Timeline

VEA Launch Timeline

From initial alignment with Vanderbilt Enterprises to full campus launch in fall 2026.

Current Status — May 2026
PlatformNear demo-ready
VE partnershipConfirmed
GovernanceUnder final review
Think TankOutreach after July 4
LeadershipNot selected yet
Fall launchTargeting Fall 2026

Milestone Timeline

✓
May 2026

Initial Alignment

VEA concept aligned with Vanderbilt Enterprises leadership. Support confirmed in principle.

Completed
Late May 2026

Website & Platform Mockup

Full website and prototype platform built and ready for review.

In Progress
Early June 2026

VE Partnership Review

VE leadership finalizes funding, branding, and operating structure for VEA.

Upcoming
June 2026

Partnership Terms Finalized

Vanderbilt Enterprises confirms funding and operating structure. Next steps defined.

Upcoming
After July 4

Think Tank Outreach

Current Think Tank members receive first right of refusal for early VEA leadership roles.

Upcoming
July 2026

Leadership Team Selected

President, Brand Director, Strategy Director, and Fan Engagement Director identified.

Upcoming
August 2026

Fall Launch Preparation

Operating model finalized. Handshake account set up. Student-facing communications prepared.

Upcoming
Fall 2026

Campus Rollout

Vanderbilt Enterprises partnership fully operational. Campus-wide launch. Recruitment opens.

Upcoming

Launch Path

VEA operates and launches through its partnership with Vanderbilt Enterprises — no separate university recognition process required. Target: fall 2026 campus launch.

Vanderbilt Enterprises Associates
June 2026Vanderbilt Enterprises partnership terms finalized
July 2026Founding cohort outreach — leadership offered to current members
July / AugustPresident and directors selected, operating model finalized
August 2026Platform, Handshake, and student-facing materials ready
Fall 2026Formal rollout — recruitment open, fully operational under VE

Who Owns What

Jack Diemar
  • Website / platform prototype
  • Governance doc refinement
  • Governance materials integration
  • Demo preparation
  • Founding cohort transition plan
  • Platform and deployment readiness
Vanderbilt Enterprises
  • Vanderbilt Enterprises partnership agreement
  • Institutional sponsor / adviser guidance
  • Governance materials review
  • Feedback on naming and platform
  • Priority fall workstreams for VEA
Students (Later)
  • Team participation and workstreams
  • Idea submissions and soundboard responses
  • Project deliverables for VE
  • Leadership roles (president, directors)

Launch Stage Tracker

✓
Concept & AlignmentComplete
OwnerOperating Lead / Vanderbilt Enterprises
Next actionComplete
2
Governance & StructureMostly Complete
OwnerOperating Lead
Next actionFinalize governance materials and operating model
Depends onGovernance reference materials
3
Platform PrototypeIn Progress
OwnerOperating Lead
Next actionComplete demo preparation for leadership review
4
Vanderbilt Enterprises PartnershipIn Progress
OwnerVanderbilt Enterprises
Next actionFinalize funding, branding, and operating terms with VE leadership
5
Think Tank TransitionUpcoming
OwnerOperating Lead / VE Leadership
Next actionOutreach to founding cohort candidates after July 4
Depends onVE partnership terms finalized
6
Leadership FormationUpcoming
OwnerOperating Lead / VE Leadership
Next actionIdentify president and team directors from founding cohort
Depends onFounding cohort outreach complete
7
Fall LaunchTarget
OwnerFull organization
Next actionEnter fall with leadership, platform, and structure prepared
Depends onAll prior stages

Almost Done vs. Not Done Yet

Almost Done
  • Website prototype
  • Initial governance structure
  • Three-team model
  • Request and soundboard workflow
  • AI template tools (Tier 0)
  • Demo path for VE review
Not Done Yet
  • Vanderbilt Enterprises partnership agreement signed
  • Final name and platform sign-off with VE leadership
  • Production authentication layer
  • Database persistence
  • Governance materials integration
  • Student leadership selection
  • Broad student launch

Execution Roadmap

Completed
6 items
  • Concept aligned with VE leadership
  • Leadership support received in principle
  • Three-team structure drafted
  • Governance materials drafted
  • Website / platform prototype built
  • VE request and soundboard workflows built
In Progress
5 items
  • Website polish and demo preparation
  • Platform workflow refinement
  • Admin and student dashboards
  • AI template tools (Tier 0 live)
  • Project and workstream examples
Pending
3 items
  • Governance reference materials
  • Vanderbilt Enterprises partnership terms
  • Final naming guidance
Upcoming
6 items
  • Integrate governance materials
  • Finalize Vanderbilt Enterprises partnership agreement
  • Founding cohort outreach — after July 4
  • Identify president and directors
  • Open broader student interest pipeline
  • August / fall launch preparation