Apply Next Year!

Our Fall 2025 application has closed. Startups are invited to complete our Fall 2026 interest form below.


The Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund drives momentum in the Cambridge startup ecosystem by supporting passionate and driven Harvard and – for the first time – MIT-affiliated founders. Since its inception in 2020, Innovation Fund has received 300+ applicants and allocated $60k+ in the form of equity-free grants, Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits, and incubation programs with external partners. HUCP is honored to organize the Innovation Fund in collaboration with Harvard Undergraduate Consulting for Business and the Environment (CBE) Ventures.

HUCP is currently accepting proposals from organizations that are interested in supporting the Innovation Fund. HUCP offers several sponsorship tiers, with benefits including an invitation to participate in the judging process for Innovation Fund, promotion on HUCP’s Innovation Fund marketing materials, and access to an exclusive resume book from eager Harvard students. HUCP also welcomes non-monetary contributions. Inquiries regarding sponsorship opportunities may be directed to contact@harvardcap.org.

HUCP invites interested Harvard and MIT-affiliated founders (including current and former students of any Harvard or MIT school, as well as current and former faculty) to review our Fall 2025 timeline and complete our Fall 2026 interest form below.


Fall 2025 Timeline

October 15: Written application opens

The Innovation Fund written application will require the emails and resumes of the founding team members, a detailed description of the startup and its funding needs, and a one-minute mission statement video. A pitch deck is recommended but not required.

November 1, 11:59 PM ET: Written application closes

November 6-7: Round 1 Interviews

The majority of applicants will be invited to engage in a Round 1 interview at Harvard College’s campus. Interviews will be conducted by members of HUCP and HUCBE. Zoom accommodations are available as necessary.

November 11-12: Round 2 Interviews

A select group of finalists will be invited to engage in a Round 2 interview with members of HUCP and HUCBE over Zoom. These finalists may also be invited to share their startup ideas with the Harvard and MIT VC ecosystems in a separate event.

November 15: Winners Announced!


Fall 2026 Interest Form


Judging Criteria

We assess startups in the domains of Market Opportunity, Team Background, Product/Action Plan, Financial Viability, and Competition Fit, each with 20% weight on the numerical score.

Additional Eligibility Notes: Startups may be for-profit or non-profit. The founding team must be Harvard or MIT affiliated, which HUCP defines as any current or former student of the Harvard and MIT schools, or any current and former faculty of Harvard or MIT.


Fall 2025 Innovation Fund Partners


Past Innovation Fund Winners