High school students build startups; innovation-focused.

MIT LaunchX is a program that uses MIT-inspired Disciplined Entrepreneurship principles to provide high school students with hands-on, practical experience in starting a real business within a few weeks, covering topics from idea generation and market research to prototyping and selling. Offered both online and in-person, it combines a global community of like-minded peers with mentorship and expert guidance to help students launch ventures and develop crucial entrepreneurial skills. 

What it is:

• A Startup Accelerator:It's a program designed to help high school students launch real startups and develop practical business skills. 
• MIT-Inspired Curriculum:The program's foundation is based on the "Disciplined Entrepreneurship" framework, developed at MIT. 
• Hands-On Experience:Students don't just write business plans; they actually create and launch a business, often making sales. 
• Global Community:Students from around the world collaborate in teams to work on their ventures. 

Key Components:

• Idea to Market:Students work through the entire startup process, from identifying a business opportunity to market research, designing a minimum viable product (MVP), and beginning to sell. 
• Mentorship & Expertise:The program connects students with experienced mentors and industry experts to guide their progress. 
• Prototyping:Practical activities, sometimes including 3D printing, help students quickly create and test prototypes to gather customer feedback. 
• Community:Students become part of a global network of aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering connections that extend beyond the program. 

Program Offerings:

• Online Entrepreneurship Program:A multi-week online program where students start and ship a real, revenue-generating business. 
• In-Person Programs:Locations like Ann Arbor and the Bay Area offer intensive, short-term programs for students to develop and launch businesses in person.