Is there a big problem in the world that you’re dying to solve? Have you always dreamed of being your own boss? Are you bursting with new ideas? Are you just curious about #startuplife? Looking for a good resume-builder? Then the Zahn Center’s Venture Incubator Competition might be for you…

Application forms are now open - CLICK HERE TO APPLY. The deadline to apply for the Spring Program is Sunday, November 13th at 11:59PM.

What is happening on 11/11?

We'll be in person and online to do a quick info session with Zahn Innovation Center staff at 12:00 in our space in the basement of the Marshak Science Center and online To get here, use the main entrance to Marshak, but turn right in front of the guard booth. Follow signs from there.

After the formal part of the program, we'll hang out until 3 pm to hear about your ideas and answer your questions about the application.

What is this about?

The Zahn Innovation Center is a startup incubator at The City College of New York that offers programming to encourage entrepreneurial thinking & growth. We believe everyone at CUNY has the potential to be a changemaker, and we want to help you innovate! The venture incubator competition will provide the foundation for the creation of CUNY startup ventures while supporting and strengthening the skillsets of our entrepreneurs to enable success. You apply in Fall for a competitive program that takes place during the Spring 2023 Semester. Your team will participate in required workshops, both on-campus and online, on Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:45, which will help you prepare for a pitch at the end of the semester where you will compete for prizes to help you build your startup!

How do I enter the competition?

You’ll need to apply via the application: CLICK HERE TO APPLY Our judges will score your application and the top teams will be invited for an interview. Once interviewed, we’ll let you know if you are selected.

In Fall 2022, The Zahn Innovation Center will run a mini-bootcamp open to all interested students. These mini-bootcamp sessions are highly encouraged and topics will correspond to application questions. More information about the Fall 2022 mini-bootcamp is available.

What should I expect from the competition?

The competition is an incubator program, so by participating, you’ll gain experience and mentorship. During the Spring 2023 Semester, you’ll attend weekly in-person and virtual workshops about a variety of business topics. You’ll be required to meet with Zahn staff & other industry mentors to track your progress. We’ll give you the education you need to get your idea off the ground, and you’ll work towards building a pitch deck, conducting market research, and creating a basic prototype of your idea.

Types of ideas that we accept:

Physical productsService-based businessesApps/softwareNonprofits & social enterprisesTech-driven innovationsThis year, we’ll be taking a special look at applications that solve for inequity!

Types of ideas we don’t support:

Purely brick and mortar businesses (store fronts, restaurants/cafes/food trucks, boutiques)Multi-Level marketing businesses

Who can apply to the competition?

Our program is for CUNY students, so each team has to have at least one CUNY student on the team. (If you are graduating CUNY in December 2022, you still count as a student).

Note that while you can apply as an individual, you’ll need to build out your team by the start of the Spring 2023 semester. Teams have a minimum of two individuals and a maximum of five.

What is the deadline to apply? Sunday, November 13th, 2022 at 11:59PM. Everyone must apply by this time to be considered for the 2023 Incubator. Interviews will be held after Thanksgiving. CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Zahn Innovation Center - Startup Incubator and Competition Info Session