SDSU Incubator Receives National Recognition for Entrepreneurship

San Diego State University's Zahn Innovation Platform (ZIP) Launchpad is one of six university entrepreneurship programs honored by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship this month at its annual conference.

ZIP Launchpad received the Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award, part of the 2023 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Awards from USASBE, an inclusive community of educators, researchers and entrepreneurs advancing entrepreneurship education through teaching, scholarship and practice. 

SDSU’s on-campus incubator, ZIP Launchpad supports students, staff and researchers from all majors and departments in launching startup companies. Once accepted into the free extracurricular program, entrepreneurs receive a range of support including legal advice, non-dilutive funding, mentorship, entrepreneurial workshops and rapid prototyping services. 

“Our entrepreneurs have launched 33 companies and raised $40 million after participating with ZIP Launchpad,” said Hala Madanat. “The incubator is an incredible resource to campus and I am thrilled for this well-deserved recognition from leading entrepreneurs and proud of the work we are doing to help our students realize their dreams.”