Podcast
Time To StartUp
Hosted by WPI · EN
Time To Startup is the official podcast by the i3 Lab at WPI, designed to inspire, inform, and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within the student community. Each episode dives into the real journey of building a startup—from the spark of an idea to the challenges of execution.
Hosted by i3 Lab representatives, the podcast explores why students choose the startup path, the essential skills to succeed, and the realities behind common startup myths. Listeners will gain insights into funding strategies, overcoming obstacles, and navigating the stages of Ideation, Innovation, and Incubation—core pillars of the i3 Lab’s support model.
Every episode also highlights the i3 Lab’s Startup Program, offering WPI students access to mentors, resources, and an exclusive Canvas course designed to turn ideas into impact.
Whether you’re curious, committed, or already creating—Time To Startup is your guide to launching with purpose.
8episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What does an investor want? A conversation with Zachary Dutton
Apr 1600:39:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Time To StartUp, Zachary Dutton, Executive Director of Auxilium in Worcester, joins host Ardian Preci to unpack what investors are truly looking for in early-stage startups. Moving beyond the surface-level idea, Zach emphasizes that great founders are defined by their ability to execute, adapt, and deeply understand the problem they are solving. The conversation explores key elements that shape investment decisions: strong and coachable teams, clear problem–solution fit, and early signs of traction or real-world validation. Zach highlights that investors are not just betting on ideas, they are betting on people who can navigate uncertainty and turn vision into reality. They also discuss the importance of how founders should think about market size and scalability, and why clarity in communication can make or break an investor’s interest. Additionally, the episode touches on the role of local entrepreneurial ecosystems, including Auxilium Worcester, in supporting founders through mentorship, connections, and resources. Overall, the episode offers practical insights for founders looking to raise capital, helping them understand how to position themselves, their product, and their vision in a way that resonates with investors.
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Innovation With Purpose: A Conversation with Professor Rosanna Garcia
Mar 1801:05:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Time To StartUp, we sit down with Professor Rosanna Garcia for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to innovate with purpose. From launching her own companies to working within the industry, Professor Garcia shares the journey that led her back into academia and ultimately to pursuing a PhD. We explore how she has navigated both worlds, business and academia, and how each has shaped her perspective on innovation. She reflects on the lessons learned from building ventures, working in corporate environments, and translating research into real-world impact. At the heart of the conversation is what drives her today: mentoring startups. Professor Garcia shares why supporting early-stage founders brings her the most fulfillment, and how guiding others has become a central part of her mission. This episode is for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, research, and finding meaningful ways to create impact across different paths.
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Experience of a Social Entrepreneur. How did Martin Burt become one?
Feb 500:41:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Time To StartUp, i3 Lab hosts a thoughtful conversation with Professor Martin Burt on what it truly means to be a social entrepreneur. Drawing from his personal journey and decades of experience, Martin challenges the idea of social entrepreneurship as a label or career path, reframing it instead as a mindset shaped by listening, empathy, and lived experience. Hosted by Ardian Preci, the discussion explores the difference between helping and empowering, the importance of dignity and agency in impact-driven work, and how sustainable solutions emerge when entrepreneurs design with communities rather than for them. This episode offers an honest, systems-level perspective on building meaningful social change—especially for students, founders, and leaders seeking to turn values into action.
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Entrepreneurial Experience of Ardian Preci
Dec 500:44:21Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of Time To StartUp, the conversation takes a meaningful turn as we sit down with Ardian Preci, the host of the podcast. For the first time, Ardian steps into the guest seat to share the story behind his entrepreneurial journey and the experiences that shaped who he is today. Throughout the episode, Ardian reflects on his early influences, the challenges he has navigated, and the key moments that pushed him toward innovation and leadership. His perspective offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to grow as an entrepreneur — from developing resilience to embracing uncertainty and learning from every step along the way. Listeners will gain insight into: How Ardian discovered his passion for entrepreneurship The personal journey that shaped his mindset and ambitions Lessons learned from setbacks, opportunities, and community His vision for Time To StartUp and the stories he hopes to bring forward This episode provides an inspiring and thoughtful look at the person now guiding future conversations on the podcast. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a student, or simply interested in hearing a compelling journey, Ardian’s story offers real value and motivation.
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Know How To Listen. How to be a Mentor & Mentee?
Nov 1900:56:32Tap to summarizeEpisode 4 of the Time To Startup podcast, titled “Know How to Listen: How to Be a Mentor & Mentee?”, features guest Rob Sarnie in conversation with host Ardian Preci. In this episode, the discussion focuses on the importance of mentorship in entrepreneurial and professional development, exploring what makes an effective mentor, how individuals can become strong mentees, and why active listening is a core skill for both roles. Rob draws from his own leadership and industry experience to provide practical advice, real examples, and valuable insights that listeners can apply directly to their own growth, whether they are guiding others or navigating their own journey.
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Talk first, build later
Nov 1900:36:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Time to Startup, we explore why the best founders don’t start with a product — they start with a conversation. The i3 Lab team dives into the importance of customer discovery and how early-stage entrepreneurs can save time, money, and stress by deeply understanding the people they’re building for. From real examples to practical advice, this episode breaks down how to identify true customer pain points, test assumptions, and build solutions that matter. Whether you’re a student innovator or a seasoned builder, you’ll learn why talking first might just be the smartest step you take toward startup success.
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Have an idea, now what? What are the skills you need to develop to start a Startup.
May 1, 202500:32:16Tap to summarizeIn Episode 2 of Time To Startup, titled "You Have an Idea, Now What?", the i3 Lab team at WPI guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the crucial first steps of turning an idea into action. This episode explores key frameworks and tools like NABC (Need, Approach, Benefits, Competition), how to craft a compelling value proposition, and practical customer discovery techniques to validate your concept early. Packed with actionable insights and expert tips, it’s a must-listen for anyone ready to move from inspiration to execution and start building a real startup foundation.
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Money or What? Why do people choose to start a Startup
Apr 11, 202500:22:26Tap to summarizeIn the debut episode of Time To Startup, we dive into one of the most fundamental questions in entrepreneurship: What truly drives people to start a startup? Is it the lure of money—or something deeper? Hosted by the i3 Lab team at WPI, this episode unpacks the motivations behind the startup journey. We explore whether founders are fueled by financial ambition, a personal mission, or a mix of both. Through real insights and thought-provoking discussion, we break down how purpose and profit play into the decision to launch a venture—and why understanding your "why" is the first step to building something that lasts. Whether you’re chasing a vision or a valuation, this episode will challenge your thinking and help you find clarity on what really moves entrepreneurs to start up.
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