The AI Incubator

February 17 - March 20, 2026

A 4-week live online program where students ages 9–15 build a real startup idea, create an AI-powered prototype, and pitch their venture to experienced judges.

Who its for

Age 9-12

Age 12-15

Format

Live, online sessions led by experienced founders & educators.

Duration

4 Weeks (2 sessions/week)

8 Online Sessions x 90 minutes (12 hours)

90+

School Partners

5,000+

Instruction Hours

200,000$+

Startup Capital Awarded

1,500+

Entrepreneurs Created

800+

Startups built

Clients We've Worked With

Price Per Student

The AI Incubator

$1,450

1,450

12 hours of live online instruction

Certificate of Completion

Student Toolkit & Digital Workbook

AI & Prototyping Tools

Final Pitch Event & Awards

What Students Build in the Program

A real startup idea

Students identify a real problem and develop an idea designed to solve it.

AI-powered prototype

Students use age-appropriate AI tools to design, research, and build a working concept.

A clear business model

Students break down how their idea works, who it’s for, and how it could earn revenue.

What Students Learn to Do

Problem Framing

Students learn how to move from vague ideas to clearly defined problems worth solving.

Critical Evaluation

Students learn to question assumptions, assess evidence, and improve ideas through feedback.

Solution Design

Students learn how to design a solution and clearly explain how and why it works. They can defend their viewpoint.

Build & Iterate

Students learn how to create a prototype, reflect on feedback, and refine their work through iteration.

Value Creation

Students develop an understanding of pricing, revenue logic, and how ideas translate into real-world value.

Clear Communication

Students practice presenting ideas clearly, responding to questions, and communicating in a structured way.

Past Sharks and Events

The program concludes with a final pitch event, where students present their ventures to a panel of experienced founders and operators.

Lesley Meyer

Chief Education Officer at EiM

Joseph Stern

Head of Legal at Goldman Sachs

Kishore Mahbubani

Former President of the UN Security Council

Lead Educators

Each cohort is led by a dedicated educator, with all Ascend Now educators experienced in project-based learning with high-performing students worldwide.

Yahya H

Co-Founder, CEO

Pattern Technologies

Silvian G

Founder & Harvard Teaching Fellow

Ana G

Learning Specialist

Harvard Graduate

Defne I

AI Leadership coach with 25+ years of experience in Tech Fields.

About Ascend Now

Ascend Now improves skills-based education through personalized learning, combining strong academics with the confidence and skills students need beyond school, delivered through structured, high-quality programs built from years of educational experience.

Learn More

Case Studies

Henry

Age 15

Founder of SureFit 3D

Winner Summer Bullpen 2021

Watch Pitch

Stephania

Age 14

Founder of Act for Impact

Claremont McKenna College Student

Watch Pitch