KickStart VT
Are you currently building a new venture? Looking for feedback—and/or seed $ funding—to get to the next step?
KickStart VT is designed for aspiring student entrepreneurs at Virginia Tech who are developing early-stage concepts as part of our Incubator program. At these events, you’ll connect with peers who are also engaged in startups, and get feedback from seasoned professionals. At each KickStart, you will have the opportunity to walk away with a portion of the $2,500 awards (per event). All $ awards are distributed as equity-free scholarships to help student entrepreneurs move their concept forward.
Who can apply?
All Virginia Tech students currently in the Incubator program—including undergraduates and graduate students, regardless of major, background, or academic college—are welcome to apply. Not in the Incubator yet? Check out our Incubator program overview and application process.
Why participate?
See what other students are building
Get direct, constructive feedback from experienced professionals
Compete for equity-free milestone $ funding to keep developing your idea
How it works
Apply online. A selection committee from the Apex Center will review submissions and invite a subset of students applications to present.
Present your concept. Share your idea at a KickStart event and get real-time feedback from industry professionals.
Receive funding + support. This isn’t a winner-takes-all pitch competition—it’s milestone funding designed to help you keep making progress. Judges will decide which of the top teams will receive a scholarship to help advance their idea. Up to $500 is awarded at each event.
Funding & Support
Up to $2,500 in scholarship awards is reserved for each KickStart. Judges will determine awards based on the presented needs and stage.
Funding is managed by faculty from the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs
Ready to kickstart your venture? Apply today!
KickStart FAQs
Q: What if my application was not accepted to a KickStart and I want to reapply?
A: Please reapply, make sure to adjust your application to meet the requirements. If you resubmit the same materials, your application will not be accepted.
Q: I presented at a previous KickStart and did not receive any funding. When can I reapply?
A: Teams must wait at least one KickStart cycle before reapplying. This allows time to use Apex Center resources—such as office hours—to further develop your venture. For example, if you present in September, you are not eligible for the October event but may reapply for the November KickStart.
When reapplying, your new video submission must highlight a milestone your team has achieved since your last presentation. Please note: applications and videos that have not been updated will not be accepted.
Q: I received funding at KickStart and would like to reapply.
A: Please see the answer above. The same requirements apply if you received funding.
Q. How will I receive my funding?
A: Kickstart awards are processed at the end of each semester and added to your student account. If you have any outstanding balance (e.g., tuition payment plans, parking tickets, or any remaining charges), the award funds will automatically be applied to those amounts as soon as they post. Please let the Apex Team know if you currently have any balance on your account.
Questions?
Email us: apexcenter@vt.edu
Visit us: Apex Center Space at
Apex Center for Entrepreneurs Downtown Space (432 N. Main Street, Suite 200, Blacksburg, VA)
Data and Decision Science Building Room 368 (727 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA 2406, )
