Join the Innovation Launchpad & Level Up Your Ideas
Immerse yourself in three days of intense work alongside other founders, investors, and industry experts.
Breakthrough Awaits: Cohort 4 Applications Open
Unleash Your Vision with the Zero Labs x UNLV Innovation Launchpad
Embark on a transformative 3-day journey this January 2025 with the Zero Labs x UNLV Innovation Launchpad, where startups, venture, and industry converge. We’re inviting visionary founders ready to shape the future of Las Vegas and redefine industries to apply for our fourth cohort.
We’re looking for 15 ambitious teams with the drive and potential to create impact on a local and global scale. Your next step starts here—apply today and bring your vision to life.
Are you ready to build? Apply now.
January 2025
Black Fire Innovation
15 Teams
20+ Subject Matter Experts
What our participants say
frequently asked questions
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The Innovation Launchpad is a 3-day pre-accelerator program designed to uncover and accelerate great ideas from around our community.
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In late January 2025, at the Black Fire Innovation building in Southwest Las Vegas. We will confirm the exact date in the coming days.
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We are currently accepting applications from all interested parties.
However, we are especially interested in applicants who are affiliated with the Nevada System of Higher Education and/or those working on ideas focused on the core industries of Las Vegas, present & future. -
Before the Innovation Launchpad kicks off, we engage in a comprehensive onboarding process designed to align the weekend's programming with the unique aspirations and requirements of our participants.
This process involves gathering detailed information about your goals and expectations. Additionally, participants are granted early access to a suite of resources we've meticulously compiled to bolster your journey.
This preparatory step ensures that you arrive at the Launchpad fully equipped and ready to make the most of the experience ahead, with programming that's been finely tuned to support your specific objectives.
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While the Innovation Launchpad is not confined to specific industries, we particularly encourage startups from what we term the 'fun economy.' This includes sectors such as hospitality, gaming, travel, sports, and entertainment. These areas are pivotal to the vibrant cultural and economic landscape of Las Vegas and present exciting opportunities for innovation and growth.
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The Innovation Launchpad offers a dynamic and immersive weekend experience, designed to propel early-stage projects to the next level.
This intensive program includes a structured curriculum, personalized mentorship from leading industry professionals, and expert advice from UNLV faculty. Participants will dive into an action-packed schedule, with days beginning at 7 am and extending through to 7 pm.
During these hours, you'll collaborate closely with peers and specialists, dedicating your time and energy to advancing your project. This hands-on approach ensures you'll leave the Launchpad with significant progress and invaluable insights.
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The program is free to attend for those accepted. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations.
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The program is a collaboration between Zero Labs, UNLV, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), with support from the Knowledge Fund.
In addition to the three core collaborators, over 30 organizations support the program through the participation of individual subject matter experts or through other types of contributions.
If your organization is interested in working with the program, please reach out to info@zerolabs.io -
Not directly, as the program is free to attend. However, we have a number of partners lined up to assist with securing grants and other useful resources if participants decide to move forward with their project.
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After completing the Innovation Launchpad, participants become integral members of our thriving startup community. This membership opens the door to a wealth of ongoing support opportunities designed to sustain and accelerate your project's growth. You'll have access to dedicated office hours, enabling direct consultation with experts, and exclusive invitations to additional events that further your learning and networking. Additionally, we offer a range of discounts, credits, and bespoke benefits specifically curated for Innovation Launchpad alumni. These resources are carefully selected to support your journey, ensuring you continue to build momentum well beyond the program's conclusion.
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Participants finish day 1 of the Innovation Launchpad with a networking event on the first day, designed to introduce cohort participants to each other as well as to fellow innovators, industry & community leaders, as well as investors. This event provides an excellent opportunity for participants to establish valuable connections that will support their ongoing success.
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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the coming weeks. We aim to have the class finalized by January 10, 2025.
Do you have program specific questions that weren’t answered here?
Feel free to drop us a note at innovationlaunchpad@zerolabs.io
No more questions? Apply now.