Impact Studio Incubator
The Impact Studio Incubator includes two
co-curricular student experiences: The Applebaum Impact Design Fellowship and the Founders Program.
Our Ecosystem Partners
Explore Your Fit
Founders Program
For any current U-M student who is serious and committed to taking next steps to launch their impactful idea into the world. No prior entrepreneurial experience required!
Applebaum Impact Design Fellowship
For any current U-M student with technical skills to work alongside student founders, a commitment to making an impact, and strong collaborative skills.
Incubator applications for Central & North Campus will open in August 2026.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on when applications will be released!
Founders Program
The Impact Studio Founders Program is a dedicated, inclusive community of creators and innovators bringing impactful ideas to life.
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This program is for current U-M students from any degree program who are serious and committed to taking steps to develop and launch their idea into the world. You do not need prior entrepreneurial experience. Expect to commit 6-8 hours per week to your venture and meet with the community on Friday mornings.
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As a founder you become part of our collaborative design community. You’ll work together with Applebaum Impact Design Fellows, one another, coaches, and experts to turn your ideas into working prototypes and take steps to bring them to life. On a given week, you will join a weekly coworking session in the Impact Studio to advance your idea by doing activities such as:
designing an impact business model
analyzing and making sense of user research
interviewing stakeholders
creating a marketing plan
developing and testing a working prototype
receiving coaching and guidance on strategy to build your venture
synthesizing feedback received from experts on campus and beyond
For venture-related work inside and outside the Studio, you should expect 6-8 hours per week of time committed to your venture. You do not need prior entrepreneurial experience. You do need a can-do and coachable attitude, an open mind, and a willingness to work with others.
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In Winter 2026, programming will run from January 16 to April 17, 2026.
Application Deadline: Dec 8 (Noon)
Group interviews (Invitation only): Jan 12 (6:30-8:30pm)
Weekly Friday Coworkings: Begins Jan 16 (9am-12pm)
Impact Venture Demo Day: TBD in April
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Weekly Breakfast & Friday Morning Coworking Sessions
Enjoy free breakfast as a community
Meet as a community to give and receive feedback
Meet with fellows and studio coaches to advance your idea
Meeting with Impact Design Fellows:
As needed, meet outside of the coworking sessions with fellows to work on specific projects or milestones.
1-on-1s with Expert Coaches
Receive advice tailored to your specific work from in-house coaches
Meet with experts within the Impact Studio network on relevant topics for your idea.
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Founders are evaluated on their venture’s depth of impact (To what extent are your enterprise’s mission, purpose, and model explicitly focused on impact?), ability to commit to the program, and passion for their idea.
What You’ll Get
Community
Meet weekly with students from across campus to engage in venture building activities and monthly community dinners.
Expert Coaching
Experienced social entrepreneurs, social impact leaders, & Ross faculty and staff will help mentor you or your team during office hours.
Design Fellow
An Applebaum Impact Design Fellow will be matched to your team to work alongside you and direct you to appropriate resources.
Prototype Funding
Receive up to $2000 to build out your prototype.
Food, Space & Perks
Free breakfast + coffee, snack, dedicated coworking space.
Networking
Access a broad network of alumni, community partners and entrepreneurs.
“The Impact Studio was the most transformative part of my MBA experience. It allowed me to tap into parts of my passion that I had not yet nurtured. The continued guidance, along with the programmatic elements, have helped me walk away with the confidence and community to guide me forward in this journey of entrepreneurship”
- Impact Design Founder, Joi James, MBA ‘23
Winter ‘26 Impact Studio Founders
Applebaum Impact Design Fellowship
Applebaum Impact Design Fellows are part of an interdisciplinary cohort working to support the Impact Studio Founders Program. Fellows roll-up their sleeves to help impact-driven creators and innovators bring impactful ideas to life that build a better world. Using their technical skills, business knowledge, design tools, and research, fellows work with Impact Studio coaches to help founders to accomplish great things.
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Applebaum Impact Design Fellows are current U-M students from a variety of degree programs who have technical skills to work alongside student founders to build their ventures throughout the academic year.
Fellows typically come from technical or research-based programs such as business, engineering, information, art and design, public health, public policy, or social work. How fellows might help founders:
Design: User research, prototyping, UI/UX, web/app development
Business Model Development: Impact business model creation, customer discovery, market assessment
Product Development: Product or service conceptualization, product market fit
Marketing & Sales: Brand strategy, marketing & PR planning, content creation, sales strategy
Financial Impact: Financial forecasting and projections, KPI development, unit economics
Research & Content Expertise: Social impact research & measurement, competitive analysis, academic research; expertise in public health, public policy, social work
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You will be matched with a cohort of 2-3 founders based on needs and the interest/experience of the fellows. As a thought and action partner, you will:
Maintain big picture understanding and provide a summary of venture status
Join Founders in their team meetings and contribute to the growth of their idea, providing advice and technical expertise
Actively analyze venture needs and identify project/activity needs such as:
Learn to use tools such as the impact business model canvas
Design a user/stakeholder research plan and facilitate data synthesis
Research, develop, test, and evaluate prototypes
Provide thought partnership on brand development and go to market strategy
Develop and refine financial models, forecasts, and funding strategies
Lead or support other duties for the program such as content creation for social media
You may be re-deployed to help other founders in the studio on specific projects based on fellow interest and founder needs.
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In Fall 2025, programming will run from September 18 to December 5, 2025.
Application Deadline: Dec 8 (Noon)
Group interviews (Invitation only): Jan 12 (6:30-8:30pm)
Weekly Friday Coworkings: Begins Jan 16 (9am-12pm)
Impact Venture Demo Day: TBD in April
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As a fellow you will engage with the studio community through:
Weekly Breakfasts & Friday Morning Coworking Sessions: You will meet with your assigned coach and founders to work on projects. You will also participate in community standups to hear what other founders are working on and provide advice/feedback.
Working Meetings with Matched Founders: As needed, you will meet outside of the coworking sessions with founders to work on specific projects or milestones.
Venture Work: You’ll keep track of venture status and needs and identify and complete value-add projects for the founders you’re working with.
Asynchronous Communication: You will collaborate with your assigned coach and founders on Slack throughout the week.
Throughout the semester, there may be other meetings/events that the Impact Studio coaches will ask you to attend.
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For fellow-related work inside and outside the Studio, you should expect to work 6-8 hours per week starting the week of September 16, 2024. You will be paid an hourly rate of $22.
There is a possible extension through winter term.
