Summer Catalyst is where student founders make real progress Start with a fast-paced, 3.5-day intensive (May 5–8), then keep building all summer with the capital, resources, and access you need to move your startup forward. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with other founders, get live feedback, and hear directly from operators who’ve built and scaled companies like Andy Sparks (Co-Founder of Mattermark and Holloway), Travis Hedge (Co-Founder and CRO at Vouch Insurance, YC S19), and Jonathan Poma (Founder of Loop and building a stealth AI startup). You leave with momentum and a clear plan for what comes next. From there, you stay in motion. Get ongoing access to mentors, funding, and in-kind resources – plus a community of founders building alongside you. Plug into startup ecosystems through opt-in events in San Francisco, New York, and Columbus, and stay connected virtually all summer. Everything is designed for one outcome: real progress. Don’t lose momentum. Build through it.
What you get
- Capital + resources - Up to $2,000 per venture, plus cloud and AI credits
- Mentorship that moves you forward – Dedicated mentors and direct access to experienced founders and operators
- Access to the ecosystems and people that move startups forward – Events and connections across San Francisco, New York, and Columbus
- Extended dorm housing - Opt-in by April 9 at midnight to receive complimentary extended dorm housing for the 3.5-day intensive (May 5-8)
- A place to build – Co-working space and a connected founder community
- Priority access to what's next – Show your progress. Get in front of the right people.
How it flows
Start fast (May 5-8) Kick off with a 3.5-day intensive. Set your milestones. Build momentum. Build all summer Work toward real progress with mentors, resources, and accountability. Plug into the ecosystem Join opt-in events in SF, NYC, and Columbus. Show what you've built End the summer with a showcase and access to what's next.
End the summer with something real
Summer Catalyst concludes with a finale showcase, a moment to present what you've built, connect with the broader startup community, and unlock what's next.
FAQ
Do I need to attend the Summer Catalyst: Intensive to opt in? No. It's a strong way to start, but not required. Priority funding is given to participating teams. Can I receive extended dorm housing during the Summer Catalyst: Intensive? Yes. Students can apply for extended dormitory housing during the Summer Catalyst: Intensive. To be eligible, you must opt in for Summer Catalyst by April 9 at midnight. Who is this for? Student founders actively building and want to make real progress over the summer. What do I need to have to apply? A startup you're working on and a willingness to commit to make real progress over the summer. What's the time commitment? Flexible. You set your milestones and build around your schedule, with regular mentor touchpoints. Is there funding? Yes. Up to $2,000 per venture, plus credits and in-kind support. Priority funding is given to teams participating in the Summer Catalyst Intensive. Where does it take place? Where you are – plus, opt-in events in San Francisco, New York, and Columbus, with virtual connection and support throughout the summer. How do I get started? Opt-in at https://go.osu.edu/su-catalyst. Email additional questions to keenan@osu.edu.