Innovation Factory
University Center
Suite 250
Missoula, MT 59812
innovationfactory@umontana.edu
About Us
The Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars at the University of Montana, is a co-curricular, experiential, campus program designed to introduce entrepreneurship as a viable career path and develop entrepreneurial skills and mindsets through individualized coaching, ideation and venture creation support. Influenced by the enterprising heritage of Blackstone and its founders, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation is directing the firm's resources and intellectual capital to support entrepreneurship nationwide and globally.
Mission:
The Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars at the University of Montana, is a co-curricular, experiential, campus program designed to introduce entrepreneurship as a viable career path and develop entrepreneurial skills and mindsets.
Vision:
To secure an entrepreneurial culture within the Montana University System community.
Core Values:
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Inspire pursuits of passion.
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Empower experiential entrepreneurship.
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Catalyze innovative, collaborative community.
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Encourage diverse participation.
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Commit to long-term impact.
STAFF
Paul Gladen
Director, Blackstone LaunchPad at the University of Montana
Morgan Slemberger
Associate Director
Molly Putnam
- Student Director
Oversees and supports Blackstone Launchpad student staff by managing progress, pushing initiatives, and facilitating day-to-day operations.
Jacob Treece
- Office Manager
Oversees office and employee operations as well as the coordination of events facilitated by the LaunchPad.
Claire Bradley - Venture Coaching Coordinator
Manages the student venture coaching team, and works with campus and community members to aid in idea development and to offer entrepreneurial resources.
Matthew Dody - Venture Coach
Guiding student, staff and alumni as they look into building their entrepreneurial vision. From working in customer discovery and idea validation to preparing for elevator pitches, the launchpad consultants look to make entrepreneurship a viable career path for those associated with the University.
Dylan Notturno - President of EPIC Humans
Oversees EPIC Humans as consultants and facilitates initial consultations, creates and supports the existing Blackstone LaunchPad events on campus or in the community.
Talia Nicholls - PYP Program Manager
Plans and coordinates for Pursue your Passions, a women's entrepreneurial opportunity on campus, and advocates for women's equity and prosperity through BLP.
Michelle Miller - Marketing Manager
Tells the stories of entrepreneurs on campus and in the community who have used Accelerate Montana services in post production of social medias.
Shuhan He - Web Manager
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Works with the Marketing Coordinator and Graphic Designer to implement BLP-UM and Accelerate Montana's brands across relevant websites and blogs. Oversees the functionality of the organization's website, evaluates and manages performance, as well as develops, maintains, and updates website content.
Simon Rooney - Graphic Designer & Media Artist
Works primarily with the marketing team in creating graphics and material to use for BLP events and much more!
