Launch Summer Accelerator

Use your summer with purpose

giant prize check.

Apply to the Launch Summer Accelerator, an 8-week program that gives you the entrepreneurial mindset you need to accelerate your venture.

On this page:

How does the program work?

 Are you making the most of your time this summer? Are you taking steps to get closer to your goals? Now is the time to apply yourself. Join us for this virtual experience, which will provide you the content, contacts and coaching you need to accelerate your future. 

Selected teams will meet regularly during the week to work on and launch their venture. Teams will have access to:

  • Mentorship
  • Industry leader expertise
  • Founder roundtables with your cohort
  • Workshops - and more!

Teams that meet program requirements will also have the opportunity to compete for up to $4,000 in prizes at the end of the summer.

Don't have a venture, but still interested in using your summer with purpose? Apply as a free-agent and work with a team!

What's my time commitment?

Teams must commit to the full duration of the program; 

Selected teams should expect to spend about 2.5 hours per week on virtual program calls and another 10-15 hours working on their venture asynchronously when your team decides. 

  • All members meet once per week, Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. EST, on Zoom.
    • This is an amazing experience for students with an early-stage idea and/or students who are founder curious -- exploring the world of entrepreneurship. 
  • Don’t have a venture but interested in using your summer with purpose?
    Apply as a free-agent and contribute your talent as a team member Tuesdays, from noon to 2 p.m. EST, on Zoom.

Who can apply?

UB's CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad is proud to host a new summer accelerator for undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent grads. We also welcome students from other WNY Colleges and Universities or Blackstone LaunchPad campuses to apply.

Eligibility: Any part or full-time students. Participants will need a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in order to collect any prize money awarded. Recent graduates from Feb '24 or May '24 are eligible to apply.

How do I apply?

2024 Summer Accelerator Application is now closed.

Check back in Spring 2025 for updates.

Contact us.

For additional questions, please use the button below to get in touch via email.

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