Founders Lab
Most teens talk about changing the world. Here’s your chance to do it.
Leveraging AI, Founders Lab is an incubator track where students apply their skills from Game Academy to build a startup from scratch. With support from industry experts and entrepreneurial insights, you will receive access to cutting-edge tools and learn about pitching, marketing, product-market fit, and business planning. The program concludes with a Demo Day where you show the completed product you created. Led by Urban Arts CEO Philip Courtney, Nelson Chu & Jeff Hine (Urban Arts Tech Advisory Board).
Only 16 spots available for Urban Arts’ first Founders Lab cohort this summer. Leave with a product, a pitch, and a $1,000 stipend for your completion of the course.
Deadline to Apply: Friday May 8
Details
Pre-requisites:
Completion of the 2D Game Development course.
Timeline:
July 6 through July 17, 2026 (2 weeks)
Schedule:
Monday to Friday, 10AM – 5PM.
Eligibility:
Rising 12th grade, rising 11th grade, and incoming college freshmen.
What You Will Do:
- Build a real software startup, and get paid to do it!
- Get hands-on mentorship from industry experts
- Receive access to cutting-edge AI tools
- Learn about pitching, marketing, product-market fit, and business planning
- Demo Day to showcase your project
Free Resources:
Our tuition-free model allows our admissions process to focus exclusively on recruiting the students with the strongest interest to learn, regardless of family income.
- $1,000 stipend upon completion
- Laptops provided for in-class and remote use
- Snacks and meals during in-person sessions
- OMNY cards, as needed
This summer, don’t just learn about AI. Build a company with it!
Questions? Email gameacademy@urbanarts.org