Spark! Launch Lab

SPRING SEMESTER: APPLICATIONS CLOSED
FALL SEMESTER: ROLLING APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

If you have a working prototype, you’re invited to apply for the Spark! Launch Lab — the place where you and other select students can take your prototype to the next level. The Launch Lab focuses exclusively on the development aspects of a technical product, including computing or data science-focused projects, software, data science, machine learning, etc. You must have a working prototype that has either been deployed or can be demoed to be considered. Students can apply as a team or individually and we can help recruit teammates or for students who want to join as technical or design teammates, we encourage you to apply as well.

The Launch Lab product track is focused on helping students launch their products into the world, including acquiring users and adoption. These teams will be advised on product strategy and provided with support for prioritizing weekly development sprints in service of launching a product.

The Launch Lab tech track is focused on students who are not necessarily interested in launching a product but motivated to solve technical challenges. Their time will be spent exclusively on technical development and they will not be required to attend product strategy sessions but will have to achieve weekly progress on their development sprints and work with a mentor assigned by Spark!

While strongly encouraged to work with a team, we know that some students are more interested in working individually. All are welcome!

The following participation options are available:

  • Course Credit: An 2-credit course through DS299 that is structured as an independent study through Spark!
  • Paid Internship: Each team member — up to four — is awarded $1,000 per semester
  • Volunteer Track: informal weekly sessions at Syntax & Snacks on Thursdays 4-7 or Sundays 1-3pm and eligible to apply for an equipment & supplies stipend of up to $500 per team; (no other compensation offered)

Teams can participate in the program for up to two semesters based on achievement of target milestones each semester. Teams must present to the Spark! Tech Council twice per semester.

 

Application Process and Expectations

  • Submit an application form (all teammates must submit an application)
    • Link your product demo or prototype
    • List features or user stories to be completed for the semester (10 weeks of development)
    • User testing and launch activities (if relevant)
    • Time and team commitment statement

If you are accepted into the program, you and your teammates (formally associated with the team through course credit or the stipend) will be expected to meet the following program expectations:

  • Devote a minimum of five hours per week per team member to the program and work towards the development goals and product milestones set forth in the applications
  • Attend weekly stand-ups with the program team (Thursdays from 4:00 – 7:00 PM)
  • Optional supplemental sessions available on Sundays from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
  • Present to the Spark! Tech Council twice per semester
  • Attend the end-of-semester Spark! Demo Day
  • Document your journey
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Program Benefits

  • Course credit or team funding
  • Assistance finding technical or design teammates if needed
  • Access to support from the Spark! technical support and experts in residence
  • Up to $500 in funding for equipment and  supplies related to your product expenses
  • Bonus funding for completion of product launch milestones specific to your project e.g. product validation, deployment, user acquisition or testing, etc.
Launch Lab FAQs

 

Timeline

  • Applications for Fall Semester accepted on a rolling basis
  • July 15: Round 1 fall application deadline (rolling admissions)
  • September 1: Round 2 fall application deadline (if space is available)
  • September 1: Fall application decisions released 
  • Week of September 9: Fall cohort kickoff
  • Application for Spring Semester accepted on a rolling basis
  • January 8: Application for Spring Semester is due 
  • January 16: Application decisions made
  • Week of January 29: Spring cohort kickoff
  • May 2 or 3: Presentation to the Spark! Tech Council