MIT SANDBOX THRIVE Program

Have a spark of an idea but not sure where to start?
Are you curious about entrepreneurship but don’t have a team yet?
Ready to tackle big challenges in healthcare or sustainability/climate?

🚀 Join us this summer for a 6-week entrepreneurial program designed for students at the earliest stages of startup exploration! Whether you have an idea or a passion for problem-solving, the MIT SANDBOX THRIVE Program will help you turn curiosity into action.

THRIVE Exploration Areas

HEALTHCARE
Some potential areas to explore in healthcare are AI and life science, low-cost diagnostics, neuroscience and mental health, environmental life science, food and agriculture, the future of public health and health care, global health and women’s health. However, there are no bounds to the possibilities of innovation. 

SUSTAINABILITY/CLIMATE
Some potential areas to explore in sustainability/climate: Decarbonizing Energy and Industry; Decarbonizing the world’s industries with affordable low-emissions electricity and fuels and climate-relieving industrial innovations;  Restoring the Atmosphere, Protecting the Land and Oceans; Removing, managing, and storing greenhouse gases. Protecting ocean and land ecosystems; Empowering Frontline Communities: Supporting the world’s most vulnerable populations with technologies, finance, and policies for climate relief and resilience Building and Adapting Healthy, Resilient Cities Designing, building, and adapting habitable, resilient cities. 

Why Join?

  • No idea? No problem! Start with curiosity and leave with a clear direction.

  • No team? Meet like-minded peers and form teams along the way.

  • Learn from top experts in entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry.

  • Participate in hands-on brainstorming, ideation, and team formation activities.

  • Work with seasoned mentors to refine your ideas and explore market opportunities.

  • Gain access to resources that help you explore and prototype your solutions.

Apply to MIT SANDBOX THRIVE Program Today:

Explore and Ideate

How Does It Work?

What You’ll Do

  • Choose an interest area and dive into real-world challenges with expert guidance.

  • Engage in customer discovery—learn how to find and validate problems worth solving.

  • Develop ideas into potential ventures with structured workshops and mentorship.

  • Collaborate with diverse students from MIT and beyond—no technical or scientific background is required!

Who Can Apply?

✅ MIT undergraduates, graduate students, and non-MIT students are welcome!

✅ Limited paid internships available for MIT students who commit 20 hours/week.

Fuel Your Startup Dreams

At the end of the program, teams with at least one MIT student can apply for $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 in funding from MIT Sandbox to keep building in the fall!

🌎 The next world-changing startup could start with YOU. Apply now and take the first step toward turning ideas into impact.

THRIVE Program Partners