Eligibility Criteria

Northeastern University Oakland is seeking early-stage, gap-closing tech founders for our Cohort 2 of the Social Innovation Launchpad. Gap-closing ventures are built to close a specific, named inequity affecting Oakland and East Bay communities. Extra consideration will be given to founders building responsible AI-native products; for further and preferred eligibility criteria, see below.

Geography

• Venture or founder must be based in the broader East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties) OR currently be a Northeastern University student or alum

• If based outside this expanded East Bay footprint, venture must address a specific, demonstrable gap relevant to Oakland or East Bay communities

Venture Stage

• Prototype (MVP) or pilot in active development, OR

• If no MVP, strong evidence of customer discovery (user interviews, early users, pilot activity, letters of intent)

• From entrepreneurs exploring initial ideas to businesses generating up to $250,000 in annual revenue.

• This Accelerator is focused on supporting early-stage ventures that have not received institutional funding

Product Type & Impact 

• Tech-enabled venture solving a clearly named gap for Oakland/East Bay communities

• Extra consideration will be given to founders building responsible AI-native ventures. 

• The founder has demonstrated thought about responsible technology and/or AI use, bias, and side effects for their specific users

• All industries welcome to apply

Founder Commitment

• Required participation in the full 10-week program (Sept 25-Dec 9, 2026).  The program meets weekly on Fridays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Kapor Center in downtown Oakland.