The Builder’s Cohort 2026

A future-first Entrepreneurship & Innovation program curated from the “Launch Your Startup” MBA framework taught at Columbia Business School, reimagined for the world of AI today.

Across an intensive 5-day journey, students shape an idea, build a business model, understand their customer, study their market, design their product, and create their brand.

The cohort concludes a shark tank pitch simulation judged by serial entrepreneurs.

This is not an entrepreneurship camp.
It’s a venture studio redesigned for the AI generation.


Apply for the Program
How It Works?

Your Journey Through the Entrepreneurship Program

A structured 5-day pathway that guides students through the full entrepreneurial journey — from identifying a strong idea to building a launch-ready venture.

01
Start With a Strong Idea

Define the problem you are solving and understand the value your idea brings — the foundation of every successful venture.

02
Build Your Business Model

Shape your idea into a structured business model and validate customer needs, market fit, and opportunities for impact.

03
Design Your Product & Brand

Use rapid design thinking to create your MVP and learn how branding, marketing, and customer experience shape your venture’s identity.

04
Launch & Pitch Your Venture

Prepare your financial pathway, refine your pitch, and present your venture like a real founder — ready for launch.

Our Success Stories

Discover how our program has empowered students and teachers to achieve their career goals through real-life success stories and testimonials.

The Columbia VFA program was incredible as it gave me exposure to the real world entrepreneurial landscape allowing us to truly think big. The mental models and the innovative and problem-solving attitude taught in this class inspired me and deeply impacted my journey.

Armaann Karnnavat
UC Berkeley

The program was my first real introduction to entrepreneurship and business. Professor Dan was an inspiring teacher and visionary; he taught us how to solve problems, think outside the box, and approach ideas with innovation and creativity.

Ela Kopmaz
Northwestern University

Daniel's teaching has been met with universal acclaim, earning him a reputation as a highly respected and sought-after educator.

Dr. Jack M.
Columbia Business School, NYC
FAQs

Got Questions? We Have Answers!

Explore answers about costs, admissions, and how the Entrepreneurship Summer Program works for students, parents, and schools.

The Entrepreneurship Summer Program fee is as follows:

• Early Application Fee: ₹90,000
• Regular Application Fee: ₹1,10,000

Both fee options cover all program sessions, materials, activities, and the final pitch day.

No additional charges.

Yes, we offer two types of scholarships:

• Merit-Based Scholarship
• Female Foundr Scholarship

We do not offer financial aid.

Yes, there is an application fee of ₹500. Once a student is accepted into the program and enrollment is confirmed, the full program fee must be paid.

No refunds

The fee includes workshops, mentoring sessions, the program kit, project resources, and access to the final pitch day. Participants will also receive a certificate and a letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the program.

The program is open to students from highschool as well as undergraduate students.

Yes. Selection is primarily based on the application essays and submitted resumes.

The key dates for the application cycle are:
• Early Application Deadline: February 15
• Regular Application Deadline: March 31

Decision release dates:
• Early Application Decisions: March 1
• Regular Application Decisions: April 15

We recommend submitting your application early to secure your spot and receive timely updates.

Yes. Students from outside Mumbai are welcome, but they must arrange their own travel and stay. All sessions will be held in person in Mumbai.

Yes. Once you submit the form, you’ll receive an acknowledgement by email. After review, we will send an admission update and payment link if selected.

Each day combines interactive workshops, team activities, mentor check-ins, and project work. Students move from idea exploration to building and pitching their own venture concept.

No prior technical knowledge required

Yes. Sessions are conducted in monitored venues with trained facilitators. Attendance is tracked and students are supervised throughout program hours.

Laptops/Ipad/Tablet are required.

Parents are invited to witness the pitch competition with serial entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and industry experts.

A project for college applications, pitch deck, actionable venture, teams to work with, letters of recomendation, certificates and future teaching assistants.