The Summer 2012 Syracuse Student Sandbox application process is now open!

Apply to be a part of the program that has helped build: BrandYourself, Grafighters, Broodr, Helios, Skill Addiction, and has sent alumni to organizations like hack NY,  dell social innovation challenge, and the global student entrepreneurs awards.

The Syracuse Student Sandbox is an incubator that helps aspiring entrepreneurs push their ventures from idea to company. Unlike other incubators, the Sandbox does not currently claim ownership to any part of the student companies; students participating in the program maintain 100% equity in their companies. The program is open to any student or student team from any accredited academic institution.

If you are interested in applying, please go the Student Sandbox Website and hit APPLY. You will be taken to an application management site run by Gust, where you will need to set-up an account. Applications will be accepted until 8pm ET April 4th, 2012. An early acceptance period will end close of business March 27th, 2012. Those chosen for early admission will be announced at Emerging Talk on March 30th. The summer cycle will begin on May 30th, 2012.

As a reminder, here are the criteria for entry:

Product – The Sandbox is not for ideas, it is for products and services ready to accelerate their growth. A prototype, or even better an Alpha or Beta product/service, is required for entry.

Team – You have a team in place (or at least identified) Do you have a hacker, designer and hustler (or subject matter equivalents)?

Market – You should have a defined target market that has a need for your product or service.

Model – Your business model should ensure the sustainability of your firm. Simple concept, but not always well defined.

Eligibility: Any student led team from upstate New York is eligible. Not all members of the team are required to be enrolled in school (or from upstate New York).

Program: The course follows a 12 week process that takes teams through 3 phases:

   Business > Product Development > Finances

  • Every team is provided up to five mentors to assist in their acceleration: lawyers, accountants, subject matter experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and technical mentors
  • Weekly meetings for all to discuss general topics, as well as individual team meetings to gauge progress
  • Each team is provided physical space in the Student Sandbox at the Tech Garden
  • PERKS! Including: free administered storage on RackSpace, media coverage, internship matching and food #nomnomnom

 Demo Day: The program culminates in Demo Day scheduled for August 15th, 2012.

If you have any questions about the application process or the Sandbox itself, please drop us a line: john@thetechgarden.com