Builders Foundry
NBU's planned business center: where student ideas become businesses.
A university that helps you build
Nation Builders University is built on the belief that leadership means creating. Most universities teach business; few give students a place to start one. The Builders Foundry is designed as a laboratory for business: a place where students submit ideas, test them with real research, learn from entrepreneurs who have done it, and build with support.
It connects NBU's programs in entrepreneurship, venture capital and small business, business analytics, technology and public policy, so ideas can come from any school and any background.
What makes it different
- Open to ideas from every school, not only business
- Research-first: validate before you build
- Entrepreneurs-in-residence who coach students
- Hybrid: join from anywhere, meet in Washington, DC
- Built-in route to pitch days and partners
From idea to launch in six steps
Submit your idea
Describe the problem you want to solve, who it is for and what you imagine building.
Idea review
The Foundry team reads every submission and replies with feedback and next steps.
Research and validate
Market and customer research, feasibility checks and library support, guided by faculty.
Match with a mentor
Work with an experienced entrepreneur or professional who volunteers to coach students.
Build and pitch
Shape a prototype, a business plan and a pitch, and present it on a pitch day.
Launch support
Guidance on company formation, partners and funding options, and a place in the venture showcase.
What the Foundry is planned to offer
Idea Lab
Open workshops on finding problems worth solving, customer interviews and business models.
Research Desk
Help with market research, feasibility studies and sources, linked to NBU's Research section and digital library.
Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
Experienced founders and executives who volunteer time to coach student teams.
Pitch Days
Regular events where students present ventures to mentors, partners and potential supporters.
Partner network
Employers, service providers and technology partners who can support student ventures. Partnerships are announced only once agreed (see Partners).
Venture showcase
A public page highlighting student ventures, with each student's permission.
Tell us what you want to build
Prospective students, current students and aspiring founders can register an idea now. We will contact you when the Foundry opens or if we need more detail.
Help build the next generation of founders
We are inviting experienced entrepreneurs, executives and organizations to volunteer as mentors, judge pitch days or support student ventures. Mentors volunteer their time; they are not NBU employees, officers or owners and cannot make decisions for the university.
Related programs
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management
- Venture Capital & Small Business Development
- Business Analytics & Intelligence
All programs are planned and subject to regulatory approval.
Questions? We are glad to help.
Call (771) 241-9259 or write to info@nationbuilderuniversity.com. Tell us about your goals and we will point you to the right next step.