15 Startup Incubators for High School Students
If you are interested in business, finance, or entrepreneurship, participating in startup incubators for high school students can help you explore these fields before college.
What do startup incubators for high schoolers involve?
Many startup incubators for high school students provide access to entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and experienced mentors who can guide you through the process of building a business idea. You may develop skills in market research, pitching, leadership, finance, and communication while working alongside other aspiring founders.
Why pursue a startup incubator in high school?
Participating in startup incubators for high school students can also help you better understand potential career paths in business, venture capital, product development, or entrepreneurship. The experience can demonstrate initiative and intellectual curiosity on college applications while giving you tangible projects to discuss in essays and interviews.
To help you find the right program, we've put together 15 startup incubators for high school students. For related opportunities, check out our guides on 15 best startup accelerator programs for high schoolers and business summer schools for high school students.
Quick Look
2 free programs: the Harvard Summer Venture in Management Program and University of Colorado Boulder's Business Leadership Program.
1 fully virtual, 4-week entrepreneurship bootcamp: Young Founders Lab, where you build a real revenue-generating startup with mentorship from professionals at Google, Microsoft, and X, and need-based financial aid available.
Highest-cost programs: UC Berkeley Haas High School Startup Launchpad (up to $7,450) and Wharton's Essentials of Entrepreneurship ($8,299).
1 competition-style incubator with a $1 million prize track: the Startup World Cup Harker National Youth Qualifier, where winning teams advance toward the Startup World Cup Grand Finale.
Most incubators conclude with a pitch presentation to a panel of judges, mentors, or investors.
15 Startup Incubators for High School Students
1. UC Berkeley Haas High School Startup Launchpad
Location: Virtual (Gold Cohort) or Berkeley, CA, Oski In-Person Cohort at the UC Berkeley Haas campus, CA
Cost: Application fee: $100 (non-refundable); Gold Virtual Cohort: $6,450 (California residents), $6,950 (out-of-state residents); Oski In-Person Cohort: $7,450 (California residents)
Cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not publicly available
Dates: Fall Semester: September – December; Spring Semester: January – April; Virtual cohort meets Tuesdays and Thursdays; In-person cohort meets Saturdays
Application Deadline: Round 1: June 7; Round 2: August 9
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students and gap year students from around the world who demonstrate strong academic motivation and an interest in business, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The UC Berkeley Haas High School Startup Launchpad is an academic-year entrepreneurship program that allows high school students to develop business ideas and solve real-world problems through team-based projects. Participants study entrepreneurship and business concepts while collaborating with peers from around the world. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through workshops, simulations, guest speakers, and startup projects. You receive guidance from instructors, UC Berkeley teaching assistants, and program alumni throughout the year. Upon successful completion, students earn an official UC Berkeley Certificate of Participation and receive written evaluations from their teaching assistants.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual, with live interactive workshops
Cost: Varies depending on program type (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 4-week program starting tentatively June 5th
Application Deadline: Early Decision: March | Regular Admission 1: April | Regular Admission 2: May
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a real-world startup bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. You will work towards building a revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world problem, mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Alongside building your startup, you'll participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and ideation, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. The program gives you a structured space to explore both theoretical and practical frameworks for building a successful business. You can check out the brochure here and access the application here.
3. Entrepreneurship at Georgetown University
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895
Cohort Size: Not publicly available
Dates: March 29 – April 26, April 12 – 26, or May 3 – 31
Application Deadline: March 22, April 5, or April 26 (depending on session)
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and above.
You explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through a combination of online lectures, workshops, and collaborative activities. The program introduces concepts such as opportunity identification, business models, value creation, and venture planning while allowing you to apply these ideas to your own startup concept. Throughout the course, you work on developing and refining a business idea with guidance from instructors and mentors. Group discussions and practical exercises help you understand the challenges and opportunities involved in launching a venture. The program concludes with a capstone project in which you present your business idea, value proposition, and implementation plan.
4. Startup World Cup Harker National Youth Qualifier
Location: Harker School, San Jose, CA
Cost: No application fee stated; winning team advances to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale for a chance to compete for a $1 million investment prize
Cohort size: Selective; seven high-school-founded startups chosen to pitch at the Silicon Valley Youth Regional
Dates: Applications due April 3; finalists notified April 6; finalist pitches held April 18
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: All startup team members must currently be in high school; teams may include students from different schools; applications must be submitted in English
The Startup World Cup Harker National Youth Qualifier is a pitch competition for high school-founded startups and early-stage ventures. You apply by submitting a pitch deck and responding to required application questions, with selected finalists invited to present a four-minute pitch followed by a two-minute Q&A with judges. The competition is designed for student founders who want experience presenting startup ideas in front of investors and entrepreneurship professionals. A small number of teams advance to the Silicon Valley Youth Regional, and the winning team moves on to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale.
5. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Location: Fully online or in-person at the New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), Marlborough, MA
Cost: $6,295
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 8 – 28
Application Deadline: Not specified.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Babson Summer Study is a three-week pre-college entrepreneurship program designed for high school students interested in innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. Participants enroll in the college-level course EPS1110: Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience, earning four college credits upon successful completion. Students examine social, environmental, and economic challenges through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while developing teamwork and entrepreneurial skills. The program includes instruction in entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, finance, and business communication. You can participate either fully online or in person at the New England Innovation Academy, where afternoon activities include an AI-focused program that complements the entrepreneurship curriculum.
6. Arthur M. Blank School Summer Program for High School Students - Startup Sprint: Two Weeks to Launch!
Location: Babson College, Wellesley, MA or virtual
Cost: Application fee: $75 (nonrefundable); Residential: $3,400 per week; Commuter: $2,680 per week; Online: $1,608 per week
Cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available.
Dates: July 6 – 31 (program options range from 1–4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration is given to students who apply by March 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years old by the start of their session. Students must be able to attend all classes, complete assignments outside class, and demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English
In this two-week course, students develop a product idea and guide it through the stages of venture creation, including branding, testing, and launch. Participants use AI and digital tools to conduct market research, evaluate ideas, and refine their products based on customer feedback. You explore marketing strategies, product development, and customer engagement while working in a collaborative environment. Drawing on Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® framework, the program emphasizes experimentation, adaptability, and learning through practical experience.
7. Harvard Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP)
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohort size not publicly available.
Dates: June 14 – 17
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High-potential high school juniors and seniors with demonstrated leadership experience and community involvement.
The Harvard Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP) is a short residential program that introduces students to leadership, business, and management education. You examine real-world business challenges through case studies, discussions, and collaborative activities. The program encourages students to think critically about leadership, decision-making, and the role of business in society. Students interact with faculty members and peers from diverse backgrounds while exploring potential pathways in entrepreneurship and management. Through team-based learning and discussions, participants gain exposure to different perspectives and develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
8. University of Kansas Summer Venture in Business (SVB)
Location: Lawrence, KS
Cost: $50 participation fee (housing and meals included)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly available.
Dates: July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Rising 11th- and 12th-grade students with a minimum 3.4 GPA. Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate in University of Kansas-sponsored programs.
The Summer Venture in Business (SVB) is a five-day residential program that introduces high school students to business education and college life at the University of Kansas. You attend workshops in areas such as marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship while working on collaborative projects related to venture creation and business problem-solving. You engage in interactive sessions with faculty members and industry professionals to learn about real-world business practices and career opportunities. The program also includes campus tours, residential experiences, and activities designed to help students experience college life.
9. UC Berkeley Haas Business Academy for Youth – High School Founder Bootcamp
Location: Berkeley, CA
Stipend: Solo founder: $7,950; Team participant: $7,450 per person
Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohort size not publicly available.
Dates: June 14 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students
The High School Founder Bootcamp is a residential entrepreneurship program designed for students who have an existing startup idea or early-stage venture. You work individually or in teams to refine your products, validate your ideas, and strengthen your business models through workshops and mentorship. Students receive guidance from entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and startup mentors while exploring topics such as customer discovery, product development, and market strategy. Throughout the program, participants gather user feedback and apply it to improve their ventures. The program also introduces students to pitch development, financial planning, and investor communication, culminating in presentations of their startup ideas at the end of the program.
10. University of Colorado Boulder Business Leadership Program (BLP)
Location: Boulder, CO
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 21 – 27
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Current high school juniors during the academic year who are Colorado residents or attend a Colorado high school. Incoming first-year Leeds School of Business students beginning in Fall are also eligible.
The Business Leadership Program is a one-week residential business program that introduces high school students to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving through a case competition. Participants work in teams to develop marketing solutions for real corporate partners and present their recommendations at the end of the program. Students engage with Leeds School of Business faculty, staff, and business professionals through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities. Participants also experience campus life by staying on the University of Colorado Boulder campus and connecting with peers from across the state. The winning team receives a scholarship award, while all students gain experience working on real-world business challenges.
11. Stanford e-Entrepreneurship U.S.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Program cost not publicly available.
Cohort Size: Approximately 20 students are selected each session.
Dates: Winter and summer sessions offered annually; summer applications have closed. Specific program dates are not publicly available.
Application Deadline: Applications for the winter session are expected to open in September.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in a U.S. high school. Gap year students may also be considered. Applicants must be available for Saturday evening virtual classes, commit approximately four hours per week outside class, and have access to a computer and reliable internet.
Stanford e-Entrepreneurship U.S. is an online program designed for high school students to explore innovative ways to address local and global challenges. The course focuses on human-centered design, identifying problems, and fostering innovation through hands-on projects. Participants join live virtual classes, participate in discussions, group projects, research tasks, and teamwork activities with peers. They also have opportunities to interact with scholars and professionals from Stanford University and the wider innovation community. Students who successfully complete the course receive Stanford Continuing Studies credit and a Certificate of Completion from SPICE.
12. Howard University Pre-Business Program (PBP) - Entrepreneurship Program - Seep
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: $2,000
Cohort Size: Maximum 50 students
Dates: Session 1: July 18 – 24; Session 2: July 25 – 31
Application Deadline: Early Decision: March 16; Regular Decision: April 3
Eligibility: Motivated high school sophomores and juniors interested in business studies. Some tracks have additional requirements; for example, finance applicants must have completed or be enrolled in Pre-Calculus.
The Summer Entrepreneurship & Experiential Program (SEEP) is a one-week entrepreneurship program that introduces high school students to the process of developing and evaluating business ideas. Participants explore topics such as opportunity identification, feasibility analysis, business model development, and business planning through hands-on activities and case studies. The program incorporates experiential learning, site visits, and team-based projects to provide exposure to entrepreneurial concepts and practices. Students learn techniques for generating ideas, understanding customer needs, and assessing the viability of new ventures. The program concludes with a team project that allows participants to apply entrepreneurial concepts while strengthening communication and teamwork skills.
13. Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy at Saint Louis University
Location: St. Louis, MO
Cost: $695
Cohort Size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
The Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy is a one-week summer program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business development. Participants attend workshops, presentations, and discussions led by Saint Louis University faculty, entrepreneurs, and local business leaders. Through collaborative projects, students explore topics such as idea generation, business planning, and venture development. Students develop their own business concepts and refine them throughout the week with feedback from mentors and instructors. The program concludes with a pitch competition in which participants present their business ideas to a panel of judges.
14. Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy (TLAE) – Rowan University
Location: Glassboro, NJ
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Highly competitive; limited spots available
Dates: July 6 – 9
Application Deadline: Applications open March 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors interested in entrepreneurship.
You participate in a four-day, non-residential entrepreneurship academy that introduces you to the entrepreneurial mindset through hands-on activities and team-based challenges. Working in small groups, you develop solutions related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while learning concepts such as customer discovery, design thinking, prototyping, financial analysis, and business modeling. Throughout the program, you explore real-world problems and apply entrepreneurial tools to create practical solutions. Teams present their final ideas to a panel of industry judges during a concluding pitch competition. Students who successfully complete the academy earn three college credits that may be transferable to other institutions.
15. Wharton Global Youth Essentials of Entrepreneurship
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $8,299
Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available
Dates: June 7 – 19, June 21 – July 3, July 12 – 25, or July 26 – August 8
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 28; Final deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade high school students.
You participate in a two-week residential entrepreneurship program that introduces the foundations of launching and developing a startup. Through lectures, simulations, group projects, and collaborative activities, you explore topics such as idea generation, customer discovery, business models, entrepreneurial strategy, and social entrepreneurship. Working in teams, you identify real-world problems, conduct market research, build prototypes, and develop a business concept. The program also includes guest speakers, Wharton faculty presentations, and evening activities that provide additional exposure to business topics and college life. Students conclude the program by creating and presenting a startup pitch to a panel while earning a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free startup incubators for high school students?
Yes. The Harvard Summer Venture in Management Program and University of Colorado Boulder's Business Leadership Program are both free, though both are selective and limited to specific eligibility criteria.
2. Which incubator is best if I want to build a real, revenue-generating startup rather than a class project?
Young Founders Lab is designed specifically for this, pairing you with mentors from Google, Microsoft, and X as you build an actual business over a 4-week program, fully virtual with need-based financial aid available.
3. Which programs have the highest cost, and what do they include?
UC Berkeley Haas High School Startup Launchpad costs up to $7,450 for the in-person cohort, and Wharton's Essentials of Entrepreneurship costs $8,299, both covering intensive residential or year-long instruction with faculty and mentors.