Stand out on your college apps by building a real business

Workshops, tools, and 1-on-1 coaching by serial entrepreneurs to help your high schooler find a passion project, build a solution to real problem, and outcompete their peers for a shot at their dream college

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Join 100+ remarkable students
Build your spike

Incubator program

Hands-on help for your child to launch their own technical startup or AI / software project so they can create an admissions-worthy spike.
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METHOD

Proven process & tools

We use the lean start methodology to help your child build extraordinary and impactful passion projects to showcase their unique abilities and create compelling narratives that even highly selective colleges just can’t ignore
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PHASE 1:
ideation

Research problems worth solving

A structured process for brainstorming and refining raw concepts into viable ideas
PHASE 2:
VALIDATION

Verify demand for the solution

Market research, customer interviews, and value prop testing to gather feedback
PHASE 3:
EXECUTION

Build a minimum viable product

Tools & tech expertise to turn validated ideas into functional products & services
PHASE 4:
distribution

Execute go-to-market strategy

Outreach to early adopters on social, craft compelling marketing assets, get PR

Top colleges our students have been admitted to

We build exactly what college admissions officers are looking for - future leaders who are intellectual risk-takers, with a distinct passion and tangible evidence of their commitment

Why parents and students love our program

We helped 100+ of our students turn their cookie-cutter college apps into captivating humble-brags about their tech startups, transforming them into standout entrepreneurs that admissions officers compete for.
Connon H.
12th grader in SF Bay Area
I can’t believe I built that! An actual product and actual customers. So pumped to talk about it in my college essays. Before joining Spike, I was just another random student. Now I’m the founder of a tech startup. How crazy is that! Like I actually have a plan now instead of winging my college apps.
Jeffrey C.
Parent in Palo Alto
Fair warning: this program will turn your kid into a tech-obsessed entrepreneur. Side effects include increased screen time, constant talk of 'disrupting industries,' and a sudden interest in venture capital. My son talks about APIs at dinner now. It's adorable and terrifying.
Eliza B.
College freshman from Austin
This incubator thing is like a cheat code for college apps. I got into Wharton!
Rishabh A.
11th grader in LA
I'm over here building actual tech. It's wild. I'm literally running a business from my bedroom. Like, real money in my bank account. I feel like I'm living in some alternate reality where high schoolers can be CEOs.
Kiran S.
12th grader in Bakersfield
I used to stress about my GPA. Now I'm stressing about scaling my startup. It's opened doors I could never have imagined just a few months ago.
Abigail M.
Supermom in New York
The experience unlocked every growth skill and mindset for my kid. He learned how to be resourceful and think creatively about problems. He learned how to use tech and AI. But more than anything else he learned how to fail, dust himself off, and try again harder.
Olivia G.
College freshman in Boston
It's the ultimate admissions hook. Thought I needed perfect grades, but this is way more impressive to colleges. Interviews are a breeze when you can talk about launching an AI business in high school. I actually feel bad for kids who stress out over apps and have to make stuff up to look good.
Jacqueline P.
Parent in Silicon Valley
If your kid's college essay doesn't include 'And then I founded a startup,' are they even trying? This program changed the game for us. Gave my daughter an insane edge in her college applications.
Orion Z.
College freshman in Ithaca
The coaches are pretty high-end. They've actually built startups before and know what they're talking about. It's not some bogus 4-week bootcamp with a bunch of theory. These guys actually work with you every day for months and roll up their sleeves and do real work in making you successful.
Overview
Beyond grades: build innovative projects and extraordinary college applications
Learn the process of conceptualizing a viable tech-enabled business. Then get our technical skills, business acumen, and support to build and launch it.
what you get
Your complete success toolkit
This is not just some high-level theory. We roll up our sleeves and dive in right alongside you to build and launch your project. You get all the resources you need: live classes, 1-on-1 support, frameworks, tools, a peer community, career guidance, and even an internship.
Live workshops
Learn the art of building a startup directly from people who have already done it. Get real-time feedback on your work.
1:1 mentorship
Get personalized guidance from your dedicated mentor who checks in daily to make you're on track.
Community of experts
Level up your project and college apps with help from our community of techies, college advisors, and undergrads.
Automation & AI tools
We provide all the software tools and platforms you'll need to build and launch your project.
Launch frameworks
We'll hand-hold you through our proven step-by-step workflows to go from idea to market-ready product.
Marketing assets
Done-with-you marketing funnel to scale your startup and social media content to build your personal brand.
Positioning & essay help
We'll help you craft an unforgettable narrative of your startup and incubator experience.
Career guidance & network
Get insights into career paths and build connections with professionals to get advice and opportunities.
Tech internship
Stack evidence of your initiative & college readiness with real-world experience in a remote internship.
Learn by doing
Go from “no ideas, can't code” to an AI-based product in a few short weeks
Our structured program runs in 2-week sprints, with multiple touch points each week. We begin with finding and validating the right idea, work through foundational automation and AI concepts, then progress through product development, culminating in launch marketing sprints.
Curriculum
Ideation
Explore potential project ideas with our Idea Pipeline framework
Weeks 1 & 2
This phase is dedicated to brainstorming and refining initial concepts. You will complete a self-assessment to identify your strengths and passions, and conduct preliminary research on existing solutions and market gaps.
  • Develop your ICP (ideal customer persona); get an intro to our Idea Pipeline framework
  • Group brainstorming session; discussion and peer feedback on initial ideas
  • Build a project plan with your mentor outlining your goals, target audience, and success metrics
  • Learn how to discover buyer pain points and primary & secondary market research methods
  • Analyze initial research and factors to determine problem-solution fit
    Validation
    Market Deep Dive: uncovering customer needs
    Weeks 3 & 4
    You’ll dive deep into problem-solution fit to validate your ideas during this sprint. Activities include crafting and testing unique value propositions, conducting problem interviews with potential customers, and using the Value Proposition Canvas.
    • Create detailed user personas, including demographics, behaviors, and pain points
    • Leverage your network, social media, and online forums to find your target audience. Conduct at least 10 interviews, asking open-ended behavioral questions.
    • Learn to use Google Trends and social media listening platforms to gauge market interest.
    Validation
    Validate your solution with data-driven decisions
    Weeks 5 & 6
    You'll learn how to objectively evaluate your ideas based on market feedback. Set up experiments to test key hypotheses, learn about A/B testing, analyze quantitative and qualitative data you've gathered, and arrive at a final decision on which idea to pursue.
    • Note surprising insights, common themes, frequency, and intensity of customer problems
    • Use data to re-evaluate your solution and core features, and re-prioritize development tasks
    • Participate in a "Shark Tank" style pitch where you defend your problem-solution fit
    2 week break to catch up on deliverables
    Weeks 7 & 8
    This two-week period offers a valuable opportunity to consolidate your learnings from the validation phase and prepare for the intensive execution phase ahead. It's a time to catch up on any incomplete tasks, refine your project based on insights gained, and ensure you're fully prepared for the next stage of development.
    Execution
    Become a no-code ninja
    Weeks 9 & 10
    Discover how to build complete AI solutions and automations without ever touching a single line of code. We'll introduce you to the inner workings of best-of-breed tools and platforms that you can use to build almost anything you can imagine.
    • Introduction to popular no-code platforms
    • Comparing platforms and choosing the best fit for each project
    • Setting up accounts and navigating the user interface
    Execution
    Develop user journey maps and design low-fidelity wireframes
    Weeks 11 & 12
    This sprint focuses on understanding user needs and translating them into a coherent product design. You'll understand the value of thinking through user flows first, then learn how to quickly build wireframes for your solution.
    • Map out the end-to-end user journey, make flow diagrams in Miro or Whimsical
    • Develop low-fidelity wireframes for key screens & pages in Figma; iterate based on peer and mentor feedback
    • Present key design decisions and how they address user needs
    Execution
    Design to MVP: build your first working prototype
    Weeks 13 & 14
    By the end of this sprint, you will have a functional MVP or prototype that demonstrates your core customer value proposition. And you will now have hands-on experience with a number of no-code development tools so you build even faster.
    • You'll learn to think critically about user needs, to problem-solve on the fly, and to communicate your ideas effectively.
    Execution
    Refine your product with user testing and feedback
    Weeks 15 & 16
    This is the heavy lifting part. You’ll start adding components like user authentication and login systems, creating databases to store information, connecting to third-party APIs, and integrating external tools.
    • Present your functional MVP to peers and mentors for feedback
    Execution
    Add final touches and ensure all core features are functional
    Weeks 17 & 18
    This is it! The moment of truth. In this final development sprint, you'll focus on making your product truly user-ready. You'll run through a pre-launch checklist, fixing bugs and smoothing out any rough edges.
    2 week break to catch up on deliverables
    Weeks 19 & 20
    This two-week period offers a valuable opportunity to consolidate your learnings from the execution phase and prepare for the intensive promotion phase ahead. It's a time to catch up on any incomplete tasks, refine your project based on insights gained, and ensure you're fully prepared for the next stage of launching your project.
    Distribution
    Build marketing assets and a digital presence to drive traffic
    Weeks 21 & 22
    This sprint focuses on creating a professional website and optimizing social media profiles to establish a strong digital presence for your startup.
    • Develop a modern startup website to build brand awareness and drive traffic
    • Build and engage your audience through compelling thought pieces on social platforms
    • Create invaluable lifelong relationships on LinkedIn and boost your personal brand
    Distribution
    Launch marathon: accelerating your startup's public visibility
    Weeks 23 & 24
    It’s time to get your idea from the shadows into the spotlight. We’ll help you navigate multiple streams of work with simultaneous launch marketing mini-projects.
    • Run a successful launch on ProductHunt
    • List your project on 100+ startup directories
    • Growth hack your follower count on social channels
    • Run brand awareness ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
    Distribution
    Media blitz: leverage other people's audiences
    Weeks 25 & 26
    In this sprint, you'll craft compelling press releases, build media lists, and effectively reach out to journalists, news publications, affiliate partners, and influencers.
    • Identify, approach, and collaborate with media outlets (goal = 2 to 3 media mentions)
    • Combine traditional PR tactics with modern influencer outreach
    • Setup an affiliate partner program and reach out at scale
    Graduation!
    Week 26+
    Congratulations! You did it!
    You've successfully navigated the challenges of our entrepreneurship program, turning your ideas into tangible startups. Truly inspiring!
    But this is just the beginning. As you step into the next phase of your entrepreneurial adventure, we're excited to continue supporting your dreams. We invite you to join our alumni network and get even more support - from college essays to interview prep to landing internships. Details below...
    support
    All the support you want; any time you need it
    Dive into live classes, hands-on workshops, and real-world case studies. Network with peers and mentors in the community, get access to tech experts to get you unstuck, and learn pitching and financial modeling from experienced entrepreneurs.
    workshops
    Live classes to blend theory with practice
    Every week, you’ll participate in several structured online workshops. We’ll cover foundational startup concepts, introduce you to tools and platforms, and troubleshoot any challenges with personalized feedback.
    1:1 MENTORSHIP
    Direct access to expert mentors
    Your dedicated mentor checks in with you regularly to keep you on track. They bring decades of experience building products and companies, and will give you customized feedback on refining your idea, navigating market research, building your product, figuring out the best marketing strategy, and crafting compelling pitches.
    COMMUNITY
    Instantly connect with peers and mentors
    Unlimited access to mentors and peers in our Slack community - a real-time support system where you can find instant help whenever you need it. It’s also your tribe to collaborate on projects, brainstorm ideas, get advice, share progress, and celebrate achievements together.
    TOOLS LIBRARY
    Shortcuts for everything you need
    Access to a huge collection of on-demand video tutorials, ready-made templates, financial models, pitch decks, and software tools to shortcut your path to launching your project.
    outcomes

    We'll help your teen become irresistible to their dream college

    Getting into the right college is just the beginning. Going through the incubator program will make them resilient and creative problem-solvers. They’ll become critical thinkers, collaborators, and confident leaders. They’ll be equipped with future-proof skills that last a lifetime.
    The ultimate college prep
    Your teen will showcase their skills and passions by leading a real-world tech project - exactly the kind of initiative and achievement top colleges are looking for.
    1:1 mentorship
    They'll get personalized daily one-on-one guidance from tech industry professionals, tailored to their specific project and goals.
    Tech stack mastery
    They'll learn the latest automation techniques and AI tools used by industry leaders to build innovative products and solve real problems.
    Leadership skills
    Give your teen not just practical business skills for launching a successful startup, but high-demand tools and the confidence to lead in an AI-driven future.
    Data-driven decisions
    They'll learn how to collect and analyze user feedback to make data-driven product decisions, mirroring the experiences they would have in actual tech startups.
    Pitch training
    We'll teach them how to articulate their ideas effectively as we build their startup's story, financial projections, and pitch deck.
    Financial literacy
    They’ll get hands-on experience with budgeting, forecasting, fundraising, and basic accounting, turning them into savvy financial decision-makers for life.
    Personal brand
    They'll create a unique narrative, social media identity, and thought leadership to build a powerful professional network that extends far beyond college applications.
    Compelling college essays
    Watch your child's unique experiences effortlessly translate into compelling stories that make writing college essays a breeze.
    after the incubator
    Beyond the incubator: crafting your college application story
    Our program doesn't end with your startup launch. We help you weave your entrepreneurial journey into a compelling narrative for your college applications and position you as an obvious choice for admission.
    Positioning and essays
    Peer mentorship with Ivy+ students who help you craft essays that highlight your unique experiences and showcase your innovative spirit.
    Land tech internships
    Workshops to help you polish up your resume, prep for interviews, and connect you with industry professionals.
    Ongoing support
    If you need advice on scaling, pivoting, or getting funding, our network of serial entrepreneurs is here to help.
    PR and recognition
    We'll hand-pick opportunities for you to get featured in publications, speaking on panels, and competing for awards.
    Scholarship applications
    We guide you in identifying scholarship opportunities and packaging your achievements to secure max financial aid.
    Global opportunities
    We’ll prepare you for prestigious global pitch competitions and connect you with international founders.
    Who we are
    Real-world insights from entrepreneurs who've been there and done that
    We are former executives who have traded the boardroom for the classroom because we share a passion for nurturing young talent. We are driven by a mission to build passionate, creative, ambitious, and resilient entrepreneurs who will grow up to become world class change-makers.
    Hari Iyer
    Serial entrepreneur, co-founder Kapeesh, Next Autoworks (raised $90M), Elio Motors (IPO’d @$1B), Envia Systems ($1B GM contract), Stanford MBA, MS(Mech Eng)@Penn State.
    Ro Arora
    Finance & operations exec; founder DealOps; CFO @ Envia; co-founder Globalwatt; partner at turnaround/M&A advisory firm, raised $100M+, BS in Econ, MBA @ SCU
    Bob Glaspie
    Senior engineering positions at Tesla, Virgin Galactic, Next Autoworks, ESG, Johnson Controls. 7 hardware design patents. BS(Mech Eng)@Kettering University
    next cohort
    Our next cohort of future innovators and entrepreneurs kicks off soon
    We're gearing up to onboard a new wave of high school students and helping them transform their college applications. We're shaping tomorrow's leaders and giving them an undeniable competitive edge for lifelong success. We hope you join us.
    Winter Cohort
    starts on Monday, January 6th, 2025
    Foundation
    Develop your startup idea, learn fundamental AI tools, build & launch a validated MVP with a team of peers
    6 month project incubator
    starts on January 6th, 2025
    20 seats max
    Join the waitlist
    17 seats left
    Idea Pipeline™ methodology
    Market research training
    AI Business Model Matrix™
    Automation & AI tools mastery
    Tech experts to co-build with you
    2x per week coaching calls
    Live workshops and office hours
    Access to Slack community
    Survey tools to collect feedback
    Business model roadmap
    Elite Mentorship
    For ambitious builders who want 1:1 done-with-you help to create an amazing product and get market traction
    1-on-1 mentorship
    starts on January 6th, 2025
    10 seats max
    Join the waitlist
    6 seats left
    everything in Foundation plus:
    Direct 1:1 access to dedicated mentor
    Done-for-you marketing assets
    Outreach to media outlets & influencers
    Content for building a personal brand
    Positioning & essay writing help
    Help with scholarship applications
    Tech internship with partner firms
    Demo day with angel investor group
    Pitch deck and financial model builds
    Prep for prestigious pitch competitions
    guarantee
    Try it for a full 2 weeks, 100% risk free.
    We’re confident the Spike Incubator will work for you – that’s why we’ve made it risk-free. Try the entire program for a full 14 days. If you don’t LOVE it, we insist that you get 100% of your money back.
    FUTURE cohortS
    We're also reviewing applications for our summer cohort of innovators and entrepreneurs
    We'll provide you with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities for every stage of your journey. We believe in your potential, and in our ability to help you create a compelling spike for your college application.
    SUMMER cohort · 20 seats max
    Our summer cohort starts on Jun 16, 2025
    Exciting news! Limited spots are available for our summer program launching soon. Reserve your place now and give your child the edge they need in competitive college admissions. Join our waitlist today!
    Join the waitlist
    Compare
    Random activities and clubs help you fit in; we help you stand out
    Good academic scores and a decent activities list might get you considered, but our program makes you unforgettable. Get a competitive edge that traditional college prep methods just can't match.
    FAQ
    Got a question about our incubator program?
    Below you'll find responses to the most common queries about our startup incubator program. If you don't see what you're looking for, feel free to reach out to our team directly.
    How much does Spike Incubator cost?
    We don't offer one-size-fits-all pricing that you’ve probably seen offered at coding bootcamps. Since this is not a course, and we work with students 1-on-1 to build their projects right alongside them, our pricing is customized based on individual student needs and project scope. We take into account factors such as the complexity of the project, the level of mentorship required, and the duration of support needed. We can understand your child's goals much better on a discovery call and craft an exact program that works for you.
    What if my kid is not a coder?
    That's actually a common concern!
    But don’t worry; this program isn't about churning out code wizards. It's about nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills using no-code tools and AI. Many of our most successful students started with zero coding experience. We've designed the program to be accessible to beginners while still challenging for more tech-savvy students. The focus is on ideas and innovation, not syntax and algorithms.
    Your child's unique perspective and creativity are far more valuable than any pre-existing coding skills. We'll provide the technical support they need to bring their ideas to life.
    Who knows…they might even discover a hidden talent for tech as we work with them. But even if they don't, they'll build valuable skills in project management, critical thinking, and problem solving - critical skills in today's world.
    What if my child doesn't have any project ideas?
    It's totally normal for teens to feel unsure about project ideas at first. We don't expect them to come in with a fully-formed concept. In fact, we've designed the first few weeks specifically for exploration and ideation where we meticulously take them through our ‘Idea Pipeline’ methodology to help them identify pain points in industries or customer segments that they get fired up about. Your teen brings their unique experiences and interests, and together, we nurture those seeds into flourishing projects.
    We've seen students start with nothing more than a vague interest and end up creating projects that surprise even themselves. In the beginning, we spend a lot of time and effort in discovering the right project alongside our students.
    What is the time commitment required for this program?
    Our program is designed to be flexible and fit into your child's life, not the other way around. We're not here to add stress or overwhelm anyone. Typically, students spend about 3-5 hours per week on their projects.
    But here's the key: it's not about clocking hours, it's about passion and progress. Some weeks, your teen might get really excited and want to dive in deeper. Other weeks, with exams or other commitments, they might need to scale back. That's totally fine! We've structured the program to allow for this. 
    What is the background and experience of the instructors?
    We've handpicked a diverse group of professionals who bring real-world experience in AI, entrepreneurship, and education. Many of our instructors have worked in top tech companies, founded their own startups, or led innovative projects in various industries. But more importantly, they're passionate about mentoring young minds.
    We don't just look for impressive resumes. We seek out instructors who can connect with teens, spark curiosity, and guide without overshadowing. They're more coaches than lecturers.
    Are there any other prerequisites or prior knowledge required to join?
    We've designed our program to be accessible to teens from all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether your child is a tech whiz or has never written a line of code, there's a place for them here. The only real prerequisites are curiosity and enthusiasm!
    What we're really looking for are young minds eager to learn, explore, and push boundaries. Your teen's unique perspective and creativity are far more valuable than any specific technical skills.
    That said, if your child does have prior experience in coding or AI, don't worry - we've got plenty to challenge them too. Our curriculum is flexible and can adapt to different starting points.
    What if we try it and it doesn’t work?
    If your child tries the program and finds it's not the right fit, that's totally okay. No hard feelings, no awkward conversations.
    We offer a simple, no-questions-asked refund policy for the first 14 days. We've found that it usually takes a little time for teens to settle in and really get a feel for the program. But if at any point during that first month you decide it's not working out, just let us know. We'll refund your money, no hassle.
    There's really no downside. Your teen might discover a passion they never knew they had. And if not, you can walk away easily, having learned something valuable about what does (or doesn't) engage them.
    Are there any additional costs or materials needed?
    Just a computer and internet access. The program fee covers everything else your teen will need to participate fully in the program. This includes all software tools, access to our online curriculum, 1-on-1 mentoring, and group workshops.
    All this sounds great. But why should I trust you?
    You shouldn’t.
    In a world of BS promises, instant coaches and fly-by-night programs, of course we’re all being lied to all the time.
    Instead of asking you for blind faith in us, we set up a no-risk experiment instead. So you can see what it's like to work together without having to commit to a long-term agreement. You’ll find out pretty quickly if the program is a fit for your family or not. There’s no downside to starting, and you can bail quickly if it’s not what you thought.
    What can I expect on the discovery call?
    First, we'll take some time to get to know you and your teen. We want to hear about their interests, aspirations, and what they're hoping to get out of this experience. It's a chance for us to understand how we might be able to support their unique journey.
    We'll also explain more about how our program works and answer any questions you might have. This is your opportunity to dig deeper into anything you're curious or uncertain about.
    If it seems like a good fit, we'll discuss potential project ideas and how your teen might get started. But there's absolutely no obligation to make a decision on the spot.
    The call is really about exploring possibilities and seeing if there's a spark. We believe in letting the program speak for itself, so we'll even offer a suggestion for a mini-project your teen can try, regardless of whether you decide to join us.
    It’s a friendly chat to explore an exciting opportunity for your teen. No pressure, no hard sell - just an open conversation about their potential and how we might help nurture it.
    Got more questions?
    Chances are at this stage you still have more questions. We encourage you to ask questions directly by arranging a quick call with us anytime or sending us a message.
    Send us a message
    APPLY
    Ready to build?
    But don't have any project ideas? Can't code? Busy with homework and extracurriculars?
    No problem, we have a solution. Let's talk.
    Apply today
    Fill out a short application form to start the process
    30 seconds
    Schedule a call
    We'll learn more about your goals and answer any questions
    60 minutes
    Enroll
    If this is a fit, we'll invite you to join our upcoming cohort
    15 minutes