Startup Studio is one part accelerator and one part capstone class.
Here you can build and launch a real business all while completing your degree requirements.
What is Startup Studio?
Startup Studio is an undergraduate startup accelerator and capstone course bundled into a single package, allowing students to build and launch a business while earning capstone credit toward graduation.
The program lasts two semesters (fall and spring), during which student teams launch a real business while developing critical skills in class. Teams are supported financially via investment from Invest Nebraska and their matching partners. By the end of the spring semester, teams are self-sustaining with a launched product.
Program Benefits
Startup Studio offers teams the basic tools needed to successfully launch a venture and can count for many students’ academic requirements.
- Credit: The course comprises two classes, 3 credits each, that cover ACE 8 (fall) and ACE 10 (spring) along with a thesis for those in the Honors program.
- Skills: Teams will attend weekly class time to develop project management skills and build on business fundamentals.
- Time: Teams are expected to commit 12 hours/week to the startup. Team time is scheduled by the students.
- Space: Teams are granted a dedicated lab space and conference rooms in the Kauffman Academic Residential Center, secured by NCard Scanner and complete with desks, whiteboards, and fridge.
- Funds: Each team is financially supported by Invest Nebraska and their matching partners (about $35,000 after upfront costs and taxes).
- Equipment: Each student is given a full workstation (laptop, monitor, peripherals) along with access to common software like GitLab and Azure.
- Connections: Teams are paired with UNL-based and independent advisors throughout the experience. Additionally, the Raikes School network of executives, mentors, and experts is available to all students in the program.
Commitment
Interested students should ensure they can accommodate Startup Studio in their schedule. The program has high expectations, and commitment from students is a strong predictor for how well a business performs after the program is over.
- Attend online seminars and check-in bi-weekly with program staff over the summer
- Attend class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-3:15pm in Kauffman during the fall and spring semesters
- Participate in 12 hours/week of team time during the fall and spring semesters
- Students must commit to both fall AND spring semester classes
Applying
Applications for the 2026-2027 Startup Studio are open! Apply by March 10 at 11:59pm for your best chance at competing.
Interested students can apply in the spring semester for the upcoming Startup Studio program. Applicants are initially filtered based on program fit and business potential, and the selected teams will then compete in our annual pitch competition.
The pitch competition is an exciting opportunity for student founders to pitch their startup to a panel of judges from the Nebraska community. Multiple winners are selected from the competition.
The winning teams are offered a spot in Startup Studio and $100,000 investment from Invest Nebraska to participate in the program.
Step 1: Apply
Interested in pitching your idea for a spot in the program? Apply today!
Once you have submitted your application, you will be considered for the final list of startup teams to compete in our annual Startup Studio Pitch Competition. Winners of the Pitch Competition are then admitted into Startup Studio.
Applications are due on March 10, 2026 at 11:59pm. The competition is on April 2, 2026.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, teams must meet the following requirements.
- The team must have a minimum of two student co-founders.
- Both co-founders must be in junior or senior standing when class begins in August.
- Startups and their products must have an emphasis on developing new technology, either software or hardware.
- Current or former Startup Studio teams are not eligible for re-admission.
- Certain industries are excluded from the program, including drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and weapons development.
If you have questions about eligibility requirements or aren't sure if you are eligible for Startup Studio, contact Jake Koperski (jake.koperski@unl.edu).
Step 2: Compete
Competing teams are selected from online applications based on program fit and business potential.
At the competition, students will have a chance to pitch their startup for 15 minutes (8 to present, 7 for Q&A). Your time will not start until you are ready to present.
If you're preparing for the pitch competition, check out our Launch Readiness Modules, a set of async learning resources that will help you refine your pitch and ensure you have the best chance at the competition.
FAQs
Who owns the intellectual property (IP) created through Startup Studio?
All of the intellectual property and relevant rights belong to each team's company upon completion of the program. All involved students relinquish to personal claims to IP and are under nondisclosure terms to protect the founder’s interests.
What if I have more than two people on my team? Can they all be in the program?
The presentations at the pitch competition are limited to two founders/presenters. Team sizes in the program are capped to 6 students, and teammates beyond the two founders can be brought into the program at the director’s discretion.
Can I join someone else's team or do I need my own idea?
If you're interested in working on a startup, but not sure where to start, you can consider joining an as associate. Associates are a part of the traditional capstone program, Design Studio, but can be placed on a team in Startup Studio in the fall.
How are teams funded?
We partner with Invest Nebraska to provide a seed fund for each startup. Funds are offered to each team in the form of a standard investment tool: a SAFE Note.
To receive funds, teams must form a business entity (LLC, C Corp, etc.). Forming a legal entity is part of the curriculum and teams will complete the necessary steps during the summer.
Teams are also encouraged to seek additional investment or non-dilutive funding as needed throughout their participation in the program.