This yearlong course offers students an authentic entrepreneurship experience where they will develop, commercialize and market their own product or service. In the first phase of the course, students will develop a business concept hypothesis and validate this concept through market research and LEAN startup methodologies. Students will develop a minimum viable product and continue to pivot the product and business model until they achieve product-market-fit. In the second phase, students will receive seed funding to propel their business into reality, and then will focus on product production, customer acquisition and scaling the business. In addition to seed funding, students receive startup curriculum to help them at each stage of the startup’s life cycle, and they will be paired with Bay Area entrepreneurs and business experts who will serve as coaches and mentors. At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to pitch a panel of angel investors and venture capitalists for follow-up funding.

Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Startup Incubator is open to all students in grades 10 and above. Students who have launched a business and/or have a business concept in mind are encouraged to apply as are students who would like to identify a new business concept as part of the course. To apply, students are required to submit an application outlining their interest in the course, what they hope to accomplish and their qualifications. The application will be followed by an interview. Note: This is an honors-level academic course that may not be taken in the Extra Period Option slot.

Interview with: Mr. Acheatel

Produced by: Enya Lu