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.
10+
Years in excellence
70+
Schools in the network
1M+
Students with access annually
UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students with entrepreneurial or social impact interests are encouraged to apply to the Blackstone LaunchPad.
For more information, watch our Introduction to The Basement video on Youtube.
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
Application
Applications for the Winter 2025 cohort are now open and are due on Wednesday, January 8th at 11:59 p.m.
No late applications will be considered.
Dates & Duration
Fall 2024 cohort runs from October 2024 - May 2025
Fall 2024 Cohort Important Dates
- Mid September: Application opens
- Tuesday, October 8th at 11:59 p.m.: Applications due
- Thursday, October 17th: In-person interviews*
- By Monday, October 21st: Final application outcomes announced*
- Tuesday, October 22, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.: Mandatory onboarding for selected teams & mentor mixer
Winter 2025 cohort runs from January 2025 - May 2025
Winter 2025 Cohort Important Dates
- Early December: Application opens
- Wednesday, January 8th at 11:59 p.m.: Applications due
- Tuesday, January 14th: Virtual interviews*
- By Friday, January 24th: Final application outcomes announced*
*All application status updates and next steps will be communicated via email
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.
- Participate in quarterly Pitch Prep Sessions and The Basement’s end of the year showcase in Spring Quarter.
- Regular check-in meetings with mentor and Basement staff
- Attend in-person workshops
- A full listing of program requirements will be available on Canvas for admitted participants.
Eligibility
Open to all current UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing.
Earn Academic Internship Credit
AIP 197 credit is available for undergraduate students. Enroll with the Academic Internship Program.
Winter Quarter 2025
Internship Dates: January 6, 2025 - March 14, 2025
|
Application Deadlines |
Dates |
|
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink |
December 6, 2024 |
|
EASy Request |
December 13, 2024 |
Spring Quarter 2025
Internship Dates: March 31, 2025 - June 6, 2025
|
Application Deadlines |
Dates |
|
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink |
March 14, 2025 |
EASy Request |
March 21, 2025 |
Dates are subject to change. Stay updated by visiting:
- AIP Enrollment Drop-in Hours
- Learning Agreement Submission
- Enrollment & Registration Calendar 2024-2025
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.