FAQs
Does my business need to be incorporated?
1
No. We offer our program to businesses in early-stage, even if they are not incorporated
Yes, friends and family funding is allowed. When we refer to funding limits, we mean institutional investment only. The program is designed for early-stage ventures that have not yet secured institutional backing.
Can I apply if I have received friends/family funding? What type of funding is eligible?
2
Who will be the instructors?
3
The instructor team includes Northeastern professors, alumni, local business leaders, and industry consultants.
Who runs the program?
4
Northeastern University Oakland with the support of the Kapor Foundation
13
Does the program have any cost?
5
No, thanks to the generous support of the Kapor Foundation, Northeastern University is pleased to offer this program completely free to participants
What happens after I complete the Launchpad?
6
The program is just the beginning. Participants will have access to future events and entrepreneurial programs hosted by the Kapor Center and Northeastern University.
Do you provide funding or investment?
7
We do not provide direct funding. However, we equip you with the skills and training to pitch your business to investors and raise capital. You will also have opportunities to connect with venture funding organizations throughout the program.
When is the application deadline?
8
The application deadline for the Fall 2026 cohort is open until August 24. Please see below for full application timeline.
Is the program in-person or virtual? Where are the sessions held?
9
The program is fully in-person and will be held at Kapor Center in Oakland.
Are Northeastern’s first-year students eligible?
10
Yes. The Social Innovation Launchpad is open to all Northeastern students and alumni.
What if I'm not based in the East Bay and I'm not a Northeastern student/alum?
11
You may still apply if your venture addresses a specific, demonstrable gap relevant to Oakland or East Bay communities, which will need to be clearly articulated in your application.
The time commitment for SIL is 3 hours a week, 9:30 - 12:30 on Fridays, for the duration of the program
Do I need to already have a product built?
12
What is the SIL time commitment?
You should have either a prototype/MVP or pilot in active development, or strong evidence of customer discovery — user interviews, early users, pilot activity, or letters of intent.
Still Have Questions?
Please express interest and ask any other questions you have by filling out the form below.
Fall 2026 Cohort Timeline
Applications Now Closed
July 22, 2026 – August 31, 2026
Info Session
August 13, 2026 — Sign Up Now
Interviews
September 8, 2026 – September 11, 2026
Cohort Start & End Dates
September 25, 2026 – December 4, 2026
Cohort Demo Day
December 9, 2026