About Launchpad
Launchpad is a summer pre-accelerator program designed to help bold, curious, and action-oriented undergraduate students at Khalifa University turn their tech-driven ideas into real, working ventures.
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Over the summer, five selected teams will go from concept to prototype with the support of expert mentors, hands-on workshops, and the tools they need to bring their ideas to life—culminating in a final pitch day.
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At Khalifa University, we believe the next big ideas don’t come from perfect conditions—they come from students who are brave enough to try. That’s why we built Launchpad: a space where student ideas are taken seriously, creativity is matched with action, and business-building feels relevant, not rigid.
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This isn’t about research for the sake of research. It’s about building practical, tech-forward solutions that matter—to you, your peers, and your community.
Who Should Apply?
The Launchpad is open to KU undergraduate students who:
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Have a business idea they’d like to explore that aligns with one of the Launchpad challenge themes;
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Are part of a team with at least one Emirati student;
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Are ready to build a team made up of coders, creators, and problem-solvers to balance the workload and bring their idea to life
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Teams should include 3–4 members. While the above criteria are required, we strongly encourage teams that bring diverse perspectives across nationality, gender, and skill sets.
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Whether you’re an engineer with a product concept, an artist with a vision, or a coder with curiosity - this space is yours!
What Challenges Should Your Idea Address?
Teams or individual applicants should select one of the challenges below.
What's In It For You?
Every selected student or team will be able to:
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Get matched with industry experts, startup founders, and product designers for one-on-one mentorship.
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Join high-impact training sessions that take you from idea to mid-high fidelity clickable prototypes.
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Receive funding to help you build and test your prototype.
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Pitch their venture at our final Showcase Day and gain visibility through KU platforms and networks.
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Build a startup-ready skillset including design thinking, branding, validation, and storytelling.
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Connect and collaborate with peers from different backgrounds while working on something practical and hands-on.
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And most importantly — gain the confidence to turn “I have an idea” into “I made this happen.”
Program Timeline
Program Launch​
24 APR
Application
Deadline
26 MAY
Virtual Onboarding Session
04 JUN
In-person
Ask-Me-Anything Session
02 MAY
Shortlisting & Virtual Interviews
29 MAY
In-person
Bootcamp
09 - 12 JUN
Final Pitch Day
Virtual
Ask-Me-Anything Session
16 MAY
Launchpad Cohort Announcement
30 MAY
Virtual Ideation
& Prototyping Sessions
16 JUN - 08 AUG
14 AUG
Get in Touch
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