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

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

Apply Now

Application for Fall 2023 is now closed. We will be accepting rolling applications in Winter 2024.

Dates & Duration

Fall 2023 cohort runs from October 2023 - June 2024

Fall 2023 Cohort Important Dates

Wednesday, September 20^th: Application opens
Tuesday, October 10^th at 11:59 p.m.: Application closes
By Monday, October 16^th: Interview invitations announced*
Wednesday, October 18^th 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Interviews
By Monday, October 23^rd: Application outcomes announced and all applicants are notified of their application status
Tuesday, October 24^th 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Mandatory onboarding & mentor mixer

*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:

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.