An entrepreneurial maturity level assessment methodology: a case study in the business incubator of Mackenzie Presbyterian University

Objective of the study: To propose and evaluate the DIMEP methodology for diagnosing and monitoring the maturity of startups in academic institutions, based on dimensions, subdimensions and maturity levels for evaluating startups at different entrepreneurial journey stages. Methodology: Exploratory, with the proposal of DIMEP, based on the concepts of entrepreneurial journey in academic environments and critical success factors for startups; and its application in a case study to evaluate the entrepreneurial journey promoted in the innovation ecosystem of a Brazilian university. Originality / Relevance: Stimulating student entrepreneurship requires a monitoring methodology throughout the entrepreneurial journey. The literature still lacks well-structured proposals in this regard. DIMEP emerges as an evaluation methodology with demonstrated applicability in this context. Main Results: DIMEP was evaluated during a pre-acceleration program of the university under study, proving to help monitor the projects, allowing an objective assessment of their progress and difficulties, diagnosing particular aspects of each project and the most challenging dimensions for all the program’s startups. Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: A generic methodology for diagnosing the maturity of innovative ventures. Its positive aspects include generality, structuring around a well-defined entrepreneurial journey, the possibility of carrying out qualitative and quantitative analyzes and flexibility to customize different universities’ entrepreneurship journeys. Social / Managerial Contributions: DIMEP has applicability potential in evaluating startups in other institutions, contributing to the development of their innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, concerning monitoring the entrepreneurial journey.