Program Details
Last updated: September 2026
This page is a summary. Every accepted team signs a Participant Agreement and receives the Official Rules. Those documents control if anything here is different.
When and where
Sunday, October 4 to Monday, October 19, 2026, at a camp just outside of New York. Demo Day is Sunday, October 18.
Applying
Anyone may apply. Applying does not guarantee a place. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews and acceptances may go out while applications are still open.
Eligibility
Every founder must be 18 or older. Teams are two to four founders. Teams must have a company formed by the time they are accepted, with under $1M raised and under $1M in revenue. A US entity is required before any prize is paid. Acceptance is conditional on every founder signing the Participant Agreement and passing identity verification, medical clearance, and a background check.
Cost
There is no application fee, no deposit, and no cost to participate.
Filming
Launchpad is filmed as a show, from check-in to checkout. Filming is a core part of the program, not an optional element, and participation is not possible without it. By taking part, you agree to be recorded and to Stan using the recordings and your name, image, and likeness in the program, marketing and social content, and any series made from Launchpad.
The competition
Teams take part in product, distribution, go-to-market, social media, customer acquisition, and other challenges. Teams may be eliminated during the program under the Official Rules. The remaining teams pitch to investors on Demo Day.
Prizes
A $100,000 cash prize is awarded by Stan under the Official Rules. The prize is taxable, and the recipient is responsible for all taxes.
Investment
Launchpad is not an investment, and no funding is guaranteed. Stan takes no equity in your company. The investors on Demo Day decide for themselves whether to invest and on what terms. One, several, all, or none of the teams may receive an investment.
Physical activities
The program may include physical activities. They are optional, and a non-physical alternative is always available. Medical clearance is required before participating in physical activities.
Elimination
Teams eliminated from the competition remain in the program through October 19 unless Stan asks them to leave. All participants should plan to be available for the full 16 days.
Phones and posting
You keep your phone. Posting during the program is allowed within the program rules, which you will receive at check-in.
Applicants outside the US
You are responsible for your own legal ability to enter the United States and participate. Stan provides no visa sponsorship, invitation letters, or immigration support.
Your relationship with Stan
Participants are not employees or contractors of Stan and are not paid to participate. You keep ownership of your company and anything you build during the program.
Conduct
Illegal drugs, alcohol, violence, threats, harassment, theft, weapons, and damage to property are not allowed. Violations may result in immediate removal from the program.
Changes
The format, schedule, challenges, and prizes may change, and Stan may cancel or postpone the program. Once signed, the Participant Agreement and Official Rules control.