About the Program The Forge helps students turn ideas into validated concepts through rapid experimentation and customer discovery — before investing significant time and resources into a full venture. Open to all students at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, this three-credit-hour course replaces traditional lectures with milestone-based check-ins focused on real progress, real feedback and real results. No prerequisites required. How It Works Students validate ideas using Design Thinking and Lean Startup through three stages: Empathize & Define Understand the customer’s problem through interviews, journey mapping and hypothesis testing. Ideate & Validate Develop and test solutions using prototypes, validation tools and customer feedback. Build & Test Create a minimum viable product, gather real-world feedback and present final results. Phases 16 Weeks. One Journey. From Problem to Proof. Phase I: Deep Dive Discovery Length: Weeks 2–4 Task: Identify the right problem through research, interviews and market analysis. Outcome: A clear, evidence-backed problem. Phase II: Ignite Innovative Ideas Length: Weeks 5–8 Task: Generate and refine solutions through customer validation. Outcome: A focused, validated concept. Phase III: Product · Prove · Perform Length: Weeks 9–13 Task: Build, test and improve a minimum viable product with real users. Outcome: A validated, performance-ready solution. What You Gain 3 credit hours Hands-on startup experience Real customer validation A concept built for the real world Opportunity to participate in the Forge Forward Competiton Opportunity for UAH College of Business students to be selected for the Blue Summit Accelerator Questions? Contact: Valentina.Iscaro@uah.edu | 256.824.6025