Runway Program

The FGCU Runway Program stands as a leader in university-based entrepreneurship incubators, empowering students and alumni to transform bold ideas into thriving businesses. Housed in the state-of-the-art FineMark Incubator on the first floor of Lucas Hall, this free program offers unparalleled resources and mentorship to launch your startup with confidence. Whether you’re a student with a bold idea or an alumnus ready to disrupt the market, the Runway Program equips you with the tools, guidance, and funding opportunities to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. The Runway Program has evolved from a single-event pitch competition into a process-based rewards system. This new structure rewards participants with points for completing proven deliverables, encouraging continuous progress rather than focusing solely on a final pitch.

• Hands-on experiential learning.
• Access to valuable resources during
• MVP developmental stages.
• Mentorship and Networking opportunities
• Early stage equity-free funding

Expert Guidance and Lean Startup Methodology:

The Runway Program pairs every participant with a dedicated Runway Program Advisor, ensuring personalized mentorship from expert faculty, staff, and seasoned community startup coaches. Through regular meetings, advisors provide actionable feedback, help refine ideas, and set achievable milestones to keep your venture on track.

Rooted in Lean Startup methodologies, the program guides participants to identify and validate market problems or opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and test them with real customers. This rigorous, hands-on approach ensures your business is built on a solid foundation, ready to scale.

Launch Your Vision with Seed Funding:

At the culmination of the semester-long program, standout participants have the chance to pitch for equity-free seed funding, providing the financial boost needed to launch their ventures into the marketplace. This opportunity sets the FGCU Runway Program apart as a launchpad for real-world success.

Spanning over 2,000 square feet, the Runway Program provides cutting-edge shared workspaces, private conference rooms, high-performance computers, and advanced tools for product and app development. Participants gain exclusive access to professional-grade camera and audio recording equipment, ideal for crafting compelling pitches and marketing content. The third-floor Media Lab elevates your creative potential with cinema-quality audio-video equipment, total lighting and sound control, backdrops, and props for polished productions.

Rist Family Foundation Makerspace – Lucas Hall, Room 203 (Second Floor)

For innovators and makers, the Rist Family Foundation Makerspace is a game-changing hub for creativity, experimentation, and hands-on learning. Located on the second floor of Lucas Hall, this space is designed to turn ideas into tangible prototypes and polished products.

• 3D Printing – Rapidly produce models, prototypes, and parts with precision additive manufacturing.

• Laser Cutting – Create detailed cuts and engravings for wood, acrylic, and other materials.

• Desktop CNC Machines – Fabricate complex components with accuracy and repeatability.

• Embroidery Machine – Customize apparel, textiles, and merchandise with professional-quality stitching.

• Virtual Reality Development Kits – Design and test immersive VR experiences and applications.

• Custom Packaging & Labels – Develop branded packaging solutions and professional-quality product labels.

• Poster & Large-Format Printing – Produce high-quality posters, signage, and marketing materials.

From early-stage prototyping to product branding and presentation, the Makerspace provides the tools, technology, and collaborative environment to bring bold ideas to life.

The Lucas Hall Media Lab Lucas Hall - 308

The Media Lab is a fully adaptable creative space designed to support a wide range of professional and entrepreneurial needs. Located on the third floor, this state-of-the-art room can be configured into multiple layouts, each tailored to a specific purpose:

• Podcasting – Sound-treated setups with high-quality microphones and recording equipment for clear, professional audio.

• Interviews – Flexible seating and lighting arrangements to capture dynamic one-on-one or panel-style discussions.

• Photoshoots – Adjustable backdrops, studio lights, and staging options to produce high-resolution lifestyle or professional images.

• Product Photography – Specialized lighting and layout options to showcase products with precision and clarity.

• Pitch Presentations – A presentation-ready configuration with AV support, display screens, and flexible seating to help entrepreneurs deliver impactful pitches.

Whether you’re developing content, refining your personal brand, or preparing for investor presentations, the Media Lab provides the tools and environment to bring your ideas to life with professionalism and creativity.