Skandalaris Center

The background image for the website. It is a multi colored mosaic.

Skandalaris Launchpad

The Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be hosting a 10-week immersive startup development program aimed at serving the WashU student and recent alumni community. This full-time commitment will take place in-person on the Danforth campus.

Incubator Cohort The Incubator cohort will train founders as they test and learn their business forward; founders, with no intern support provided, will spend 10 weeks accelerating toward building a viable offering.

Accelerator Cohort The Accelerator cohort is structured to enhance entrepreneurial skills for incorporated companies, providing essential intern support, processes, and technologies necessary to scale a venture.

 

Applications for Summer 2025 have closed.


Benefits for participating founders and startups:

Full-time intern support for Accelerator cohort provided by the Skandalaris Center

Innovation Fund support for qualified technology needs

Access to a network of successful entrepreneurs and industry experts

Workshops focused on crucial business needs

Dedicated support for product development and market validation

Connect with a wide audience of supporters and potential mentors and investors at the Skandalaris Launchpad Expo

24-hour access to shared co-working space


Skandalaris Launchpad 2025

Startups will be selected for the appropriate cohort based on a comprehensive application, interview, and potential references from faculty (or relevant stakeholders in the startup ecosystem). There are four key criteria we will be evaluating:

  • Venture: Evaluating how developed a product or service is at the time of application
  • Concept: Assessing how functional the prototype or offering is
  • Measurement: Qualifying how the team is measuring progress
  • Customer Fit: Measuring the team's ability to find product/market fit

Eligibility

  • Current WashU students or recent alumni (graduated in or after May 2024), or current student at an identified STLREE university
  • Commitment to 40 hours per week working on your startup (Independence Day will be observed on July 4)
  • Business concept with potential for significant progress during the 10-week program
  • Attendance at all weekly required sessions on Wednesdays (12:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
  • Prepare for and participate in Skandalaris Launchpad Expo on August 6
  • Sign and adhere to a binding participant agreement upon acceptance into the program

Please submit one application per venture.

If you are a student interested in interning for a Launchpad company, click here to learn more!


Important Program Dates

Friday, January 17: Application for founders opens

Friday, February 14: Application for founders closes at 5:00 p.m. CT

Monday, February 24: Summer Opportunity Job Board goes live

Friday, April 4: Last day for founder/intern matches

Monday, June 2: Kick-off breakfast and orientation

Wednesday, August 6: Skandalaris Launchpad Expo

Friday, August 8: Program ends


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of the Skandalaris Launchpad Program?

Monday, June 2 through Friday, August 8. Independence Day will be observed on July 4.

When is the application deadline for founders?

The application will open on Friday, January 17 and will close on Friday, February 14 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

How can I learn more about Skandalaris Launchpad Program and ask questions before applying?

Feel free to contact startupsupport@wustl.edu with any questions. You can also stop by the Skandalaris Center or book a meeting with the Skandalaris Venture Development Team.

When will interviews be held?

Interviews are by invitation only and will be held on a rolling basis between January 17 - February 14.

When will I be notified of my acceptance status?

You will be notified within one week of your in-person interview.