27th, 28th and 29th January, 2023

HackLBS is a flagship hackathon hosted by the LBS e-club which brings together business professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, coders, and designers, enabling them to put on their ideation hats and create exciting products.

Exclusive Partners:

Hack LBS is supported by the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital, and sponsored by BCG DV, Nigel Morris MSc19(1985) and Lori Morris.

Apply Now

About

Themes

This year’s themes are:

1) Improving the Planet

2) Improving thyself

3) Hacker's Paradise

Each theme gives you a general idea of what you will be hacking with a specific problem statement released during the week of the hackathon. Hackers paradise is an open ended theme so you can solve any problem you want

Tentative Schedule for HackLBS
The event is fully catered

schedule

Day 1 - Friday, 27th Jan

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm - Introduction to Challenges

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Keynote Address by BCG DV

6:30 pm onwards - Networking and Team Formation

Day 2 - Saturday, 28th Jan

9 am - 9:30 am - Intro by eClub & Hack kick-off

9:30 am - 12:30 am - Hacking time

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Opt-in Mentoring Sessions

4:00 pm onwards - Idea finalization and development

Day 3 - Sunday, 29th Jan

9 am - 9:15 am - Day 2 Kick-off

9:30 - 11:30 am - Completion and Pitch Creation

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Submission on Devpost

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm - Lunch and Break

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Final Presentations

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Winner Announcements

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm - Drinks

FAQs

What happens at Launchpad?

Launchpad participants go through a 2-month series of networking events, practical workshops and pitches. At the end of the programme, they are ready to tackle the challenges ahead - from market research to funding to product design. And the secret sauce? That's our mentors. Real, accomplished pros from the London startup ecosystem, ready to share their hard-earned experience with the ventures that make it into the programme.
If I get accepted, what will I need to do?"

First, you'll be required to attend all workshops and complete the pre/post work. But we know you won't miss the opportunity to learn, so that's a given. Second - and this one is important - you'll need to think big, open your mind and make the most out of every opportunity. We'll be there to support you and always have your back.
Is this only for LBS students?

No! We believe anyone can innovate. That's why Launchpad isn't limited to students only, even though it is backed by the London Business School. If you have that entrepreneurial fire in your heart and an idea to match - Launchpad is for you.
Do I need a business idea to apply?

Yes. Ideas are food to our soul, the wind beneath our wings, the jets that move us forward, the... you get the point. So Launchpad participants do need to have an idea on hand before they apply. BUT - don't be discouraged, because many of our founders may be looking for collaborators and co-founders to balance out their teams. If you have mad skills and think you can contribute to a venture, or if you're a founder looking for team members, sign up here. We will share your info with relevant applicants and maybe help you find that match made in (startup) heaven.
But wait, I already have an idea! Is this programme for me?"

It's OK if you've already started working on your idea, as long as it's early-stages (pre-MVP). Currently, Launchpad does not accept ventures that received startup capital. If you did - sorry, but also, good for you! High five.
Do I need a team?

No! Individual founders are welcome to apply. You may find your match during LP, or you may go on to finish the programme as the self-actualizing unicorn you are.
What makes a strong application?

Three things could make your application pop: A well-defined idea, a strong, committed team with relevant experience, and a significantly-sized market for your venture. Also, it wouldn't hurt to send us some fresh-baked cookies. No, we're kidding, that won't have any impact on your app. But send the cookies.
What's the time commitment?

We know you have other things going on, which is why we created Launchpad as a part-time programme. Workshops are around 2-3 hours each, and they take place in the evening, Feb-May, usually starting at 7 pm. Most workshops will require some preliminary work. We also hold two longer demo evenings throughout the programme. These give teams an opportunity to present their ideas to potential collaborators and investors. Plus, there are snacks.
Does Launchpad cost anything?

No! LBS Launchpad is completely free, and the programme takes no equity from participating ventures. All we ask is that you bring your A-game.