Student Entrepreneur Acceleration & Launch (SEAL)
Now in its 16th year, the Student Entrepreneur Acceleration & Launch (SEAL) program, hosted by LaunchPad at UT Austin, invites UT Austin founders to participate in a 9-week summer accelerator. This program is designed for those with a validated concept who are ready to raise capital.
Through workshops led by experienced entrepreneurs and investors, the SEAL program equips startups and lean nonprofits to “SEAL the deal” as they attempt to secure funding and scale their ventures. Participants will be paired with a LaunchPad mentor to pursue a market-driven SMART goal throughout the summer. The program culminates in a Decision Day event, where teams present their fundraising strategies and planned changes based on insights gained over the summer. The presentations take place on-stage in front of investors, mentors, and ecosystem partners.
Applications are open now through April 20 at 11:59 PM. Applications from all UT undergraduates, graduates, PhD candidates, faculty, staff, and alumni are welcomed.
SEAL 2024 Program Dates
- Mar 20: Applications Open
- Apr 1: Virtual Info Session at 12 PM
- Apr 10: Virtual Info Session at 5 PM
- Apr 20: Applications Close
- Apr 30: Decisions Announced
- Jun 4: Program Begins
- Aug 1: Program Ends
SEAL Workshops
Workshops are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 PM, starting June 4 until August 1. Please note that there will be no workshops during the week of July 4.
Apply by April 20, 2024: SEAL 2024 Application
Startup Coffee Connect
Join the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center and Texas Momentum for Startup Coffee Connect, a casual networking event for entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers!
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event is the ideal opportunity to network, share experiences, and find potential collaborators for your next big venture. With a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse group of attendees, you’ll have the chance to make meaningful connections and expand your professional network. Come pitch ideas to other founders, learn what’s happening in the UT startup scene, and connect with other ambitious minds over a complimentary coffee bar and FREE breakfast tacos! This month’s Startup Coffee Connect is on Thursday, April 11 at 10:00 AM in RRH 4.308. RSVP here.
Forty Acres Founders Pitch Competition
Join the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center on April 18th to witness the future of business at the Forty Acres Founders Pitch Competition – where student dreams become $20,000 realities!
This competition caps the end of the Forty Acres Founders Pre-Accelerator Program, where 20 UT student founders spend the semester honing their business strategy, vetting their market, and establishing product-market fit. During the competition, four finalists from the cohort will have 10 minutes to pitch their ideas to an elite judge’s panel for funding and top industry feedback.
Don’t miss the reception hour after awards announcements to network with the future of startups!
RSVP now for the Forty Acres Founders Pitch Competition.
Startup City Limits
This half-day event on Friday, April 19 offers a unique platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, creating an exciting environment for all attendees on the Forty Acres. Participants can expect a diverse range of activities and experiences such as: engaging keynote speakers, informative panels, interactive installations, photo booths, robots, raffles, giveaways, Austin brands, food, and Longhorn brands.
Event registration is now open! Register here.
TEX-E Conference
Registration is now LIVE for the inaugural TEX-E Conference, happening on Friday, April 19 in Houston’s TMC Helix Park!
The TEX-E Conference, entirely student-led, is set to bring together the brightest minds from top Texas universities alongside industry leaders to delve into the future of energy and climate technology.
Our mission is to empower student entrepreneurs to drive change and inspire industry leaders to support the next generation of energy innovators emerging from Texas universities.
Register here!