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launch s1: summer 2025
developing the next generation of leaders
searching for young leaders who want to work with advisors from top Ivys to launch their products or ideas 💡
Dear Reader,
I'm writing this because I was incredibly successful academically growing up, got into top programs on a full-scholarship.
But once I graduated and started working in investment banking on Wall Street and moved to NYC, I realized I didn't know who I was, what I wanted separate from what everyone else's expectations of me. I tried to be the version my parents wanted me to be, my peers, my teachers. I was chasing everyone's north star for me but my own.
So I've been on a 15 year journey to complete rebuild and reorient that northstar to have sustaining impact on the world.
Our hope with Incubator School is to be more than just a place to unlock your child's entrepreneurial spirit, more than just to launch an entrepreneurial project.
It's to take our combined experience building educational experiences in person and online, for those from the age of 5 to the age of 50 and beyond, over the last 30+ combined years.
✔ Yes we have advisors who have exited businesses.
✔ Yes we have advisors who have raised or worked with those that have raised from top flight investors like a16z, YC, Techstars, ODF, Tiger Global. And also (for the more impact minded) from philanthropies like Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, Gates Foundation, and more.
✔ Yes we have advisors who have also worked in investment banking, hedge funds, venture capital, private equity.
✔ Yes, we have advisors who are graduates or faculty of Ivy Leagues.
But when you get beyond that, you'll find people who bring a balance of radical candor, radical care and radical competence. As in, we can give tough and honest feedback, but it comes from a place of caring deeply about every individual and unleashing their full potential, and also from experience both building and empowering others to build.
So we believe it's equally important in helping develop the next generation of innovators like Steve Jobs, Malala Yousafzai, Mr. Beast, Jon Batiste, Dave Chang, Ray Chen, Jeremy Lin, BTS, that we empower students with the kind of self and emotional awareness, fearless confidence, habits of hustle and discipline it takes to know who they are, know what they wnat, and choose the arenas they want and are best suited to compete in, the way they want to engage, knowing the tradeoffs and rewards of doing so.
Our hope is that through Incubator School we will empower you (or your young leader) to start on this journey, this life-long quest of unlocking passion, purpose, belonging and meaning.
Sincerely,
David
Why We're Building This
Preparing for needed skills with the explosion of AI
In today's frozen job market, AI and global changes are reshaping career paths, requiring students to develop genuine passion projects alongside academic excellence.
Connecting Passion with Purpose
We help students connect their interests with real-world needs, developing self awareness and entrepreneurial skills for long-term success in an uncertain future.
Providing Expert Guidance
With 30+ years of combined experience helping entrepreneurs and students succeed, our team of business leaders, educators and parents understands what it takes to ignite passion and transform visions into reality.
Who We've Built This For
Ambitious Students
You're hungry to launch something meaningful while learning entrepreneurship through hands-on experience. You're ready to take on the challenge to develop new skills and create something that reflects your unique interests and abilities.
Forward-Thinking Parents
Your child excels academically and in extracurriculars, but you recognize they need a distinctive passion project to unlock their future. You want to support their growth beyond traditional academics.
We're supporting students from schools such as:
Virtual Program Overview
Week 1-2: Discovery & Experimentation
Begin with self-awareness and purpose exploration, then conduct real-world $5 experiments to test initial concepts beyond the classroom.
Week 3-4: Validation & Ideation
Learn to validate real problems through user research, then discover how to ethically "steal" and adapt successful ideas from other industries.
Week 5-6: Launch & Growth
Create and launch your minimum viable product using AI tools during our hackathon, then master marketing and growth strategies to build momentum.
Week 7-8: Business Modeling & Presentation
Develop sustainable business and financial models, culminating in final presentations that showcase your entrepreneurial journey.
Important Dates & Support
Application Phase
  • Applications accepted on rolling basis.
  • Interview notices given 1 month after applications if there's a fit.
  • Acceptances sent the week after interviews.
Program Schedule
  • 8-week intensive program.
  • Final presentations and project launched at the end of intensive.
What You'll Receive
  • Weekly individual and or group sessions depending on project.
  • Being paired with an Ivy League faculty member.
  • Expert 1:1 coaching sessions
  • 24/7 asynchronous support
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Incubator School different from other summer programs?
The Incubator School offers a unique hands-on entrepreneurship experience where students actually launch real projects. With expert guidance from professionals with 20+ years of experience, students learn through doing rather than just theory, developing distinctive passion projects that develop the next generation of leaders while building practical skills for an uncertain future.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
The program is designed for ambitious students who are hungry to launch something meaningful and learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience. Ideal candidates are ready to take initiative, develop new skills, and create projects that reflect their unique interests and abilities. We're only planning to take a very curated, vetted group of the top applicants.
What is the application process and timeline?
The application process involves several key steps:
  • Submit your application on a rolling basis.
  • Interviews notices given to qualified applicants a month after application.
  • Acceptance notifications will be sent a week after interviews.
  • Confirm your enrollment and start dates will vary during the year with placement in the right start group.
What will students accomplish during the 8-week program?
Students will progress through a structured entrepreneurial journey:
  • Weeks 1-2: Explore personal purpose and conduct $5 experiments to test concepts
  • Weeks 3-4: Learn user research methods and ethical idea adaptation
  • Weeks 5-6: Create and launch a minimum viable product using AI tools
  • Weeks 7-8: Develop business models and prepare final presentations
By the end of the program, each student will have launched an actual business or project with ongoing potential.
What support will students receive during the program?
Students will benefit from comprehensive support including expert coaching sessions, guidance from Ivy League advisors, and 24/7 asynchronous support throughout their entrepreneurial journey. Our team of experienced founders and advisors will provide personalized mentorship and coaching to help each student succeed.
Will you write a letter of recommendation for our teen?
Of course, assuming authentic engagement and push to challenge themselves, we absolutely are happy to provide a recommendation letter on the basis of engagement with their advisors.
How much does this program cost?
We're offering a high-touch experience with 1:1 support with top advisors, but priced like a top tier summer program.
How will project ideas be financed?
Startup costs will vary with each student. As in any great venture, we will help think of innovative ideas to launch, bootstrap, etc. Great launch ideas will be presented to our network of investors. Yes, we're the REAL deal.
Have any questions?
  • Or want us working with your school's top students?
  • Are you an angel investor looking for an innovative idea to invest in from the next youth leaders?
Drop us an email at launch@incubator.school
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