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.
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
Apply to Skandalaris Launchpad 2024
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.
Student/Alumni Founders with companies Click Here to apply!
If you are a student interested in interning for a Launchpad Founder, Click Here to learn more!
Important Program Dates
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.