Startup Garage is an intensive, hands-on, project-based course where student teams apply design thinking, lean startup methodology, and the Business Model Canvas to conceive, design, and field-test a new venture idea. The focus is on customer discovery and problem-solution fit, aiming to answer the question: does the idea resonate with users? We kick off with an AI-powered hackathon to lay out the initial startup idea and assumptions. Then, with individualized coaching from instructors, teams will test assumptions and evolve their ideas as they get out of the building and interview users on a weekly basis, deeply understand customer needs, ideate solutions, develop prototypes, and validate (or invalidate) the value proposition and business model. Teams working on impact-focused ventures apply the same methodology to address the needs of their beneficiaries. PREREQUISITE: Team application required. Details and application: http://startupgarage.stanford.edu/details.
4 units · GSB Student Option LTR/PF
Startup Garage is an intensive, hands-on, project-based course where student teams apply design thinking, lean startup methodology, and the Business Model Canvas to conceive, design, and field-test a new venture idea. The focus is on customer discovery and problem-solution fit, aiming to answer the question: does the idea resonate with users? We kick off with an AI-powered hackathon to lay out the initial startup idea and assumptions. Then, with individualized coaching from instructors, teams will test assumptions and evolve their ideas as they get out of the building and interview users on a weekly basis, deeply understand customer needs, ideate solutions, develop prototypes, and validate (or invalidate) the value proposition and business model. Teams working on impact-focused ventures apply the same methodology to address the needs of their beneficiaries. PREREQUISITE: Team application required. Details and application: http://startupgarage.stanford.edu/details.
Offered in Autumn 2026, Spring 2027 at Stanford University.