Traction
Build. Test. Iterate. Move Forward.
Businesses aren’t built on great ideas alone. It’s about making consistent progress. For many entrepreneurs, it isn’t the challenge of validating the opportunity – it’s finding the time, resources, expertise and accountability to turn that validation into a product people can use. That’s where Traction comes in. Designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to move beyond planning and into execution, Traction provides structure, coaching, technical resources and funding support to help them build prototypes, test assumptions and move confidently towards customers, pilots and their next stage of growth.
The goal is to help entrepreneurs build faster by removing the barriers that slow them down.
What is Traction?
Traction is a 9-week cohort for entrepreneurs who are ready to move from “we think this should work…” to “let’s build it, test it, and find out.” Entrepreneurs enter with a validated opportunity and leave with tangible progress – a prototype, customer feedback, and a clearer understanding of what comes next.
- Full access to prototyping and build resources at Machyne makerspace
- Weekly working sessions
- Dedicated one-on-one coaching and accountability
- Access to technical experts and ecosystem partners
- Connections to future accelerators, pilots, and customers
- Milestone-based, non-dilutive funding opportunities
Traction is designed for entrepreneurs who:
- Have identified a meaningful problem worth solving
- Have completed early customer discovery and validation
- Are ready to build a prototype, minimum viable product (MVP), or early-stage product.
- Need support moving from validation into execution
- Want accountability, resources and connections to accelerate progress
This program is particularly well suited for:
- Hardtech startups
- Physical product companies
- Manufacturing innovations
- MedTech companies
- Applied technology ventures
Every week combines accountability, peer learning, and dedicated build support. Participants can expect:
- Founder Working Sessions
Share progress, discuss barriers, and learn from fellow entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners - Dedicated Coaching
Each participant receives weekly one-on-one support focused on removing obstacles, prioritizing next steps, and accelerating execution - Expert Connections
Participants gain access to technical specialists, operators, investors, manufacturers, and ecosystem partners who can help solve real problems - Build Time
The majority of participants’ time won’t be spent sitting in sessions – it will be spent building, testing, talking to customers, and making progress.
Success isn’t measured by slides or pitches. Success is measured by progress.
For entrepreneurs building physical products, access to tools and expertise can be one of the biggest barriers to progress. Traction uses Machyne as an entrepreneurial build space. It becomes where ideas become prototypes and prototypes become products. With access to Machyne, participants can leverage:
- Prototyping resources
- Fabrication equipment
- Technical guidance
- Product iteration support
- Connections to industry expertise
Traction participants may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in milestone-based, non-dilutive funding to help offset costs associated with building, testing and advancing their business.
Funding may be used for approved execution expenses such as:
- Prototype materials and components
- Fabrication or specialized technical services
- Product testing and validation
- Software, tools, or equipment directly related to development
- Customer or pilot testing expenses
- Other costs tied to an approved program milestone
This funding is non-dilutive, meaning participants retain 100% ownership of their company. 16 Tech does not take equity. Awards will be based on each company’s proposed milestones, demonstrated needs, participation, and progress during the cohort.
The goal is not simply to provide capital. It’s to help participants overcome a specific financial barrier that is preventing them from building, testing, or moving forward.
- Length: 9 weeks, beginning the week of September 21 and wrapping up with a Showcase the week of November 16
- Location: Machyne, HqO Innovation Hub @ 16 Tech Innovation District
- Cohort Size: 8-10 companies
- Cost: Free to participate
- Funding Opportunities: Milestone-based, non-dilutive support available to participants
Ready to build?
The best way to learn whether your idea will work is to build something people can react to. If you’re ready to do that, we’d love to hear from you.