Frequently asked
Questions, answered.
If you have something that isn’t here, email hursh@ucsb.network. We answer personally.
The program
01
How long is the program?
Eight weeks. We run it in person in Santa Barbara. It overlaps with the academic term so you can participate while studying.
02
How many startups are in each cohort?
Lean on purpose. Six startups in the first cohort, each matched with a dedicated mentor. Future cohorts stay small.
03
Does the program take equity?
No. We do not take equity. Our goal is to back UCSB founders with mentorship, community, and an audience on Demo Day.
04
What does the commitment look like week to week?
Expect a weekly 1:1 with your mentor, a peer check-in, occasional evening events, and the hackathon weekend mid-program. The rest is building.
Eligibility
01
Do I have to be a current UCSB student?
We prioritize current UCSB students, recent alumni, faculty, and researchers. If you have a clear UCSB connection and are building something real, apply.
02
Do I need a co-founder?
No. Solo founders and small teams are both welcome.
03
Do I need an incorporated company?
No. We care about what you are building and whether you can ship. Legal structure is not a prerequisite.
Hackathon
01
Who can enter the hackathon?
Every cohort partner automatically qualifies. We also open a small number of spots to outside UCSB builders through the hackathon signup on the hackathon page.
02
What do winners get?
$1,000 in credits across our partner stack. Every participant who ships also gets $250 in credits.
03
How do I sign up if I am not in the cohort?
Fill out the short form on the hackathon page. Spots are limited and we reach out personally.
Demo Day
01
Who attends Demo Day?
Pre-seed and seed VCs, UCSB alumni operators, and partners of the program. It is invite-only.
02
Can I attend as an investor?
Yes. Email hursh@ucsb.network and tell us a bit about your fund. We make every effort to include serious pre-seed and seed investors.
Still have questions?
We read every email. Tell us what you’re working on and what you want to know.