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Stillman School of Business

Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Sponsors Seventh Annual Pirates LaunchPad Summer Accelerator

Sid Kapoor and Gerald Ford

Stillman senior Sid Kapoor and Jerry Ford '25 participation in the Pirates LaunchPad Summer Accelerator helped them develop the skills to co-found their successful startup Anvillent.

Do you have a business startup idea that you are serious about pursuing and turning into a real business? Have you already launched a startup and are seeking assistance to propel your venture to the next level? Have you competed in startup contests, and seek further guidance? Are you focused on a social or community issue and are working on an innovative startup business solution? If you answered "Yes" to any of those questions, Pirates LaunchPad may be right for you. The Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship invites all Seton Hall University students to apply to participate in the seventh annual Pirates LaunchPad Summer Accelerator Program and earn up to $2,000 in investment seed funding for their venture.

Pirates LaunchPad employs lean startup methodology to help student entrepreneurs make progress on their startup business models during an eight-week summer program. Students will convene weekly on Friday mornings from the end of May through July for virtual group meetings with entrepreneurship faculty and guest speakers. Participants will also receive additional individualized coaching sessions with successful alumni entrepreneurs.

There is no cost for students to attend, but space is limited.

Brooke and Madison Loza

Brooke and Madison Loza, '25 helped to develop growth strategies for their successful startup One Stop Eco-Shop during the Pirates LaunchPad Summer Accelerator program.

Who is Eligible: Open to all Seton Hall students who are already working on a startup business model, or have launched a startup, and are willing to set business goals and work to meet them during the program. Students can apply as solopreneurs, or in teams of up to four students. Student entrepreneurs that successfully complete the program will be eligible for seed funding stipends of up to $2,000 for each venture.

When: Friday, May 29, 2026 to Friday July 24, 2026 (Except Friday July 3). 

How To Apply: Six student startup teams will be accepted for the 2026 cohort. The application process includes an interview with the Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Susan Scherreik, and this application no later than Friday, May 22, 2026.

Student teams participating in the venture accelerator will receive:

  • A seed funding stipend of up to $2,000 upon successful completion of Pirates LaunchPad
  • Ongoing advising with venture mentors
  • Access to skills building entrepreneurship workshops, prototyping tools and other useful resources
  • Access to the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s network of successful alumni entrepreneurs

For more information, please contact Susan Scherreik at [email protected].

Categories: Business

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