Blackstone LaunchPad

Blackstone LaunchPad, the signature program of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, seeks to close the opportunity gap by equipping college and university students with the entrepreneurial skills they need to build lasting careers.

Skills needed to build a successful business – growth mindset, creativity, critical thinking, leadership – are the skills needed to build a successful career.

LaunchPad gives students a platform to hone these skills so that they can be more competitive and confident in today’s job market.

Years in excellence

Schools in the network

Students with access annually

Why You Should Join

Available to all UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students with a startup, small business, or social innovation idea regardless of major or industry
Tailored in-person and online curriculum
Assigned mentor throughout the duration of the program to provide one-on-one advising
Extended access to The Basement’s co-working space
Access to a network of subject-area experts
Priority use of The Basement’s Prototyping Lab
Curated funding sources
Proof of concept prototyping funds (subject to availability)
Access to the Makerspace
Access to the Office of Innovation and Commercialization Startup Toolkit
Networking opportunities with UC San Diego and San Diego entrepreneurial community
CCR and AIP 197 credit available

Program Overview

Application

Applications for the Fall cohort will be available in early September.

Dates & Duration

Fall 2025 cohort runs from October 2025 - May 2026.

Fall 2025 Cohort Important Application Dates

Mid September: Application opens
Tuesday, October 7th at 11:59 p.m.: Applications due
Wednesday and Thursday, October 16th - 17th: In-person interviews*
By Monday, October 20th: Final application outcomes announced*
Thursday, October 23rd, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.: Mandatory onboarding for selected teams & Mentor Meeting

*All application status updates and next steps will be communicated via email

Important Program Dates

See the important program dates for admitted teams below.

Requirements

Application Requirements

Have a startup, social innovation, or small business idea that you are passionate about pursuing
Founder or co-founder (team lead) must be a current UC San Diego student

Eligibility

Open to all current UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing.

Curriculum

Team Requirements

Participate in quarterly Pitch Prep Sessions
Participate in The Basement’s end of the year showcase in Spring Quarter
Meet regularly with assigned mentor
Attend check-in meetings Basement staff
Attend in-person quarterly meeting
Complete team and individual assignments
A full listing of program requirements will be available on Canvas for admitted participants.

Important Program Dates

Fall 2025 | Develop Your Entrepreneurial Mind

Thursday, November 6th or Monday, November 17th: Fall Virtual Pitch Prep
Tuesday, October 22, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.: Mandatory onboarding for selected teams & Mentor Meeting
Wednesday, December 3rd: Fall Innovator's Table

Winter 2025 | Learn Your Customer & Explore Your MVP

Wednesday, January 15th: Basement Recruitment Fair
Friday, January 23rd: Winter Innovator's Table
Thursday, January 22nd or Wednesday, February 11th: Winter Virtual Pitch Prep

Spring 2025 | Refine Solutions & Develop Your Pitch

Wednesday, April 1st: Spring Innovator's Table
Wednesday, April 22nd or Thursday, April 30th: Spring Virtual Pitch Prep
Wednesday, May 21st, 4:00pm - 9:00pm: Demo Day & Pitch Competition

Earn Academic Internship Credit

AIP 197 credit is available for undergraduate students. Enroll with the Academic Internship Program.

Winter Quarter 2026

Internship Dates: January 5, 2026 - March 13, 2026

Application Deadlines	Dates
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink	October 20 - December 5
EASy Request	December 12

Spring Quarter 2026

Internship Dates: March 30, 2026 - June 5, 2026

Application Deadlines	Dates
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink	January 6 - March 13
EASy Request	March 20

Dates are subject to change. Stay updated by visiting:

Apply for AIP 197

Send questions about AIP enrollment to the Academic Internship Program via the Virtual Advising Center.

Co-Curricular Record (CCR)

UC San Diego has an official record called the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) which highlights student involvement and achievements in opportunities beyond the classroom. Blackstone Launchpad program is a co-curricular record (CCR) approved.

How to apply: Students can request the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) with the academic transcript through the Registrar or print an unofficial PDF copy through the CCR Portal.