What is StartMIT?

For students who are interested in exploring entrepreneurship while here in school and are looking for an entry point, StartMIT is a 2-½ week course held every January during Independent Activities Period (IAP). We call the course “your on-ramp to the entrepreneurial world at MIT.”

See the FAQ further below on this page

Who is StartMIT for?

If you are someone who has been looking to get started on an idea that’s been ruminating, explore the commercialization of a technology that you’ve been working on in the lab, or simply better understand what forming a new venture looks and feels like, StartMIT is right for you.

The course is open to any student on campus (including post-docs) who is looking to gain more exposure to entrepreneurship in a peer environment. The main activities of StartMIT are:

• Networking with your peers
• Listening to our guest entrepreneur speakers
• Doing independent exercises to apply what you’ve learned
• Working with small groups on your entrepreneurial ideas
• 1:1 support with MIT Entrepreneurs in Residence

StartMIT Daily Themes

• Day 1 – “Welcome to StartMIT”
• Day 2 – “Ideation”
• Day 3 – “Creating your initial team”
• Day 4 – “Customer”
• Day 5 – “Product”
• Day 6 – “Go to market”
• Day 7 – “Financials”
• Day 8 – “Entrepreneurial life”
• Day 9 – Trip to New York City
• Day 10 – Holiday – no class
• Day 11 – “Pitching”
• Day 12 – “The innovator’s journey”
• Last Day – “MIT entrepreneurial ecosystem / Final presentations / Networking”

We would like to thank the many people across campus who help support StartMIT, but especially the School of Engineering and the Sloan School of Management, chaired by Dean Chandrakasan, School of Engineering and Dean Schmittlein, MIT Sloan School of Management.

(click any person to read their bio)

Who is eligible to participate in StartMIT?

Any current student who is curious about entrepreneurship and is looking for an introduction to the skill set and spirit it requires. This is inclusive of undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-docs.

Can I apply if I am not currently enrolled at MIT?

Yes. We will consider non-MIT students if space permits.

Do I have to have a startup idea to participate?

Absolutely not!

StartMIT is meant for anyone that is curious to learn more about entrepreneurship in general. Whether you are just curious or have an idea and are ready to go, this course will allow further exploration. Whether you wish to utilize an entrepreneurial skill set to be a founder, work in a lab, invest, pursue a side project, or dive into the corporate world, we believe this course will be beneficial in each of those pursuits and welcome you all!

What are the logistics of StartMIT?

• StartMIT is a two-and-a-half-week course that takes place on weekdays during IAP every January.
• The day begins at 9:00 am, typically includes talks and workshops, a one-hour break for lunch, and concludes by 4:00 pm.
• StartMIT will be held in person on campus (room TBA)

What can I expect to learn and who can I expect to hear from?

We will give you a crash course in entrepreneurship, including an introduction to the skill set and spirit it requires. We hope that by the end of the course you’ll have a better understanding of your desired entrepreneurial path, and also the resources available to support you in that journey at MIT and beyond.

You’ll hear from a large number of both faculty and practitioners from the Boston ecosystem and beyond. 

Can I take this course for credit?

StartMIT can optionally be taken full-time for 6 units of credit.

StartMIT: Workshop for Entrepreneurs and Innovators
6.9300, 6.9302, 15.352 — 6 Units: 4-0-2 [P/D/F]

What is my mentor for?

All full-time participants will be eligible to be matched with a mentor based on your industry or field of interest. A mentor’s role is to guide you through the course: to answer questions that arise during your time in StartMIT, and provide feedback on any entrepreneurial idea you want to pursue. Mentors will make themselves available up to three times throughout the course of the program (either in person or remotely).

What is the application deadline?  

Applications are due at 11:59pm Eastern on Monday, November 18.

When will I know if I’m accepted into the program?

Acceptance notices will be sent out on Friday, November 22.

StartMIT sounds awesome!  Where can I apply?

Right here!

I have more questions.  Who can I contact?

Email us at startmit@mit.edu