Challenge

JFF has embraced an ambitious North Star goal: In 10 years, 75 million people facing systemic barriers to advancement will work in quality jobs. Meeting that goal will require innovative new technologies that foster equitable economic advancement by giving workers of all backgrounds access to employers and education and workforce systems. However, the entrepreneurs and startups that develop those innovative solutions often lack the network connections and expertise they need to scale their products and services and achieve the impact they envision.   

Approach

JFFLabs is where game-changers incubate bold new models and harness technology-driven solutions shaping the future of work and learning. The JFFLabs Entrepreneur-in-Residence experience provides cohorts of startup founders with the support and inspiration they need to fully develop their ideas, test trial versions of groundbreaking innovations, and develop go-to-market strategies that yield sustainable operations. 

How We Work:

Accelerate Big Ideas

Test hypothesis–driven solutions and models. 

Test and Validate 

Build a business foundation and maximize the impact and market fit of solutions. 

Showcase Your Impact 

Leverage JFF networks to identify market-aligned sources of support and business opportunities. 

Results 

For more than 40 years, JFF has helped design, scale, and influence workforce and education systems. The support and guidance that JFFLabs offers entrepreneurs leverages JFF’s expertise, networks, and resources to identify and scale solutions that help workers prepare for the future of work. 

Since its launch in 2018, JFFLabs has evaluated nearly 5,000 early-stage and growth companies, amplified 682 solutions, identified and publicized 118 innovators to watch, invested in 46 companies, and incubated or accelerated 31 companies and entrepreneurs offering solutions in a range of emerging markets, including immersive learning, climate resilience, and work-based learning.