What is Cornerstone?

Cornerstone is Velocity's two week sprint for students and researchers from any faculty who want to explore an idea they have or even just an area of interest with a supportive community. It is focused on introducing you to potential customers and stakeholders who live and work outside the university. It will help you build the confidence you'll need to have productive empathetic conversations that will create the foundation of your idea and give it real impact.

No pitch deck. No pressure. No technical skills required

Join the hundreds of students and researchers all exploring their own ideas through coaching, networking, and the chance to win great cash prizes.

$2,500 in prizes to be awarded.

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Program overview

What happens at Cornerstone?

You’ll work on validating your idea by talking to real customers. Along the way, you’ll get:

• Mentorship from experienced founders and advisors
• Startup Quests to guide your progress (updated in real-time with your mentor)
• Workshops & Fireside Chats with guest speakers (like past Cornerstone prize winners and Velocity founders)
• Dedicated team chat spaces on Discord to collaborate and check in
• A Final Showcase + Dinner where the best-validated ideas will win cash prizes

Cornerstone schedule for winter 2026 will be added soon.