Set on Wharton’s San Francisco campus, Innovation and Startup Culture provides a whirlwind introduction to the world of new venture creation. Throughout the intensive two-week summer program, students will learn the strategies successful entrepreneurs use to generate new ideas and develop them into disruptive high-growth ventures.  

Non-credit

Residential

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Final project

Application fee waiver

Wharton’s Innovation and Startup Culture program introduces hands-on experiences in all aspects of the venture creation process. Working in teams, students will generate a new business idea, assess its profit potential, build an innovative model, and test and iterate as they drive toward product-market fit. The program culminates in “pitch day,” where teams will have the opportunity to present their venture to investors and entrepreneurs who are active in the South Bay startup scene.

Throughout a 9-day schedule filled with lectures, activities, and company visits across Silicon Valley, students will develop a new appreciation of the joys and challenges that come with building a world-changing startup.   

Wharton Innovation and Startup Culture participants will:
- Attend lectures and presentations from Wharton faculty, alumni, and entrepreneurs on Wharton’s San Francisco campus, using the same classrooms as Wharton Executive MBA students;
- Learn idea generation strategies, including ways to create value for both people and the planet;
- Implement strategies and research to analyze profit potential, develop innovative business models, and achieve product-market fit;
- Work in teams to generate and test new business ideas that will be presented to investors and entrepreneurs;
- Explore the vibrant city of San Francisco, including visits to local startups.

All participants who successfully complete the program will earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.

While each day varies in format, a typical day includes:
8:15-8:45 – Shuttle from university dorms to Wharton San Francisco academic campus
9:00-10:30am – Topics lecture
10:30-10:45am – Mid-morning break
10:45-12:00pm – Recitation/small-group activity
12:00-1:30pm – Lunch & student team meetings
1:30-2:30 – Topics lecture/startup venture guest speaker
2:30-4:30pm – Simulation or small group activity/site visit to startup venture in Bay Area
4:30-5:15 – Shuttle back to university dorms

Session topics include:
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Hybrid Ventures
Business Model Generation
Commercial and Social Innovation
Venture Implementation
In the evenings, students will have a number of extracurricular and social activities to choose from, as well as opportunities to explore the art, history, and culture of San Francisco. Students can also opt to work on their final project with their group and/or relax at the dorm.

Please note, some days may not follow this schedule as there could be a site visit off campus or a simulation in lieu of lecture/recitation schedule.

San Francisco, CA: Innovation and Startup Culture (Session 1)

Jul 02 - Jul 14

2 weeks

Residential

7999 USD

San Francisco, CA: Innovation and Startup Culture (Session 2)

Jul 16 - Jul 28

2 weeks

Residential

7999 USD

LOCATION-BASED PROGRAM FEES INCLUDE:
Full academic and term fees, use of academic facilities, housing, two meals a day Monday-Friday, two meals on Sunday (no meals Saturday due to excursions/activities), extracurricular activities and trips, student supervision.
LOCATION-BASED PROGRAM FEES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Non-refundable $100 application fee,  travel to/from campus,  airport transfers,  gym access; linens; class materials; meals eaten off campus; medical expenses; laundry; souvenirs; and personal spending money.

Financial Aid

Students attending a San Francisco Unified School District public high school with financial need may be eligible for a full or partial scholarship to attend the Innovation and Startup Culture program in San Francisco, CA. Scholarship funding is limited; we cannot guarantee all applicants will ultimately receive financial assistance. Scholarships are applied toward relevant program fees; there may be additional costs of attending programming, such as course materials, additional meals, incidentals, etc. Scholarships are awarded to students with a record of academic excellence and demonstrated financial need. Need is determined by a variety of factors including family income, family size, relevant expenses, and additional financial circumstances.