Which In-Person MIT Bootcamp Is Right for You?

Interested in applying to MIT Bootcamps? With two in-person programs to choose from, it might not be immediately clear which Bootcamp is right for you. Don’t worry—we’re here to help you make the best decision.

What to Expect from MIT Bootcamps

Before diving into the differences between each program, let’s take a look at a few factors that apply to all of them:

1. Our programs require an application: Our goal is to get to know you and select people who will contribute to a thriving global community! Our application process takes less than 20 minutes to complete. Learn more about it here.
2. We aim to build a diverse cohort: We believe that working with people who are different from you will enable you to learn more, shift your perspective, and become more open-minded.
3. Our team and project-based programs embody MIT's motto, "mens et manus" (mind and hand): With an emphasis on practical learning, we want you to walk away with knowledge you can implement immediately.

MIT Innovation Leadership Bootcamp In-Person

What is it?

Our flagship 1-week in-person Innovation Leadership Bootcamp is an intense and immersive educational program with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. During the Bootcamp, we recognize the power of people and community in special locations around the globe that give each cohort a unique, one-in-a-lifetime experience. 

You’ll be exposed to many of the same elements that early-stage startups face in their first 2-3 years. You’ll also build lifelong friendships and expand your network like never before. 

How does it work? 

Before the Bootcamp

Once admitted, bootcampers will engage with self-paced online Entrepreneurship courses delivered by MIT faculty to ensure everyone in the cohort is equipped with the same foundational knowledge.

During the Bootcamp

• Team configuration: On the first day of the program, you’ll be placed into teams of 5-6 individuals and assigned an MIT-trained coach. Over the week, you’ll fight through the growing pains of building a venture with a diverse team of people whose backgrounds differ from yours.
• In-person lectures and workshops: Our team and project-based program emphasizes practical learning. With in-person lectures and workshops by MIT faculty and instructors, you’ll actively apply what you learn in the classroom with your team.
  
• Daily coaching sessions: The “secret sauce” of the Bootcamp, our coaches provide expertise, mentorship, and direction. Your coach is there to support your team through feedback on deliverables, guidance on how to best apply the concepts you’ve learned (based on their knowledge of the curriculum and experience as entrepreneurs), and help navigate and manage team dynamics.
• Final pitch competition: You'll select an idea with your team and spend one very intense week conducting primary market research on your problem, receiving feedback from your coach, and working toward building a final pitch. The culminating project is a final pitch to a panel of judges, often comprising a mix of investors and top local experts.

Why this program? 

With a proven track record of success since 2015, the Innovation Leadership Bootcamp has shown its success as a model in short-form education. With over $100M+ and over 100+ companies started, the Bootcamp shares MIT’s entrepreneurial framework with you and gives you the tools to build a venture with limited time and resources. 

Venture Advancement Program 

If you have extensive innovation experience, want to work on your own idea, or have an MBA, consider our Venture Advancement Program.

What is it? 

The Venture Advancement Program is a 5-day in-person program at MIT, designed as a more advanced program to help empower entrepreneurs to launch and improve their own ventures. The program will help you refine your strategic business direction, hone your tactical entrepreneurial skills, and increase your clarity on what next business steps you need to take. 

How does it work? 

Before the bootcamp

Once admitted and before the program begins, bootcampers will be required to do pre-work on their venture to prepare for the 5 days in-person at MIT. 

• In-person lectures and workshops: You’ll learn from MIT experts—faculty, instructors, and mentors—who will deliver workshops on topics like leadership, fundraising, and go-to-market strategies.
• Guidance, feedback, mentoring, and coaching: You'll receive specific guidance and feedback on your venture through the workshops, one-on-one mentoring from Boston-based entrepreneurs, and coaching sessions from MIT-trained entrepreneurs.
• Advice on building and scaling a startup. We’ll address your most pressing questions about building and scaling your startup and help you hone your strategic direction for the future—all while being inspired by the MIT ecosystem and your collaborative working environment.
• Final pitch competition: The Venture Advancement Program concludes with a final pitch to a panel of startup experts. 

Why this program? 

If you're an entrepreneur working on a venture and want specific feedback about the next steps you should take, this program is for you. 

Unlike accelerator programs, we don't take any equity in your venture and provide you with more nuanced feedback on tackling your current entrepreneurial problems. 

You’ll gain a cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs who are tackling similar challenges and walk away with a small-knit cohort into an even greater entrepreneurial community of MIT Bootcamp graduates.