UC Berkeley Bootcamp 2026

Introduction 

The bootcamp is an intense four and a half day venture workshop hosted by The Pantas and Ting Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SCET) at UC Berkeley. It is comprised of UC Berkeley students, global participants, and working professionals wishing to learn entrepreneurship and innovation skills and gain experience with building new ventures with interdisciplinary teams from around the world.

Key Features of the Bootcamp 

The bootcamp facilitates immersive learning for new venture creation. This workshop offers a one-of-a-kind experience in one of the premier institutions in Silicon Valley. During the program, participants will attend sessions that weave together lectures and interactive game-based exercises, receive one-on-one mentoring from SCET faculty and industry experts; and learn in a collaborative environment.

What you can get? 

• Working with promising startup talents from top-notch universities from around the world
• Opportunities to validate your idea in Silicon Valley
• Making connections with industrial partners and investors in Silicon Valley 

Who can apply? 

1. Undertaking any degree, but currently not in the final year
2. Demonstrating a strong passion for pursuing start-up ventures or innovation projects, with a proven track record that reflects an entrepreneurial mindset;
3. Preferably having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) or above;
4. Having achieved a satisfactory result from any one of the English tests below:
   • A minimum overall TOEFL^# score of 90 (Internet-based test) with scores for individual sections not lower than 21 on reading, 22 on listening, 21 on speaking, and 17 on writing;
   • A minimum IELTS^# overall band score of 6.5 (Academic Module), with no component below 6.0;
   • HKDSE English Language Exam Level 4 or above;
   • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Exam English A Language and Literature Standard Level or High Level Grade 5 or above;
   • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Exam English B Standard Level Grade 6 or above; or English B High Level Grade 5 or above;
   • Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) English as a Second Language 0511 Grade C or above; or English First Language English 0522 Grade D or above;
   • Pearson Edexcel International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) English as a Second Language Grade 6 or B or above; or English Language (Specification A or B) Grade 4 or C or above;
5. Being well-rounded, having participated in extra-curricular and/ or community service activities;
6. Showing strong potential to benefit most from the Bootcamp and is willing to share what they learn with others upon return;  
7. Being able to make contributions to the HKBU community and community at large ;
8. Possesses good communication skills; and
9. Do not engage in any overseas trip, exchange or internship between 1 – 23 Aug 2026. 
   

Participation Fee

• Total: HKD43,400 (including bootcamp ticket, flight ticket, accommodation)

Subsidy Arrangement

• General Students: Subsidy of HKD 20,000 will be granted.
• Students with proven financial needs (e.g. full government grant and loan): Max. subsidy of HKD 35,000 will be granted.

Students will need to bear the remaining participation fee after subsidy:

• For general students: HKD 23,400
• For students with proven financial needs: HKD 8,400

*Eligible students can further apply subsidy from the First-Generation Fund of up to HKD5,000 for entrepreneurial learning activities. 

Successful applicants are required to submit supporting documents to verify their financial need for reference and verification purposes.

How to apply? 

Complete the online application form with the following documents ready –

1. A recent photo
2. Transcript
3. CV
4. Statement of Interest
   • Describe your experiences with start-ups, innovation projects, or entrepreneurial initiatives. How do these experiences demonstrate your passion and entrepreneurial mindset? Please provide specific examples or achievements.
   • What do you hope to gain from participating in the UC Berkeley Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, and how do you plan to share the knowledge and experience with your peers after returning?
   • How will you use what you learn from the Bootcamp to contribute to the HKBU community and to the community at large? Please share any specific ideas or plans you have in mind.

Deadline of Application: 28 February 2026 

Timeline