Startup Tracks
From Idea to Launch
ZIP Launchpad supports SDSU students, researchers, and faculty as they turn ideas into validated, launch-ready ventures. Through a progressive series of startup tracks, teams develop the skills, knowledge, and support they need to move from identifying the right problem to building and launching a business.
Each stage builds on the last, with cohort style workshops, mentorship, and resources tailored to where teams are in their entrepreneurial journey.
Admission Workshop Series → In Flight → Launch Track → Launch
Admission Workshop Series
Build the Foundation
The Admission Workshop Series is a five-week program designed to give prospective teams coaching in founder-market fit, founder behaviors, identifying problems worth solving, and developing ideas with strong potential while allowing the committee to evaluate the teams, as they learn and take action, for admission to the ZIP Launchpad.
At the conclusion of the series, selected teams are invited to continue their journey in In Flight.
In Flight
Validate the Concept
In Flight is a cohort-based program focused on product-market fit and business validation. Teams test their assumptions, learn from potential customers, and gather the evidence needed to determine whether their solution addresses a meaningful market need.
Teams meet weekly on Fridays and work toward validation benchmarks established with program guidance. Because every venture develops at a different pace, teams may remain in In Flight across multiple semesters.
Once a team reaches its validation benchmark, it advances to Launch Track and begins preparing to bring its venture to market.
Launch Track
Build Toward Launch
Launch Track helps validated concepts build traction and work toward launching their ventures. Each team is paired with a dedicated Team Advisor who provides ongoing one-on-one guidance and helps establish goals and milestones based on the needs of the business.
Launch Track teams meet as a cohort monthly on Fridays for programming that may include mentorship, guest speakers, and training in areas such as legal, banking, ongoing customer discovery, and other topics relevant to building a company.
Because launching looks different for every venture, teams work toward launch goals specific to their business model, industry, and stage of development.
At the end of each semester, teams present their progress and traction during a Review Panel with investors, mentors, and program supporters. The panel provides feedback and helps teams evaluate their progress and next steps.
Learn More About Team Advisors
Launch
Keep Building
Reaching launch is an important milestone, but it isn’t the end of a team’s relationship with ZIP Launchpad.
After achieving their launch goals, eligible teams can continue to access ZIP Launchpad resources and support as they operate and grow their ventures. At this stage, teams work more independently, with less structured programming and greater focus on the needs of their individual businesses.
ZIP Launchpad continues to support these founders and follow their progress as they build beyond the program.
