Startup Academy is an immersive, 10-week academic practicum and entrepreneurial talent accelerator based in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area—one of the world’s most vibrant startup ecosystems.
Through a three-credit course, students engage in rigorous, hands-on learning while contributing directly to high-growth startups and innovation teams. Paired with Bay Area founders and industry leaders, students apply entrepreneurial thinking, market analysis, innovation strategy, and product development skills to real business challenges.
Students live in residence in San Francisco during Weeks 2–10 of the summer program, with housing covered by Lehigh West, fostering a tight-knit, collaborative community. The combination of academic rigor, industry immersion, and network access makes the Lehigh Startup Academy a powerful launchpad for both student career trajectories and the growth ambitions of participating companies.
Website: https://westcoast.lehigh.edu/academic-programs/startup-academy
Contact: Sarah Leedberg, Assistant Director, Innovation Programs — sel523@lehigh.edu
Timeline: May 24–July 30, 2027. Week 1 is remote; Weeks 2–10 are in residence. Applications are due November 22, 2026. No exceptions to the deadline.
Mandatory Information Sessions: Attendance at ONE information session is required. All sessions begin at 5 PM Eastern Time.
- Monday, October 19, 2026: https://lehigh.zoom.us/j/93457115401
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026: https://lehigh.zoom.us/j/93457115401
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026: https://lehigh.zoom.us/j/95238889043
- Thursday, October 22, 2026: https://lehigh.zoom.us/j/95610660365
Cost:
- Tuition: $3,060 (3-credit 2027 summer tuition rates apply)
What’s Included:
- 3-credit course + internship (unpaid)
- Housing covered by Lehigh West
- $3,000 stipend intended to offset travel and meal expenses
- Networking opportunities with alumni, professionals, and guest speakers
- Access to Lehigh West office space in the financial district
- Photo on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square
What’s Not Included:
- Meals
- Travel to/from Silicon Valley
- Miscellaneous living expenses
- Personal outings
Need-based financial aid is available through Lehigh’s Student Opportunity Fund and the High Impact Experience Opportunity Fellowship. These programs are not affiliated with Startup Academy or Lehigh West and require a separate application and decision process.
Startup Academy is an immersive, 10-week academic practicum and entrepreneurial talent accelerator based in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area—one of the world’s most vibrant startup ecosystems.
Through a three-credit course, students engage in rigorous, hands-on learning while contributing directly to high-growth startups and innovation teams. Paired with Bay Area founders and industry leaders, students apply entrepreneurial thinking, market analysis, innovation strategy, and product development skills to real business challenges.
Students live in residence in San Francisco for 8-weeks during the summer program, with housing, daily breakfast, and dinner provided* (lunch is self-arranged), fostering a tight-knit, collaborative community. The combination of academic rigor, industry immersion, and network access makes the Lehigh Startup Academy a powerful launchpad for both student career trajectories and the growth ambitions of participating companies.
*You must attend a mandatory info session to qualify to apply - See dates and times on website page here
Website: https://westcoast.lehigh.edu/academic-programs/startup-academy
Contact: Sam Dewalt, Managing Director, Lehigh@NasdaqCenter/Sarah Leedberg, Assistant Director, Innovation Programs/ Marina Odierno, Associate Director of Professional Development, College of Business
Timeline: Applications due January 26, 2026
Cost:
- Tuition Cost: $3,060 (summer tuition rates apply)
- What’s Included:
- 3-credit course + internship (unpaid)
- 8-weeks of housing in San Francisco
- Meal-Plan with daily breakfast and dinner (lunch self-arranged).
- Networking events with alumni, professionals, and guest speakers.
- Access to co-working space at 201 Mission in San Francisco
- Photo on Nasdaq Tower in Times Square
- What’s Not Included:
- Lunch
- Travel to/from Silicon Valley
- Miscellaneous Living Expenses + Personal Outings
*Need-based financial aid available through Startup Academy, Student Opportunity Fund, and the High-Impact Experience Opportunity Fellowship.
