15 Startup Incubators for High School Students
High school is an ideal time to explore entrepreneurship because it gives you the freedom to experiment, build ideas, and learn from mistakes in a low-risk environment. When you participate in a startup incubator, you will gain hands-on experience in launching or developing a business idea while building valuable skills such as leadership, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. These experiences also strengthen your resume and college applications by showing initiative, innovation, and willingness to engage with real-world challenges.
If you’re more interested in the business side of things, here is a list of business internships available for high-school students!
Why should I participate in a startup incubator in high school?
A startup incubator in high school gives you the opportunity to transform your ideas into tangible projects while learning how successful businesses are built. You will work closely with mentors, entrepreneurs, and peers to identify problems, develop solutions, and create a sustainable business model. This experience helps you build practical skills in leadership, communication, financial planning, marketing, and innovation. You will also learn how to validate ideas, receive feedback, and improve your work in a real-world environment.
To help you get started, we have put together 15 startup incubators for high school students based on mentorship quality, hands-on learning, funding opportunities, accessibility, and real-world entrepreneurial experience.
1. INCubatoredu (Uncharted Learning)
Location: Offered through participating high schools (mostly in the United States)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by school district
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Runs as a full academic-year program
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: High school students (usually grades 9 - 12, depending on school)
INCubatoredu is a year-long high school entrepreneurship program where you will build and launch a real startup idea from scratch. Instead of focusing solely on classroom learning, you work in teams to identify problems, develop solutions, create a business model, and test your idea in the market with real customers. Throughout the program, you will receive guidance from teachers, mentors, and local entrepreneurs who help you refine your product, understand customers, and improve your strategy based on market feedback. You will also learn core business skills such as marketing, finance, pitching, and problem-solving while developing a minimum viable product. The program is designed to give you a real startup experience, where you will think, act, and build like an entrepreneur while learning through hands-on experience. The program concludes in a final pitch where teams present their startup idea to judges and may compete for funding.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $3,490 (Group) or $3,990 (Individual) | Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately Selective
Dates: Previous edition of the program was on June 5th and spans over 4 weeks.
ApplicationDeadline: March | Regular Admission Deadline 1: April | Regular Admission Deadline 2: May.
Eligibility: All high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to receive mentorship from established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. In addition to building your venture, you will also participate in interactive classes covering business fundamentals and business ideation. The program includes workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more, which allow you to strengthen your understanding of the startup ecosystem. The program is an excellent opportunity to explore the world of business in high school and provides an opportunity to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to successful businesses.
3. IU Indianapolis High School Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
Location: IU Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free | Participants are paid a weekly salary.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately Competitive
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: School application required
Eligibility: Open to students from all four IPS district high schools: George Washington, Crispus Attucks, Arsenal Tech, and Shortridge.
The IU Indianapolis High School Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is a five-day summer program where you will learn how to build a business idea from the ground up. You will go through each stage of the entrepreneurial process, including brainstorming ideas, planning your venture, and developing a sustainable business model. Throughout the program, you will work with peers in teams and strengthen essential skills such as communication, teamwork, organization, and public speaking. By the end of the bootcamp, you will showcase your business idea in a final pitch presentation, where you may also be considered for a cash award based on your project.
4. HEX High Accelerator
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $838.80
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Selective
Dates: Term 2: May 4 - June 11 | Term 3: July 28 - September 10
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: Current high school students (10th - 12th) or equivalent secondary school levels internationally | The program is delivered online and appears open to students worldwide.
The HEX High Accelerator is a 6-week online entrepreneurship program where you will collaborate with students from different countries to create and develop a startup idea from scratch. You will begin by identifying a real-world problem and then move into researching the market, designing a product, and building a brand around your idea. Throughout the program, you will continuously refine your startup idea with guidance and feedback from mentors. You will also develop important entrepreneurial skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. By the end of the program, you will prepare and deliver a final pitch at a virtual showcase, where you will present your startup idea to an audience that may include entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals.
5. CEOs of Tomorrow Internship (These Teens Mean Busine$$ Internship)
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately Selective
Dates: June 23 - August 22
Application Deadline: Not publicly fixed
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9th - 12th) who have completed a qualifying CEOs of Tomorrow program
The CEOs of Tomorrow Internship is a hands-on summer program where you will work directly with local small businesses and startups to gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship. You will be placed with a company where you will contribute to day-to-day operations, take on meaningful tasks, and learn how businesses operate in a practical setting. Alongside your internship, you will continue developing skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving while interacting with professionals and mentors. The program also offers structured support, including guidance from instructors, opportunities to earn college credit, and digital credentials. By the end of the internship, you will have a deeper understanding of how businesses operate, along with valuable work experience and a paid stipend for your participation.
6. Get Girls Going (GGG) Teen Entrepreneur Program
Location: New York City, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free | No Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Exact dates vary by year and cohort, typically taking place over several weeks in summer
Application Deadline: The deadline is typically late spring or early summer, depending on the cohort (may be rolling in some cases)
Eligibility: High school students | Specifically focused on Black and Brown girls interested in entrepreneurship and leadership
The Get Girls Going (GGG) Teen Entrepreneur Program is a summer entrepreneurship incubator where you will join a community of Black and Brown high school girls to develop leadership skills and build a social impact business idea. You will work closely with mentors, take part in workshops, and collaborate with peers to design a product or service that addresses a real need in your community. Throughout the program, you will learn how to shape, test, and refine your idea, understand the basics of running a business, and prepare a final pitch. You will also receive guidance from entrepreneurs and professionals, helping you build confidence, strengthen leadership abilities, and gain a clear understanding of entrepreneurship in a supportive, team-based environment.
7. Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) Internship by Future Founders
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately Selective
Dates: Runs multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: U.S.-based high school students | Application and interview required
The Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) Internship by Future Founders is a virtual entrepreneurship program where you will learn how to transform an idea into a viable business from the ground up. You will work in teams to identify real-world problems, create solutions, and build a simple product or prototype while learning from experienced entrepreneurs and industry mentors. Throughout the program, you will take part in interactive workshops that help you develop skills in creativity, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. You will also collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds and gain insight into the startup process. By the end of the program, you will present your business idea during a final pitch and gain practical experience in entrepreneurship, along with a stipend for your participation.
8. Girls Who Start 2025 Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Specified
Dates: February 24 - April 30
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students worldwide | Primarily aimed at high school girls and young women interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, career development, and social impact.
The Girls Who Start Impact Internship is a virtual program where you will explore entrepreneurship by working alongside university startups with leadership development. You will take part in activities such as developing business ideas, practicing pitches, and learning about social entrepreneurship while strengthening your professional abilities. Throughout the program, you will attend live webinars, complete guided projects, and collaborate both independently and in teams to build an entrepreneurial mindset. You will also receive support with college essays, resume building, and choosing a college major. The program provides a structured and supportive environment where you will gain exposure to startups while preparing for future academic and career opportunities.
9. Conrad Challenge
Location: Virtual; finalists present at Space Center Houston, Texas, USA
Cost/Stipend: Free for the Activation Stage | $499 per team for the Innovation Stage (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Activation Stage: August 28 - October 30 | Innovation Stage: October 31- January 8 | Innovation Summit: April 22 - 25
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students aged 13 - 18 years | Open to middle school and high school students worldwide
The Conrad Challenge lets you work with a team to develop an innovative solution to a real-world problem in fields such as aerospace, health, energy, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Over several months, you will move through the entrepreneurial process by identifying a challenge, designing a solution, building a business model, creating a website, and preparing a pitch presentation. Along the way, you will receive feedback from industry professionals while gaining hands-on experience in innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Top teams advance to the Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston, where they present their ideas, connect with experts, and compete for awards and recognition.
10. San Diego Flagship Entrepreneurship
Location: University of California, San Diego
Cost/Stipend: $11,495
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate to high
Dates: July 12 - August 8
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: High school students ages 14 - 18 years | International students may apply.
LaunchX is an entrepreneurship program hosted at the University of Michigan that provides a hands-on, team-based program where you will learn how startups are built from idea to execution. You will take part in workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities with industry professionals while working through key stages such as identifying problems, developing ideas, and refining solutions. The program ends with Demo Day, where you will pitch your startup to investors and entrepreneurs. By the end of the program, you will gain practical startup experience and build a strong network of peers and mentors.
11. Exploring Entrepreneurship at Fordham University
Location: Fordham University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,950 plus $150 as an application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 - 26
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (typically grades 11th - 12th)
This program gives you the chance to explore entrepreneurship at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business through a hands-on learning experience. You will attend workshops and lectures led by faculty and local entrepreneurs while working in teams to develop a business concept. Throughout the program, you will focus on essential entrepreneurial topics such as innovation, market research, and financial planning as you build your venture. You will also take part in field trips throughout New York City to experience the startup ecosystem. The program concludes with a pitch competition where you will present your business plan to a panel of judges.
12. Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy at Saint Louis University
Location: Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: $695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 - 24
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy at Saint Louis University is an immersive program where you will learn the basics of starting and running a business through interactive workshops, lectures, and group projects. You will work alongside SLU faculty and local entrepreneurs to understand key concepts such as idea development, business planning, and problem-solving. Throughout the program, you will apply what you learn by working on a team business project. You will also take part in site visits around St. Louis to see how real businesses operate. The program concludes with a business plan competition where you will present your idea and apply your learning in a real-world setting.
13. Camp BizSmart
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not available yet
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 seats available
Dates: June to July (to be announced)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to students ages 11 - 15 years with an interest in entrepreneurship
Camp BizSmart is a 10-day entrepreneurship program for students aged 11 to 15 hosted at leading universities such as Stanford and Santa Clara. You will work in teams to solve real business challenges provided by company leaders by developing ideas, building a business plan, and designing a product or service. Throughout the program, you will strengthen skills such as teamwork, communication, design thinking, and decision-making through hands-on activities. The experience concludes with a final pitch event where you will present your solution to a panel that may include entrepreneurs and investors, giving you early exposure to real-world business problem-solving.
14. Seeds of Fortune Girls Startup Business Accelerator
Location: Virtual and in-person event in Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: $3000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not available
Dates: May (12 months)
Application Deadline: May 5
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors attending public or parochial schools with a combined household income of $125,000 or less, regardless of gender or background.
The Seeds of Fortune Girls Start-Up Accelerator is a year-long entrepreneurship program where you will develop your own business idea focused on social impact. You will participate in online workshops led by professionals, work with mentors, and collaborate with peers to build and refine your startup concept. Throughout the program, you will learn key entrepreneurship skills such as business planning, pitching, and understanding how funding works, while also exploring college and career pathways in business. Some participants may also compete for awards up to $6,000 in funding and attend an all-expenses-paid event in Miami. The program concludes with Founders Day, where you will present your venture to a panel of judges.
15. UC Berkeley Haas Business Academy for Youth – High School Founder Bootcamp
Location: UC Berkeley Haas School of Business in Berkeley, California
Cost/Stipend: Solo $7,950 | Teams $7,450 per person
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 14 - 27
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th grade students
The B-BAY High School Founder Bootcamp at UC Berkeley Haas will allow you to work directly on your startup while learning from entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and Growth Labs, you will refine your business model, validate your product with customers, develop strategies for growth, and strengthen your pitching skills. You will also receive personalized feedback on your venture, collaborate with fellow founders from around the world, and gain firsthand exposure to Berkeley's entrepreneurial ecosystem. By the end of the program, you will have a clear roadmap for scaling your startup and turning your ideas into real-world impact.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Summary
This list covers 15 startup incubators for high school students, ranging from free, school-integrated programs like INCubatoredu to premium university-hosted bootcamps like UC Berkeley's Haas B-BAY (up to $7,950) and LaunchX ($11,495). The programs divide clearly between those that run during the school year as an embedded academic program, like INCubatoredu, and those that run as an intensive summer bootcamp culminating in a pitch competition, like Camp BizSmart, Fordham's Exploring Entrepreneurship, and the Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy. Several programs are specifically designed for underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship, including Get Girls Going, Girls Who Start, and the Seeds of Fortune Girls Startup Accelerator, all focused on building confidence and business skills among young women.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. I want a full year to develop my startup idea, not just a one or two week program. Are there longer options here?
Yes. INCubatoredu runs as a full academic-year program embedded in participating high schools, giving you the most sustained runway to build and iterate on a venture. The Seeds of Fortune Girls Startup Business Accelerator is similarly long-term, running for 12 months. If you want something shorter but still substantive, Young Founders Lab and HEX High Accelerator both run over several weeks rather than a single intensive week.
2. Several of these programs, like UC Berkeley's B-BAY and LaunchX, cost thousands of dollars. Are there strong free alternatives?
Yes. INCubatoredu, Get Girls Going, Future Founders' BYOB, and the IU Indianapolis Entrepreneurship Bootcamp are all free, with a few even offering a stipend or paid weekly salary. If cost is a limiting factor, these programs offer comparable mentorship and hands-on venture-building experience without the tuition of the university-hosted bootcamps.
3. I'm not sure if I want to build a for-profit startup or something more focused on social impact. How do I choose?
Several programs are built specifically around social impact ventures, including the Conrad Challenge, Get Girls Going, and the Seeds of Fortune Accelerator, all encouraging solutions to real community or global problems rather than purely commercial ideas. If you're more interested in traditional startup mechanics, like fundraising, growth strategy, and scaling, UC Berkeley's B-BAY, LaunchX, and Young Founders Lab are more aligned with that for-profit startup model.