Built in the Fire. Launched to Lead. A hands-on entrepreneurship lab at The University of Alabama in Huntsville where ideas are tested, challenged and proven. Enroll in MGT 496 | Earn 3 Credit Hours What Is The Forge? The Forge helps students turn ideas into validated concepts through real-world experimentation and direct customer interaction. Here, you don’t just learn entrepreneurship — you practice it. With the right tools, mentorship and structure, students move from concept to clarity — and from intention to action. The Difference? The Forge isn’t about presentations — it's about proven business ideas. It’s not hypothetical — it’s built on real users, real feedback and real stakes. And it’s not just about inspiration — it’s about transformation. Who It’s For? The Forge is for students who want more than theory. Test ideas in the real world Use evidence, not opinion Build something concrete Think and operate like a founder Is The Forge Right for You? Still Exploring Not quite ready to build? If you’re still developing your entrepreneurial interests and don’t have a specific idea yet, start with MGT 305: Entrepreneurial Mindset. Then return to The Forge when you’re ready to take the next step. Ready to Build Have an idea but aren’t sure how to turn it into a viable business? The Forge is designed for you. You’ll test, validate and refine your concept into something real through hands-on experience and real-world feedback. Ready to Scale Already have a working prototype and are preparing for market? Connect with our acceleration partners — including Gener8tor, Invention to Innovation Center and Blue Summit Accelerator — to take your venture to the next level. If you’re ready to move from intention to execution — welcome to The Forge. Ready to build something real? Enroll in MGT 496: The Forge Pre-Accelerator Lab Meet the Instructor Dr. Valentina Iscaro is a clinical associate professor and director of The Forge, combining academic insight with real-world startup experience. An entrepreneur and mentor, she is actively involved in Huntsville’s innovation ecosystem through WIT Huntsville and the Invention to Innovation Center — bringing practical, lived experience into every student journey. Start your journey. Build something that matters. Contact: Valentina.Iscaro@uah.edu | Valentina Iscaro | 256.824.6025