Columbia Build Lab
About the program · 1 linked sources
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.
Also known as: CBL
How we know this: the figures on this page come from the linked sources (last verified 2026-06-22); what those sources do not state is left unknown.
Key numbers
Funding range
$0
In Kind
Equity
None
Application
Ongoing
School Specific
Last activity
2026-04-26
High confidence
Keep this on your radar Deadline reminders ↓
Reminders
Columbia Build Lab
Get an email before a director-verified deadline for this program, this school, or this state. The program never sees your address.
Student experiences · Read or add a note
Student notes
Columbia Build Lab
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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).
Research gaps & things to verify
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.
Program details
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
