Launch a real startup before you graduate high school.

NextGen Founders Lab is a venture studio for ambitious high school founders.

In partnership with

Ambition Isn’t the Problem. Access Is.

41% of teens want to start a business — but only 6% make it past the ideas stage.

Real Startup Experience

Go from idea (or no idea) to a real startup in just 9 months. Build, sell, and get customers alongside real founders and investors.

Hands-On Learning

Gain practical skills in startup building, branding, pitching, leadership, and traction — not just theory.

Expert Mentorship

Work one-on-one with founders, investors, and industry leaders who provide guidance every step of the way.

Real-World Launchpad

Your venture gets the boost of real-world networks, resources, and opportunities — the kind founders rely on to scale.

Future-Ready Outcomes

Graduate with a startup, portfolio, and results that set you apart — equipping you to innovate, lead, and scale ventures.

Turning Ambition Into Action

You won’t just pitch ideas — you'll build, sell, and graduate with real results.

Build for Real

Most programs stop at a pitch. At NextGen, you'll test, build, and sell their ventures, gaining real customers and traction before graduation.

Guided by Founders

You'll work 1:1 with successful founders, investors, and startup operators who have built companies, not just talked about them.

Graduate with Results

Graduate with a launched product, paying customers, and the confidence to stand out for opportunities, university, and careers.

No Equity Taken. Ever.

We provide mentorship, resources, and guidance — without taking any ownership of your venture.

Your Startup Starts Here

Build real products, gain real customers, and learn from real founders.

9-Month Venture Studio

From idea to launch and early traction

Best for:

Students ready to commit to building a real company long-term.

What it looks like:

  • 9 months, in-person

  • Build your venture solo or with a team

  • Deep one-on-one mentorship

  • No equity taken

  • Weekly 3-hour sessions + independent work

  • Customer discovery, MVPs, and go-to-market

  • Ends with a Demo Day with founders and investors

3-Month Venture Sprint

From idea to MVP

Best for:

Students who want to pressure-test an idea or experience startup building fast.

What it looks like:

  • 3 months, online or in-person

  • Build your venture solo or with a team

  • Mentorship from NextGen team

  • No equity taken

  • Weekly progress goals with check-ins

  • Build an MVP and iterate from feedback

  • Ends with a live demo to our community

Nine-Month Venture Studio

From idea to launch and early traction

Best for:

Students ready to commit to building a real company long-term.

What it looks like:

  • 9 months, in-person

  • Build your venture solo or with a team

  • Deep one-on-one mentorship

  • No equity taken

  • Weekly 3-hour sessions + independent work

  • Customer discovery, MVPs, and go-to-market

  • Ends with a Demo Day with founders and investors

Three-Month Venture Sprint

From idea to MVP

Best for:

Students who want to pressure-test an idea or experience startup building fast.

What it looks like:

  • 3 months, online or in-person

  • Build your venture solo or with a team

  • Mentorship from NextGen team

  • No equity taken

  • Weekly progress goals with check-ins

  • Build an MVP and iterate from feedback

  • Ends with a live demo to our community

Nine-Month Venture Studio

From idea to launch and early traction

Best for:

Students ready to commit to building a real company long-term.

What it looks like:

  • 9 months, in-person

  • Build your venture solo or with a team

  • Deep one-on-one mentorship

  • No equity taken

  • 3h/week + independent work

  • Customer Discovery & MVPs

  • Ends with a Demo Day with founders and investors

Three-Month Venture Sprint

From idea to MVP

Best for:

Students who want to pressure-test an idea or experience startup building fast.

What it looks like:

  • 3 months, online or in-person

  • Build your venture solo or with a team

  • Mentorship from NextGen team

  • No equity taken

  • Weekly progress goals with check-ins

  • Build an MVP and iterate from feedback

  • Ends with a live demo to our community

We’ve Got the Answers You’re Looking For

Here’s everything you need to know before applying.

What is NextGen Founders Lab?

How is NextGen different?

What is the time commitment?

Who can apply?

What topics are covered?

How does this help with university or future jobs?

How do I apply?

What happens after the program?

What is a Demo Day?

Does my startup have to be tech-based?

What is NextGen Founders Lab?

How is NextGen different?

What is the time commitment?

Who can apply?

What topics are covered?

How does this help with university or future jobs?

How do I apply?

What happens after the program?

What is a Demo Day?

Does my startup have to be tech-based?

Still have questions?

We’re happy to chat! Book a free info call to learn more about the program, ask about mentorship, or see if NextGen is the right fit.