Build What Matters
BuildX empowers student founders to turn promising ideas into scalable, investable startups. Through execution-focused courses, a dedicated space for builders, a $1 million BuildX Fund, direct access to experienced founders, operators and investors, and a culminating BuildX Demo Day, the initiative accelerates ventures from early-stage ideas to meaningful outcomes.
BuildX advances a bold university goal: 100 investable student startups annually by 2030 – strengthening Ohio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and preparing Buckeyes to build what matters and lead what comes next.
“BuildX will further establish Ohio State as a haven for student entrepreneurs – a place where innovators can turn big, bold ideas into new businesses and products with real-world impact. As we have always done, Buckeyes won’t wait for the future – we’ll build it.”
How BuildX works
Startup Labs
BuildX introduces Startup Labs, supporting builders at every stage of the startup journey – from testing ideas to building and scaling. Each course emphasizes relentless execution, rapid iteration, and real market feedback. Registration for Spring 2027 Startup Labs begins in October.
Startup Lab: Validate
BUSADM 4510.02, 3 Credits
An action-oriented course for aspiring founders ready to discover unmet needs, test ideas, and build traction.
Who this course is for: Aspiring business builders with an initial concept to explore, or a strong drive to discover a meaningful problem, test potential solutions, and begin building. Open to all Ohio State students—no course prerequisites.
What you’ll learn: Startup foundations, customer discovery, rapid experimentation, market research, assumption testing, and evidence-based decision-making
When it’s offered: Spring 2027 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:55–5:15 p.m.
Startup Lab: Build
BUSADM 4510.03, 3 Credits
An execution-focused course for startup founders ready to build and launch a business venture.
Who this course is for: Application-selected founders and operators with a validated problem, an initial solution concept, and a commitment to actively advancing a venture. Enrollment is by application and instructor approval.
What you’ll learn: Business model implementation, go-to-market, traction building, startup financials, resource allocation, and venture execution.
When it’s offered: Spring 2027 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:55–5:15 p.m.
Intro to Software Startups
CSE 5251, 3 Credits
A pragmatic course for builders to ship real products and learn modern startup execution
Who this is for: Product-minded engineers, aspiring founders, and technical operators who want to build and ship quickly. All majors are welcome, but prior experience with coding, no-code, or vibe-coding tools is expected.
What you’ll learn: Problem selection, solution design, startup-oriented architectures, building with AI, and project execution.
When it’s offered: Fall 2026 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:45-2:05 p.m.
BuildX Accelerator
Each summer, Ohio State will select a cohort of its most promising student-led startups for the BuildX Accelerator. Teams spend the summer building together in Columbus, receiving funding, dedicated workspace, and intensive support from experienced founders, operators, and investors.
Selected teams receive:
- $10,000 stipend
- $5,000 SAFE investment option
- Dedicated coaching and access to industry experts
- Office hours with investors and ecosystem partners
- In-kind services and resources
Throughout the accelerator, founders work toward the milestones that matter most for their companies – from reaching customers and gaining traction to strengthening their teams and developing as leaders.
The summer culminates in BuildX Demo Day, where teams present their progress to investors and supporters.
BuildX support continues beyond the accelerator. Founders remain connected to Ohio State’s growing network of mentors, alumni, investors, and fellow builders as they continue to grow their companies.
Applications open October 1 and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
A dedicated space for builders
BuildX will be based in a new, 7,000-square-foot space in Pomerene Hall at the heart of Ohio State’s campus.
Designed as an active environment for student startups, the space will bring teams together to collaborate, test ideas, meet with mentors, and build alongside a community of peers.
Upcoming at BuildX
Connect with the BuildX community, get insight into upcoming opportunities and identify the right next step for your bold idea or venture.
Frequently asked questions
BuildX is designed for Ohio State students across all colleges and areas of study. Individual courses and programs may have additional eligibility or selection requirements.
No. You don’t need an established venture to get involved with BuildX. Opportunities are available whether you’re exploring a problem or market opportunity, developing an early solution, or actively building a startup.
BuildX connects students to a network of programs, competitions, and communities where they can test ideas, meet potential collaborators, and get feedback – including OHI/O, LaunchpadOSU, BOSS competitions, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Scholars, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Living-Learning Community.
Explore more relevant programming through the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Software Innovation.
BuildX courses, events, and dedicated spaces create opportunities for students from different disciplines to meet and collaborate. You can participate even if you do not alredy have a team.
Yes. Beginning in Spring 2027, Ohio State will offer two new three-credit-hour BuildX Startup Labs (BUSADM 4510.02 and BUSADM 4510.03). Other BuildX programs and events are extracurricular.
Registration for the Spring 2027 BuildX Startup Labs begins in October. Course details and enrollment instructions will be available through Ohio State’s course registration system.
Startup Lab: Validate (BUSADM 4510.02) is open to all Ohio State students, while enrollment for Startup Lab: Build (BUSADM 4510.03) is by application and instructor approval.
Yes. Startup funding is available through several BuildX opportunities.
- Selected BuildX Accelerator teams receive a $10,000 stipend and may also choose to receive a $5,000 SAFE investment. The accelerator is supported by the new $1 million BuildX Fund, established through donor investment in student innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Students enrolled in eligible BuildX Startup Lab courses may apply for startup development funding tied to specific venture milestones and approved expenses.
- Additional awards are available through the President’s Buckeye Award competition.
Funding is not automatic. Eligibility, selection criteria, and allowable expenses vary by opportunity.
Yes. The BuildX Accelerator is an in-person summer experience in Columbus. This format gives founders dedicated time, consistent access to coaches, and the opportunity to build alongside other high-potential teams.
Applications open on October 1 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early decisions will be announced beginning in November, with additional decisions released approximately every six to eight weeks.
Attend a BuildX information session to learn about available opportunities and determine your next step. If you cannot attend or have a specific question, contact the BuildX team for guidance.
Recent BuildX news
What will you build?
Whether you are exploring an idea or growing an existing venture, BuildX can help you find the right people, resources and opportunities to move forward.