firestarter
Firestarter is a seven-week cohort-based program for founders looking to start a company in the next 3-9 months.
The program will help you develop the critical elements of your business model including value proposition, revenue modeling, and pitch preparation. You’ll also receive real-time feedback from mentors and fellow cohort members.
What will you learn during Firestarter?
By the end of this program, participants will:
- Find your product market fit.
- Learn to communicate ideas effectively to customers.
- Explore ways to de-risk your startup.
All teams will leave the program with a finalized pitch deck and extensive feedback.
Applications for Firestarter are now closed. To get on the waitlist for a future cohort or reach out with a question about starting a company, please contact us. We are always happy to talk to you if you have an idea you’d like to develop.
Who is this program for?
If you’re a Purdue student, faculty/staff, or alumni with a business idea you’d like to start in the next 3-9 months, this is the program for you. Not sure it’s the right fit? Apply anyway and our team will help you find the program best suited to your needs.
Key Information
Submission Period:
August 25 – September 13, 2026
Firestarter Kickoff:
September 22, 2026
Firestarter End Date:
November 10, 2026
Workshop Dates:
Every Tuesday, 9/22 – 11/10
*Note: No workshop during Fall Break
Location
Hybrid, 10 A.M. – 1 P.M., at HIVE
Firestarter application
Applications for Firestarter will open soon. Please review key dates above.