Join the Innovation Launchpad & Level Up Your Ideas

Immerse yourself in three days of intense work alongside other founders, investors, and industry experts.

Thank You!

To our incredible founders, subject matter experts, and networking attendees who spent an incredible weekend with us in Las Vegas.

Stay tuned for the latest on Cohort 4 and updates on Cohort 5!

Applications are already open for a future program, if you’re interested in applying, click the button below!

Are you ready to build? Apply now.

Q2 2025

Black Fire Innovation

15 Teams

20+ Subject Matter Experts

What our participants say

"The Zero Labs team transformed the trajectory of my company, Her Competitive Advantage, in just one weekend. The opportunities ahead are endless, and we're only getting started!"

Stephanie Barret
Cohort 1
"The energy and innovation at Zero Labs is inspiring! It's where entrepreneurship thrives. The experience gave me valuable perspectives on fundraising and the importance of timing."

Kenny Huang
Cohort 3
"The support and collaboration among participants was incredible — it truly accelerated our progress."

Stacey Lai
Cohort 2
"Zero Labs taught me how to translate my industry experience into a compelling VC pitch. The community's dedication to each other's success is truly special"

Daniel Schneider
Cohort 3
"Zero Labs was a transformative experience, helping us connect the dots and prioritize our focus. The room was filled with brilliant minds, talented individuals, and inspiring human beings."

Vimal Sebastian
Cohort 3
"Zero Labs provided a crash course in launching a startup, from building a pitch deck to navigating the startup ecosystem. It's filled the gaps in my knowledge and connected me with amazing people."

Linh Lee
Cohort 3
"It was an inspiring weekend filled with strategic planning, hands-on learning, and powerful collaboration."

Matt Bresler
Cohort 1
"Zero Labs' immersive experience and expert insights were invaluable for a newcomer to the gaming industry. The workshops and peer feedback helped me refine my pitch and learn from other smart entrepreneurs."

Mark Antal
Cohort 3
"Participating in Zero Labs gave me clear insight into where my startup needed to pivot. I implemented the 'next steps' with my team, and we held an all-day, in-person meeting to review our new strategies based on the Cohort."

Rachel Gomez
Cohort 2

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frequently asked questions

The Innovation Launchpad is a 3-day pre-accelerator program designed to uncover and accelerate great ideas from around our community.
In late January 2025, at the Black Fire Innovation building in Southwest Las Vegas. We will confirm the exact date in the coming days.
We are currently accepting applications from all interested parties.

However, we are especially interested in applicants who are affiliated with the Nevada System of Higher Education and/or those working on ideas focused on the core industries of Las Vegas, present & future.
Before the Innovation Launchpad kicks off, we engage in a comprehensive onboarding process designed to align the weekend's programming with the unique aspirations and requirements of our participants.
This process involves gathering detailed information about your goals and expectations. Additionally, participants are granted early access to a suite of resources we've meticulously compiled to bolster your journey.
This preparatory step ensures that you arrive at the Launchpad fully equipped and ready to make the most of the experience ahead, with programming that's been finely tuned to support your specific objectives.
While the Innovation Launchpad is not confined to specific industries, we particularly encourage startups from what we term the 'fun economy.' This includes sectors such as hospitality, gaming, travel, sports, and entertainment. These areas are pivotal to the vibrant cultural and economic landscape of Las Vegas and present exciting opportunities for innovation and growth.

The Innovation Launchpad offers a dynamic and immersive weekend experience, designed to propel early-stage projects to the next level.
This intensive program includes a structured curriculum, personalized mentorship from leading industry professionals, and expert advice from UNLV faculty. Participants will dive into an action-packed schedule, with days beginning at 7 am and extending through to 7 pm.
During these hours, you'll collaborate closely with peers and specialists, dedicating your time and energy to advancing your project. This hands-on approach ensures you'll leave the Launchpad with significant progress and invaluable insights.
The program is free to attend for those accepted. Participants are responsible for travel and accommodations.
The program is a collaboration between Zero Labs, UNLV, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), with support from the Knowledge Fund.

In addition to the three core collaborators, over 30 organizations support the program through the participation of individual subject matter experts or through other types of contributions.

If your organization is interested in working with the program, please reach out to info@zerolabs.io
Not directly, as the program is free to attend. However, we have a number of partners lined up to assist with securing grants and other useful resources if participants decide to move forward with their project.
After completing the Innovation Launchpad, participants become integral members of our thriving startup community. This membership opens the door to a wealth of ongoing support opportunities designed to sustain and accelerate your project's growth. You'll have access to dedicated office hours, enabling direct consultation with experts, and exclusive invitations to additional events that further your learning and networking. Additionally, we offer a range of discounts, credits, and bespoke benefits specifically curated for Innovation Launchpad alumni. These resources are carefully selected to support your journey, ensuring you continue to build momentum well beyond the program's conclusion.
Participants finish day 1 of the Innovation Launchpad with a networking event on the first day, designed to introduce cohort participants to each other as well as to fellow innovators, industry & community leaders, as well as investors. This event provides an excellent opportunity for participants to establish valuable connections that will support their ongoing success.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the coming weeks. We aim to have the class finalized by January 10, 2025.