Timeline

VEA Launch Timeline

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

Current Status
PlatformNear launch-ready
VE partnershipConfirmed
GovernanceUnder final review
Think TankOutreach underway
LeadershipNot selected yet
Fall launchTargeting Fall 2026

Milestone Timeline

✓
Completed

Initial Alignment

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

Completed
In Progress

Website & Platform Build

Full website and platform built and ready for review.

In Progress
Next

VE Partnership Review

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

Upcoming
Then

Partnership Terms Finalized

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

Upcoming
After That

Think Tank Outreach

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

Upcoming
Later

Leadership Team Selected

Operating Lead, Brand Workstream Lead, Strategy Workstream Lead, and Fan Engagement Workstream Lead identified.

Upcoming
Ahead of Fall

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. Outreach 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
NextVanderbilt Enterprises partnership terms finalized
ThenFall pilot cohort outreach — leadership offered to current Think Tank participants
After ThatOperating Lead and workstream leads selected, operating model finalized
Ahead of FallPlatform, Handshake, and student-facing materials ready
Fall 2026Fall pilot rollout — outreach open, fully operational under VE

Who Owns What

Jack Diemar
  • Website / platform build
  • Governance doc refinement
  • Governance materials integration
  • Launch readiness prep
  • Fall pilot 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 (Operating Lead, Workstream Lead)

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 BuildIn Progress
OwnerOperating Lead
Next actionComplete build readiness 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 fall pilot cohort candidates
Depends onVE partnership terms finalized
6
Leadership FormationUpcoming
OwnerOperating Lead / VE Leadership
Next actionIdentify Operating Lead and Workstream Leads from fall pilot cohort
Depends onFall pilot cohort outreach complete
7
Fall LaunchTarget
OwnerFull VEA team
Next actionEnter fall with leadership, platform, and structure prepared
Depends onAll prior stages

Almost Done vs. Not Done Yet

Almost Done
  • Website build
  • Initial governance structure
  • Three-team model
  • Request and soundboard workflow
  • AI template tools (Tier 0)
  • Review path for VE
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 build complete
  • VE request and soundboard workflows built
In Progress
5 items
  • Website polish and launch 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
  • Fall pilot cohort outreach
  • Identify Operating Lead and Workstream Leads
  • Open broader student interest pipeline
  • August / fall launch preparation