Where students
become founders

Turn ideas into reality. Build products, form teams,
and get access to real capital and mentorship.

We're not a club.
We're a launchpad.

We're looking for people who want to actively build, not just attend events. No prior startup experience required—just a willingness to commit, learn, and create real output.

The Community

A founding cohort of committed builders at Queens University who will shape the culture, ship real projects, and help each other succeed.

The Commitment

You get out what you put in. This is week-by-week execution, hands-on programming, and a space where showing up matters.

The Goal

Turn ideas into reality. Build products, form teams, learn from operators, and get access to real capital and mentorship.

What You'll Experience

Real programming.
Real outcomes.

Speaker Series

High-quality operators sharing real paths, failures, and execution strategies—not celebrity keynotes.

Overnight Hackathon

Our flagship event. Teams form, builders emerge, and culture gets forged through shared struggle.

Pitch Day + Funding

Present your work to VC analysts in a Shark Tank-style pitch. $500-1,000 grants awarded to winning teams.

Builder Network

Access to serious founders, mentors, VCs, and alumni who care about what you're building.

Ready to build?

BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION

Your Application

Tell us about yourself

🎉 Application Submitted!

Thanks for applying to The Playground. We'll review your application and be in touch soon.

The Playground · Queens University · 2026