The Ignite Fund offers Hopkins student entrepreneurs access to funding throughout the academic year. The fund’s purpose is to support discrete tasks that will help move a venture forward. In focusing funding this way, we hope to provide student ventures access to capital at key moments.

Eligibility: All ventures with at least one current Johns Hopkins University student founder. Ventures who have won Ignite Fund awards previously may apply again, but not in the same academic year.

Award Criteria: Applications must identify a single task to be funded. Awards gifted under this fund typically range from $100 to $1,000. Applicant(s) must clearly demonstrate how the task to be achieved by the funding will impact their venture’s next steps.

Some examples:

  • Train fare for a founder to attend an industry conference to find potential customers
  • Purchasing a software license critical to building a product/service or getting customers
  • Purchasing prototyping materials
  • Paying for incorporation costs to allow your venture to start engaging with clients

Award Size(s): All proposals will be considered, but, in light of limited funding, successful applications will emphasize how to make the most out of minor amounts.

Application Deadline: Rolling. Applications are evaluated at the end of each month throughout the academic year.

APPLY HERE