WHAT IS 30 WEEKS?

30 Weeks is a founders program that transforms designers into founders who are equipped with the entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and tech know-how to create products and start impactful companies. Our learn-by-launching structure gives designers a chance to build their products in an environment that’s as close to the real thing as possible.

We do this by integrating startup principles, practices and experience-based learning methodologies in a highly stimulating and collaborative learning environment.

What happens in 30 Weeks?

From day one, the focus is on what you want to build — be it a product or an entire startup. Either way, you own everything you come up with. And when it’s all done — having learned to ideate, validate and iterate — you’ll leave a changed designer, thinker and creator, fully prepared to bring your vision to the world.

30 Weeks starts with a carefully-crafted series of modules which cover product development, business models, legal structures, branding storytelling and marketing as well as ongoing interaction with some of the smartest minds in design, tech, business and venture capital in New York City. Those designers who have successfully completed the first 15 weeks will be given the opportunity to apply for the subsequent 15 weeks which includes co-working space and mentoring.

How does it work?

30 Weeks embraces the principles of technology startups — eliminating wasted effort and maximizing speed — to help transform designers into founders. This learn-by-launching structure gives designers a chance to build their entrepreneurial skills in an environment that’s as close to the real thing as possible. In short: you get startup mentorship, discussions with industry leaders, real tools, group critiques, hands-on-help, a space to work in and the time to focus on your own product. Designers will be exposed to 5 key areas of learning: design, product, tech, business, and collaboration.

It is structured around workshops, speaker series, pitches and group sessions – all focused on the product that you would like to launch.