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Columbia Build Lab
Also known as: CBL
Columbia University · New York City, NY
Columbia Build Lab (CBL) is an MVP incubator that connects Columbia Business School student-founders with Columbia engineering talent seeking hands-on experience building minimum viable products. Founded in 2019. The program takes no equity and launches MVPs across 1-3 terms. Intakes three times per year (Fall, Spring, Summer). Engineers receive academic credit.
Quick fit check
- No funding listed
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
$0 – $0
In Kind
Equity
None
Application
Ongoing
School Specific
Last activity
2026-04-26
High confidence
Application and Timing
Three intakes per year. Competitive screening and pitch process. Must have prototype/wireframe to apply.
Participants
- Founders: CBS students who have completed first term in good standing, building tech ventures with customer discovery and prototype
- Engineers: Columbia CS and related-degree students (undergrad and grad)
- Not open to alumni or non-Columbia affiliates
Funding and Equity
No funding provided. No equity taken. Engineers compensated with academic credit (undergrad: COMS 3998/4901; grad: COMS 6901). As of Fall 2024, no paid fellowship option.
Recent Activity
Summer 2026 founder applications closed April 26, 2026. Fall 2024 cohort included 13 ventures (Airlitz, AMLAH, Bivicare, CareWear AI, LearnDetect, Lithium, Mayah Design, ONESIP, SARA, Sumly, Threepio, ToothDoc, YOBO).
Verification Gaps
- Total number of ventures launched through CBL not specified.
- Typical cohort size per term not specified.
- No data on ventures that continued beyond CBL.
Columbia Build Lab
Engineering Roles
- Software Engineer
- Product Manager
- Product Designer
Additional research notesShow
Evidence
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Columbia Build Lab at Columbia University.
1 source
