The MIT Arts Startup Incubator encourages the launch of arts-focused ventures at MIT. Teams are required to have at least one current MIT student member and have a business idea or plan with arts at its core.
Application deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025
Competition Rules
- To compete, your venture must have arts at its core: your idea either directly promotes the arts or features arts as an intrinsic part of the mission or business model.
- Teams must include at least one current MIT student that is able to attend the program workshops in person, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Mentor sessions can be attended remotely. Currently registered MIT students include all full-time undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral candidates. Teams may include non-students; however, each team must be composed of at least 50% students from MIT or other schools.
- Each team may enter only one idea.
- Submissions must be the original work of the submitting team.
- The Review Committee reserves the right to disqualify any entry.
Judging Criteria
The MIT Arts Startup Incubator seeks ventures with a strong:
ARTS FOCUS
The team has explained how their business idea and model fit into the arts continuum, addressing the needs of the artist, the producer, the customer/user, and other stakeholders involved in a viable arts entrepreneurship initiative.
OPPORTUNITY OR PROBLEM WORTH SOLVING
The team has clearly identified a real world problem and suggests a solution to that problem through and/or for the arts. Alternatively, the team has identified an exciting opportunity for the artist, producer, or customer/user that will enhance their experiences.
IMPACT
The arts-focused business offers an approach to solving a real need related to the sustainability of the arts and/or to increase their cultural and societal impact. Note that impact may not necessarily translate to profit; social enterprise and nonprofit models are also encouraged to apply.
FEASIBILITY & POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH
The application describes a strategy and milestones that the team will execute to create a venture that is feasible in scope and can be scaled. The project is ambitious and will eventually become a standalone business.
Note that some teams may have already tested their business model, while others are in the idea or early development stages. Applicants of all stages are welcome to compete.
TEAM
The full team has the potential–industry knowledge, skills, and commitment–necessary to execute their arts-focused business plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does it mean to have arts and design at the core of a business?
Your business must create, integrate, or promote the arts as its primary goal. Examples include: an app that connects musicians to their fans, a logistics platform that focuses on the fine art market, software that makes it easier to edit video footage, or new designs for sustainable footwear. As long as the arts are critical to your business plan, you are eligible to compete. You can check out past recipients of the award here.
2. How do I apply?
Applications are accepted annually via online submission. Submit your 2025-2026 application by October 31.
3. What is the review & selection process?
A panel of reviewers will evaluate the initial applications and contact applicants if there are any clarifying questions. A group of semi-finalists will be selected to develop their ventures as a cohort. Semi-finalists will be asked to submit additional materials in the spring to move onto the final round. A panel of experts will review the semi-finalist applications and select finalist teams that will participate in the culminating live pitch event. Reviewers may include former and current MIT Visiting Artists, entrepreneurs in the creative industries, local artists, MIT alumni, and leaders in the arts at MIT.
In the initial round, the reviewers are looking for potential. Make sure to clearly define your vision and potential impact. In the final round, the judges are looking for more mature development of that potential in the business plans and prototypes, with a clear understanding of your roadmap to success
4. What is new to the program this year compared to past years?
We incorporate student feedback year-over-year to improve the program. This year we will kick-start the program with two sessions at the end of the fall semester: a welcome dinner and primary market research workshop. There will also be a three-day IAP intensive from January 28-30 to focus on key topics to start your business and get to know your cohort. Additionally, teams will attend two, 1:1 business plan consultations with an industry expert and a customer acquisition workshop.
5. Who do I contact with questions about the $15K MIT Arts Startup Incubator?
For more information contact:
Lisa Tacoronte
Interim Program Manager
lisataco@mit.edu