Skandalaris Launchpad
Skandalaris Launchpad is a transformative 10-week accelerator program designed exclusively for WashU student ventures. This dynamic initiative is structured to enhance entrepreneurial skills, provide essential resources, tools, and accelerate venture development.
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Benefits for participating founders and startups:
Full-time intern support provided by the Skandalaris Center
Access to a network of successful entrepreneurs and industry experts
Workshops focused on crucial business needs, including product development, marketing, and financial planning
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
Skandalaris Launchpad 2024 – The deadline to apply has passed.
Startups will be selected 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:
- Team: Assessing entrepreneurial potential, complementary skills, and commitment to the venture
- Business: Evaluating market potential, broad impact, and the uniqueness of the product/service
- Stage: Ideal ventures are in preparation, early market, or later stages with a product/service in the market, acquiring customers, and still learning
- Fit: Measuring the ability to learn, enthusiasm for utilizing Launchpad resources, and contributing to the community
Eligibility
- Current WashU students or recent alumni (graduated in or after May 2023), or current student at an identified STLREE university
- Commitment to 40 hours per week working on your startup (Independence Day will be observed July 4-5)
- Viable 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 7
- 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 Founder, Click Here to learn more!
Important Program Dates
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Tuesday, January 30: Application for founders opens
Thursday, February 15: Launchpad Information Session
Friday, April 19: Application for founders closes at 9:00 a.m. Central
Tuesday, April 30: Final day for applicant interviews
Friday, May 10: Accepted startups will be announced
Friday, May 31: Orientation and Goal-Setting Session
Monday, June 3: Program begins
Wednesday, August 7: Skandalaris Launchpad Expo
Friday, August 9: Program ends
Frequently Asked Questions
Monday, June 3 through Friday, August 9. Independence Day will be observed July 4 & 5.
The application will open January 30 and will close on Friday, April 19 at 9:00 a.m. Central.
Check out our events page and register for a Launchpad Information Session on February 15. You can also book a meeting with the Skandalaris Venture Development Team.
Interviews are by invitation only and will be held on a rolling basis between February 19 – April 30.
You will be notified within one week of your in-person interview.
Historically, we have had approximately 20 startups participate. We remain flexible and will keep the total number of teams in mind as we prioritize a strong 1:1 relationship between each team and the Skandalaris Center staff and a strong sense of community amongst the cohort.