Summer at The Foundry

Welcome to Summer at The Foundry, a dynamic 7-week program designed for early-stage founders seeking to embark on an entrepreneurial  journey. Our collaborative cohort, hosted by the Fordham Foundry, offers a unique blend of workshops, mentorship, coaching, and hands-on experience to refine ideas and build a solid  foundation for startups. Unlike traditional accelerators, we do not take  an equity stake in your company, allowing you to focus on what matters most - your venture

Important Dates:

Applications Open: January 31st, 2025

Notification of Interview Selection: April 18th, 2025

Team Announcements: May 9th, 2025

SATF Program Duration: June 2nd, 2025 - July 18th, 2025

Program Layout

Weekly Check List

  • Momentum Monday

    12:00-1:00PM ET

    Kickstart your week with positive energy and motivation.

  • Workshop Wednesday

    6:00-7:00PM ET

    Engage in hands-on workshops to enhance your skills.

  • Founder Friday

    12:00-1:00PM ET

    Come connect with industry professionals and Investors.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible, participants must ensure a full time commitment to progressing their startup and participating fully in all scheduled program activities. Additional selection criteria include:

  • Solving a Meaningful Problem: Validate the potential value of the problem you're solving.

  • Problem-Solution Fit: Demonstrate validation of the problem and solution through customer discovery.

  • Proof of Concept/Prototype: Showcase your current status and plans for validation during the program.

  • Milestones & Goals: Outline achievable milestones and goals, aligning with the program's focus on business aspects.

  • Passion, Coachability, and Hustle: Exhibit passion, coachability, and a strong work ethic

Who It’s For

Open to teams of Fordham Foundry entrepreneurs from any school or college, including Fordham alumni. Other requirements and preferences include:

  • Progress via Foundry Coaching & Programs: Demonstrate progress through participation in earlier-stage offerings like the Fordham Pitch Challenge, for example.

  • Team: Startups with more than one founder able to participate, with at least one founder being a Fordham student or alumni.

  • Right Skillset: Prefer well-rounded, multi-disciplinary teams representing the skills required of the undertaking.

  • Commitment: Teams must commit to their startup fully and be available for all program activities.

  • Community-Minded: Willingness to collaborate with other startup teams and a desire to be part of the Fordham Foundry community.

  • "The Foundry's Summer Cohorts are a wonderful experience and opportunity for students and alumni at all stages of their entrepreneurial journeys."

  • "There was time for me to reflect on myself and my own business, strengthen my entrepreneurial foundation, learn from other founders in both earlier and later stages than myself, as well as the ability to give feedback and give my own opinions on other cohort-mate's products and services."

  • "The Summer Cohort will hold you accountable and give you the support you need to get started, and will humble you and show you new perspectives/ways of thinking about business development if you are already well on your way."

  • Maybe you have a creative project to share with the world

    Quote Source

Code of Conduct

Fordham Foundry events are part of a community intended for collaboration and learning in the university community. We value the participation of each member of the university community and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all attendees are expected to show respect and courtesy to others. To make clear what is expected, all attendees are required to conform to the following Code of Conduct. We will enforce this code throughout the program.

Harassment includes but is not limited to offensive verbal comments, hacks, or other online activity related to gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, physical appearance, race, religion, sexual images, deliberate intimidation, stalking, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If participants fail
to comply they will be asked to leave the program.

Sponsors, judges, mentors, volunteers, organizers, Fordham Foundry staff and anyone else participating in the program are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, attendees should not use sexualized images,
activities, or other material. Be careful and mindful of the words that you choose. Remember that sexist, racist, and other exclusionary comments can be offensive to those around you.

If a participant engages in behavior that violates this code of conduct, the Foundry will take any action it deems appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the program.

If you feel uncomfortable or think there may be a potential violation of the code of conduct, please report it immediately to one of the staff or by emailing us at foundry@fordham.edu. All reporters have the right to remain anonymous.

How To Apply

Does this sound like its for you? Explore further details here at Learn More!

Join us for 7 weeks of innovation and growth at Summer at The Foundry.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or taking your first steps, our program
empowers you with the knowledge, skills, and support to turn your ideas into
successful ventures. Be part of a vibrant community, bring your passion to life,
and position yourself for entrepreneurial success.