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Join ZIP Launchpad
(NEW!) Five-week admission workshop series determines who is accepted into ZIP Launchpad.
ZIP Launchpad provides a structured, supportive environment with deep resources to help you transform an idea into a launch-ready venture. All SDSU students (undergraduate & graduate), researchers, faculty, and staff are eligible. Opportunity to join opens every semester.
5-Week Admission Workshop Series
Five-week interactive experience designed to help you find a business idea or fine tune the one you already have. You will build momentum and demonstrate your potential. Participants who successfully complete may be invited to join ZIP Launchpad to advance their startup.
Admission Workshop: Sign Up Form
How to join ZIP Launchpad?
New this fall, no written application required.
- Instead, we're opening a five-week interactive experience designed to help you:
- Find an idea
- Or fine tune the one you already have
- You’ll build momentum, test ideas, and demonstrate your potential.
- Participants may be invited to join ZIP Launchpad, SDSU’s startup incubator, to advance their startup.
During these five weeks you will be evaluated for admission to the ZIP Launchpad.
Required Expectations
The ZIP Launchpad Admission Workshops are a five-week program. All participants must commit to:
- Attend a 2-hour workshop for 5 consecutive Fridays starting Sept 18 from 12:00–2:00 PM for Fall 2026.
- Submit weekly workshop deliverables.
- Complete at least 2+ additional hours of work each week outside of the workshops.
Schedule
- Sat, Aug 1 - Workshop sign up form opens
- Thurs, Sept 10 - Workshop form closes
- Fri, Sept 11 - Workshop acceptance notifications sent
- Fri, Sept, 18 - Workshops begin (excluding university holidays).
- Fri, Oct 16 - Final workshop
- Sat, Oct 31 - ZIP Launchpad admission decisions announced
*Admitted ZIP Launchpad team members will continue to attend required Friday workshops after October 31, 2026
This 5-week admission workshop series is in place of our written application and is
the way to be admitted to ZIP Launchpad.
No prior experience or knowledge required. We welcome all majors from first year students all the way to Phd, as well as staff, faculty and researchers. Whether you have an idea or not, you are welcome.
Admission Workshop: Sign Up Form
Fall 2026 Admission Workshop Series Schedule
| Session Number | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Workshop | Fri, Sept, 18, 2026 | 12-2 p.m. | EIS103 |
| 2nd Workshop | Fri, Sept 25, 2026 | 12-2 p.m. | EIS103 |
| 3rd Workshop | Fri, Oct 2, 2026 | 12-2 p.m. | EIS103 |
| 4th Workshop | Fri, Oct 9, 2026 | 12-2 p.m. | EIS103 |
| 5th Workshop (Final) | Fri, Oct 16, 2026 | 12-2 p.m. | EIS103 |
| ZIP Launchpad Admissions Announced | Sat, Oct 31, 2026 | - | Virtual |
*Admitted ZIP Launchpad team members will continue to attend required Friday workshops after October 31, 2026
Applying to the ZIP Launchpad
Office Hours
If you have questions about the 5-week ZIP Launchpad admission workshop series to be considered for ZIP Launchpad, we have Office Hours available with one-on-one help from ZIP Launchpad staff. This is a way to learn about ZIP Launchpad, understand the process, and ask questions.
There are two virtual options and in person office hours offered before events. Keep an eye out for those on our Instagram @ziplaunchpad
New Process to Join
Five-week interactive experience designed to help you find a business idea or fine tune the one you already have. You will build momentum and demonstrate your potential. Participants who successfully complete may be invited to join ZIP Launchpad to advance their startup.
If you want to be considered for ZIP Launchpad, sign up for our 5-week admission workshop series at the link above.
Why Should I Apply to the ZIP Launchpad?
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