The Catalyst
The Catalyst serves as a place KU students can flex their entrepreneurship muscles, learning more about themselves, the problems their seeking to solve and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Overview
The Catalyst builds a community of aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders focused on learning by doing. Through cohort-based collaboration, students share ideas, refine venture concepts, support one another’s growth, and lead cohorts. The program’s mission is to develop entrepreneurial knowledge and skills that empower success in any career path.
The Catalyst comprises various paths, each with unique opportunities for venture creation and professional development.
Beginning in spring 2026, students in either Stage 1, 2 or 3 may qualify for the experiential learning requirement as part of the Business Professional Development Program as long as they work 120 hours.
Students accepted into the program and beginning their journey in The Catalyst in Stage 1 may qualify for up to a $250 award or founder support.
Requirements
All candidates must have the following:
- An idea for a new venture (or nonprofit) that you intend to develop. (The venture itself doesn't have to be operating yet.)
- Ability to meet with cohorts
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
- Must be a KU student
The Catalyst accepts applications each semester for the upcoming semester. Students can apply for Stage 1 of The Catalyst by filling out this form.
Expected performance
Students are expected to:
- Meet regularly with leadership and mentors
- Develop professionally
- Develop entrepreneurial skills
- Develop ideas/ventures
By the end of the program, the intent is for students to walk away with a greater awareness of existing resources, a deeper understanding of themselves and a set of entrepreneurial skills that they can use in their own venture or working with others.
Students in this stage are paid to serve as a guide in training to guide future cohorts. They may also continue working on their venture for up to 10 hours a week total.
Stage 2 can satisfy the experiential learning requirement as part of the Business Professional Development Program as long as they work at least 120 hours. Students can take BUS 310 coursework alongside their venture or receive 50 professional development points. The points can only be earned once.
Stage 2 is only available to students who have completed Stage 1.
Requirements
All candidates must have the following:
- Ability to attend weekly Guide and Guide in Training meetings
- Ability to meet with cohorts as a Guide in Training
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Expected performance
This is an hourly paid position with up to 10 hours a week.
Students are expected to:
- Meet regularly with leadership and mentors
- Develop professionally
- Develop entrepreneurial skills
By the end of the program, the intent is for students to walk away with a greater awareness of existing resources, a deeper understanding of themselves and a set of entrepreneurial skills that they can use in their own venture or working with others.
Students in Stage 3 are paid to serve as an entrepreneurial guide to other students in the other stages through cohort leadership. Students may continue working on and developing their venture.
Stage 3 satisfies the experiential learning requirement as part of the Business Professional Development Program as long as they work 120 hours.
Stage 3 is only available to students who have completed Stages 1 and 2.
Requirements
All candidates must have the following:
- An idea for a new venture (or nonprofit) that you intend to develop. (The venture itself doesn't have to be operating yet.)
- Ability to meet with cohorts
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Expected performance
This is an hourly paid position with up to 10 hours a week.
Students are expected to:
- Meet regularly with leadership and mentors
- Develop professionally
- Develop entrepreneurial skills
By the end of the program, the intent is for students to walk away with a greater awareness of existing resources, a deeper understanding of themselves and a set of entrepreneurial skills that they can use in their own venture or working with others.
Students accepted into the program and beginning their journey in The Catalyst in Stage 1 may qualify for up to a $250 award or founder support.
Requirements
All candidates must have the following:
- An idea for a new venture (or nonprofit) that you intend to develop. (The venture itself doesn't have to be operating yet.)
- Ability to meet with cohorts
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
- Must be a KU student
The Catalyst accepts applications each semester for the upcoming semester. Students can apply for Stage 1 of The Catalyst by filling out this form.
Expected performance
Students are expected to:
- Meet regularly with leadership and mentors
- Develop professionally
- Develop entrepreneurial skills
- Develop ideas/ventures
By the end of the program, the intent is for students to walk away with a greater awareness of existing resources, a deeper understanding of themselves and a set of entrepreneurial skills that they can use in their own venture or working with others.
Students in this stage are paid to serve as a guide in training to guide future cohorts. They may also continue working on their venture for up to 10 hours a week total.
Stage 2 can satisfy the experiential learning requirement as part of the Business Professional Development Program as long as they work at least 120 hours. Students can take BUS 310 coursework alongside their venture or receive 50 professional development points. The points can only be earned once.
Stage 2 is only available to students who have completed Stage 1.
Requirements
All candidates must have the following:
- Ability to attend weekly Guide and Guide in Training meetings
- Ability to meet with cohorts as a Guide in Training
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Expected performance
This is an hourly paid position with up to 10 hours a week.
Students are expected to:
- Meet regularly with leadership and mentors
- Develop professionally
- Develop entrepreneurial skills
By the end of the program, the intent is for students to walk away with a greater awareness of existing resources, a deeper understanding of themselves and a set of entrepreneurial skills that they can use in their own venture or working with others.
Students in Stage 3 are paid to serve as an entrepreneurial guide to other students in the other stages through cohort leadership. Students may continue working on and developing their venture.
Stage 3 satisfies the experiential learning requirement as part of the Business Professional Development Program as long as they work 120 hours.
Stage 3 is only available to students who have completed Stages 1 and 2.
Requirements
All candidates must have the following:
- An idea for a new venture (or nonprofit) that you intend to develop. (The venture itself doesn't have to be operating yet.)
- Ability to meet with cohorts
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Expected performance
This is an hourly paid position with up to 10 hours a week.
Students are expected to:
- Meet regularly with leadership and mentors
- Develop professionally
- Develop entrepreneurial skills
By the end of the program, the intent is for students to walk away with a greater awareness of existing resources, a deeper understanding of themselves and a set of entrepreneurial skills that they can use in their own venture or working with others.