Northeastern University Social Innovation Launchpad
Empowering Oakland innovators to build tech-driven startups that close gaps and create change.
Sruti Bharat — Campground Systems— $2.2 million raised in June 2026
"As a tech founder who wants to prioritize social impact, it's not always easy to find my people. This program showed me that they're out there, and I'm thrilled to have found this community."
What is the Social Innovation Launchpad?
Northeastern University Oakland’s Social Innovation Launchpad is a 10-week program that builds pathways from concept to impact for social entrepreneurs developing scalable, tech-enabled ventures. Made possible through the support of the Kapor Foundation, we empower innovators from all backgrounds to build community wealth, create quality jobs, and address global challenges, combining world-class entrepreneurship education with community-rooted support, mentorship, and access to capital to drive economic development and social change in Oakland and beyond.
Participants receive expert-led instruction across every dimension of venture building - from social impact theory and customer discovery to financials, operations, and pitching - culminating in a live final pitch. Open to innovators of all ages and backgrounds, this multi-year effort is building a lasting pipeline of social ventures tackling Oakland's most pressing challenges.
Our Programs
Early Stage Venture Support & Technical Workshops
Free workshops and lectures open to all small business owners and entrepreneurs, hosted on an ongoing basis on the Northeastern Oakland campus.
- Faculty led-lectures
- Conferences and workshops held with industry partners
- AI clinics for small business
- Open to all Oakland Small Businesses
- Runs throughout the year
Social Innovation Launchpad
A 10-week accelerator for early-stage Oakland entrepreneurs building ventures with social impact at their core. In partnership with the Kapor Foundation and Northeastern University Oakland.
- 10-week structured curriculum
- Downtown Oakland co-working space
- Expert-led workshops and mentorship
- Responsible AI and legal foundations
- Culminating in a Demo Day pitch
- Two cohorts per year: Spring and Fall
Social Innovation Venture Fellows
An intensive 8-week program for top performers from the Launchpad's Demo Day. Fellows receive dedicated 1-on-1 mentorship, curated expert connections, and culminate in a showcase for institutional investors and funders.
- Dedicated mentor matched to your venture
- Curated expert connections for your specific gaps
- Funder simulation with external reviewers
- Pitch showcase for angels, foundations, and institutional funders
- Selected from top Demo Day performers
Student and Faculty Led Projects
Weekly sessions where Oakland founders can get guidance on fundraising, operations, and growth from Northeastern faculty and student groups.
- Weekly sessions
- Student and faculty projects and research
- Operations and growth focus
- Meetings held on campus
- Work with your personal student team
Northeastern Co-Sponsored Co-Ops
A select group of ventures will receive access to a Northeastern co-op student, who will work for 4-6 months at a venture with split compensation between the venture and Northeastern.
- Access to Northeastern co-ops
- Ongoing relationship with Northeastern's co-op program
- Partially subsidized costs
- Open to Launchpad program graduates
- By nomination from program staff