The Buerk Incubator program is for student founders aiming to make significant progress on their business idea. If you are ready to invest time and energy in your startup to the next stage, this is for you!
Upcoming Opportunities
Why Apply?
- Mentorship: You’ll receive mentorship from program partners including serial entrepreneur and YC alum, Omri Mor.
- Focus & Accountability: You’ll focus on developing your idea, keeping you on track with regular check-ins and office hours with program partners.
- Community & Networking: You’ll collaborate with other founders facing similar challenges and meet successful startup founders from the community.
- 24/7 access to Startup Hall coworking space
Key Dates & Deadlines
- Application Deadline: Sunday, 11:59 pm, November 23
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in early December.
- Selection Announced: By Mid-December
- Program Dates: January 12 to March 16 (10 weeks total)
Interested students should join our Interest List to stay informed about 2026 opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Buerk Incubator is for any students with a startup idea, willing to devote the time and energy needed to make significant progress during the 10-week program. You may apply as a team or a solo founder. Currently enrolled UW students from any degree program or major, from first-year students to Ph.D candidates are welcome.
Students graduating within this academic year (Summer 2025 and forward) are eligible as students. Eligible students can form a team with alumni and other non-students.
We welcome startups from all industries. Teams who entered the Health Innovation Challenge, Environmental Innovation Challenge, or Dempsey Startup Competition are eligible to apply.
Application
Each company will submit the Buerk Incubator Application. The application includes questions about the team, company, and progress to date.
Apply now! Deadline: 11:59 pm, Sunday, November 23
The Program
The goal of the Buerk Incubator is to help develop your startup. Your startup can be at any stage at the time of application, and our goal is to help you make meaningful progress towards your next step. This could mean finding a target market for your product or having a better product with more users.
Batch
Each incubator batch will be up to 40 people. Each batch is led by program partners who advise the student teams in one-on-one meetings and weekly group meetings.
Weekly Meetups
Through the 10-week program, we host weekly meetings (two hours on a weekday evening) in Startup Hall. These meetings may feature special guests like successful founders from the Seattle startup community.
Office Hours
Program partners host group office hours every two weeks and one-on-one office hours to help you where you are. What teams discuss at office hours will depend on the stage of the company.
Questions? Contact Yuko Oaku at
[email protected].