The campus field guide

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA·University

Explore 4 programs ↓Official campus site ↗

Run this campus program? Claim school

Inside this ecosystem · 4 linked sources

San Diego State University runs ZIP Launchpad, a free startup incubator, the Lavin Entrepreneur Program, a non-dilutive seed fund, and the Social Venture Challenge. Program files use the prefix sdsuca so they are not confused with South Dakota State University, which already uses sdsu-.

This page is compiled from public university and program pages. It has not been claimed or corrected by the school.

Include. SDSU has a current no-equity incubator, a non-dilutive seed fund with an open Fall 2026 window, and a dated social-venture competition.

How we know this: the figures on this page come from the linked sources (last verified 2026-10-08); what those sources do not state is left unknown.

At a glance

Indexed programs

All currently active

Top direct funding

$15,000

Social Venture Challenge

Equity

Mixed equity terms

Program mix

Venture Education · Founder Grant · Pitch Competition

Programs to explore

Compare funding, equity, and timing before you apply.

4 programs indexed

Pitch Competition

Social Venture Challenge

Pitch Competition

Official site

Also: SDSU Social Venture Challenge

$15,000

funding range

Direct fundingEquity variesannualActive

Last activity: 2026-03-13
Participants: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
Verification: Partially Verified

Incubator

ZIP Launchpad

Incubator

Official site

Also: Zahn Innovation Platform Launchpad

$3,000

funding range

Direct fundingNo equitysemesterActive

Last activity: 2026-10-08
Participants: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students +more
Verification: Partially Verified

From students

Be the first student from San Diego State University to post a startup.

Post a startup

Founders at this school

Funding and Equity

The ZIP FAQ says the incubator is free, takes no equity except for unspecified special cases, and includes up to $3,000 in funding. The seed fund says up to $5,000 total, non-dilutive. The 2027 Social Venture Challenge offers a $35,000 pool. The 2026 grand prize was $15,000. Equity terms for the competition are not stated.

Recent Activity

ZIP listed October 2026 events. Seed-fund applications for Fall 2026 run October 1-31. Social Venture Challenge applications for SDSU students run September 11 through November 11, 2026. The 2026 challenge was March 13, 2026.

Known Startups and Winners

2026 Social Venture Challenge: FPI Labs of Cal Poly Pomona won $15,000. SDSU's Free Food Box won $4,000 for third place. SDSU's Neviva won a $3,000 social-impact award. Summer 2026 seed-fund awards include Second Course at $4,250. ZIP says 550+ ventures have been supported.

Research gaps & things to verify

Missing Information

Why the FAQ says $3,000 and the seed fund says $5,000. 2027 Social Venture Challenge place amounts. What the ZIP equity special-case clause covers. Lavin application timing conflicts between the 2026-2027 heading and a Spring 2027 check-back note.