Join 3,000+ high school entrepreneurs at LaunchX — the most rigorous entrepreneurship program for teens in the world. Applications for Summer 2026 are open now.
Selective admissions · Limited spots per program · Financial aid available
Alumni Outcomes
Our alumni have gone on to build real companies, raise funding, and ship products — starting in high school.
“LaunchX gave me the framework to turn a real problem into a real business. I launched my first product six months after the program ended.”
“I came in with an idea and left with a pitch deck, an MVP, and my first paying customer. The mentors and peer network are unmatched.”
“As a first-gen student, the financial aid made this possible. LaunchX didn’t just teach me entrepreneurship — it changed my whole trajectory.”
Admissions FAQ
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email us at help@launchx.com
We offer rolling admissions with the following deadlines:
Note: These are the same deadlines listed on our How to Apply page. Applying early maximizes your chances — spots fill by round.
Yes — limited financial aid is available for all programs, including our in-person Flagship and Exploration programs. Aid is need-based and awarded on a rolling basis. We encourage all interested students to apply regardless of financial situation. Contact help@launchx.com for more information.
LaunchX Flagship programs maintain approximately a 30% acceptance rate. Online programs are somewhat more accessible. We evaluate students on intellectual curiosity, initiative, and entrepreneurial drive — not grades or test scores alone. We’re looking for students who are ready to do real work.
Exploration (2 weeks) is designed for students who are new to entrepreneurship and want to develop a product idea and validate it with real users. Flagship (4–5 weeks) is for students ready to build and launch a full startup — including building a team, creating an MVP, and pitching to investors. Many Launchies do Exploration first, then Flagship the following year.
The best way to reach us is at help@launchx.com. We typically respond within 1–2 business days. For urgent questions about an application in progress, reference your applicant ID in the subject line.
Build and launch your startup on the UC San Diego campus. Mentors, peers, and real results.
Learn MoreExperience entrepreneurship in one of America's top innovation ecosystems.
Learn MoreA new program for students ready to build during the school year. Location TBA.
Learn MoreStill have questions? Email help@launchx.com
Program fees vary by type. Need-based financial aid is available on a rolling basis. No student should let cost be a barrier — contact help@launchx.com to learn more.
Any high school student (grades 9–12) can apply. We evaluate on intellectual curiosity, initiative, and drive — not grades or test scores alone.
Visit our How to Apply page for step-by-step instructions. Four rolling deadlines run from November through March.
All programs include curriculum, mentorship, housing (in-person), meals, and access to the LaunchX alumni network. You'll leave with a real product, pitch deck, and founding team experience.
We're here to help. Reach our team at help@launchx.com — we respond within 1–2 business days.
Join thousands of student entrepreneurs who've built real companies at LaunchX.