Over the last two years, UNLV’s Office of Economic Development and Zero Labs, the first accelerator focused on launching startups in the Las Vegas ecosystem, have been building programs to accelerate startups and attract venture capital at Black Fire Innovation with the support of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
Our collaborative mission is to identify ideas and innovation from within UNLV, Las Vegas, and internationally. We want to empower entrepreneurs to develop these ideas and innovations into opportunities for economic development at UNLV, Nevada, and beyond.
About the Innovation Launchpad program
Chief amongst these efforts is the Innovation Launchpad program, a three-day intensive workshop for early-stage founders designed to equip them with the foundational skills, resources, and relationships needed to take their projects to the next level. Having worked with 38 teams and 54 founders in the first six months of 2024, these programs are becoming an essential part of the early-stage innovation economy in Las Vegas.
The most recent cohort, which took place May 17-19, 2024, at Black Fire Innovation, brought together 19 companies, represented by 34 incredibly talented leaders, building across a diverse range of industries, including Education, Entertainment, Gaming, Healthcare, Sports, and Transportation.
The event kicked off with a full day of work, followed by a networking event attended by over 100 thought leaders, industry experts, angel investors, venture capitalists, and aspiring innovators. Over the weekend, participants were supported by over two dozen subject matter experts, providing invaluable guidance and building lasting relationships.
Applying for the next cohort
Zero Labs is committed to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and driving innovation in Southern Nevada. The long-term vision includes expanding the reach of the Innovation Launchpads, with Cohort 3 arriving in October of this year, deepening integration with university programs, and supporting the next generation of industry leaders coming out of UNLV as they grow their businesses and begin to pursue fundraising.
UNLV faculty, students, and alumni with ideas and innovations who want to get involved can join the waitlist for Cohort 3 applications at zerolabs.io.
Following each Innovation Launchpad, participants will continue to benefit from an active community platform, office hours, and ongoing support provided by Zero Labs, UNLV, and other partners, ensuring a continuous cycle of innovation and growth.
We encourage any faculty, students, or alumni interested in participating in Cohort 3 or working with our community of founders as a subject matter expert to sign up for the latest news at zerolabs.io. Together we can build a better tomorrow, today.
