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 Blackstone Launchpad 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
- 24/7 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
We are not currently accepting applications. Applications for Fall 2024 will open early fall.
Dates & Duration
Fall 2023 cohort runs from October 2023 - June 2024
Fall 2023 Cohort Important Dates
- Wednesday, September 20th: Application opens
- Tuesday, October 10th at 11:59 p.m.: Application closes
- By Monday, October 16th: Interview invitations announced*
- Wednesday, October 18th 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Interviews
- By Monday, October 23rd: Application outcomes announced and all applicants are notified of their application status
- Tuesday, October 24th 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Mandatory onboarding & mentor mixer
Winter 2024 cohort runs from Jan/Feb 2024 - June 2024
Winter 2024 Cohort Important Dates
- Thursday, January 11th: Application opens
- Sunday, February 11 at 11:59 p.m.: Application closes
- Please anticipate application outcomes* to be available within 2-3 weeks.
*Teams will be notified via email
Requirements
- Have a startup, social innovation, or small business idea that you are passionate about pursuing
- Founder or co-founder 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
Enroll with the Academic Internship Program.
Winter Quarter 2024
Internship Dates: January 8, 2024 - March 18, 2024
|
Application Deadlines |
Dates |
|
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink |
December 1, 2023 |
|
EASy Request |
December 8, 2023 |
|
Enroll via WebReg |
January 8, 2024 |
Spring Quarter 2024
Internship Dates: April 1, 2024 - June 7, 2024
|
Application Deadlines |
Dates |
|
Submit Learning Agreement to AIP via InternLink |
March 1, 2024 |
EASy Request |
March 8, 2024 |
|
Enroll via WebReg |
April 1, 2024 |
Dates are subject to change. Stay updated by visiting:
- AIP Enrollment Drop-in Hours
- Learning Agreement Submission
- Enrollment & Registration Calendar 2023-2024
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.