent process.
What is the limit to the fund one person can get?

Think about it from the need, not necessarily the amount. That being said, if there is not enough money in the fund for your project, and you are passionate about moving it forward, we will help you find the funds.