Blackstone LaunchPad

History and Founding Story

Blackstone LaunchPad is the signature program of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, established with the mission to bridge the opportunity gap for college and university students. The program aims to equip students with essential entrepreneurial skills, recognizing that these skills are not only crucial for building successful businesses but also for fostering lasting and impactful careers. By providing a robust platform, Blackstone LaunchPad empowers students to develop a growth mindset, cultivate creativity, enhance critical thinking, and refine leadership abilities, making them more competitive and confident in today's dynamic job market.

Mission and Values

The core mission of Blackstone LaunchPad is to empower students by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and providing the tools necessary for both startup creation and career development. The program values a holistic approach to skill-building, emphasizing that the attributes required for business success—such as resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking—are universally applicable and beneficial for personal and professional growth. It strives to create an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines can explore their entrepreneurial potential.

Program Structure and Timeline

The Blackstone LaunchPad program at UC San Diego's The Basement runs for an extended period, with the Fall 2025 cohort scheduled from October 2025 to May 2026. The program features a tailored in-person and online curriculum designed to guide students through various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Key application dates for the Fall 2025 cohort include applications opening mid-September, a submission deadline of October 7th, interviews between October 15th-16th, and final outcomes announced by October 20th. A mandatory onboarding and mentor meeting is scheduled for October 23rd. The program emphasizes practical learning and continuous development over several months.

Mentorship and Network

A cornerstone of the Blackstone LaunchPad program is its strong emphasis on mentorship and networking. Each participating student or team is assigned a dedicated mentor who provides one-on-one advising throughout the program's duration. Beyond individual mentorship, participants gain access to a broad network of subject-area experts and the wider UC San Diego and San Diego entrepreneurial community. This extensive network facilitates invaluable connections, knowledge exchange, and potential collaborations, significantly enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem available to students.

What Makes It Unique

Blackstone LaunchPad stands out due to its comprehensive support system and broad accessibility. It is open to all UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their major, industry focus, or the stage of their startup, small business, or social innovation idea. The program offers extended access to The Basement’s co-working space, priority use of its Prototyping Lab, and access to the university's Makerspace. Furthermore, it provides curated funding sources, proof of concept prototyping funds (subject to availability), and access to the Office of Innovation and Commercialization Startup Toolkit. The availability of CCR and AIP 197 credit also makes it unique, integrating entrepreneurial learning with academic recognition.

What Participants Can Expect Day-to-Day

Participants in Blackstone LaunchPad can expect an immersive and hands-on experience. Daily activities may include engaging with the tailored curriculum, working on their startup ideas in The Basement's co-working space, collaborating with their assigned mentor during one-on-one advising sessions, and utilizing the Prototyping Lab or Makerspace for product development. They will also have opportunities to network with peers, experts, and the broader entrepreneurial community, attend workshops, and explore funding opportunities. The program fosters a dynamic environment where students continuously refine their ideas, develop practical skills, and advance their ventures.