Last updated: January 2026

How Incipia Works

Incipia connects startups with engineering and product students through real, scoped problems — not internships, not hiring, not freelancing.

Startups get multiple solution approaches. Students get real experience, feedback, and visibility.

For Startups
1

Describe a real problem

You submit a concrete product, engineering, or research challenge — scoped, time-boxed, and realistic.

2

Onboarding call (recorded)

We run a short onboarding session where you explain the problem in your own words. This recording is shared with participating students so everyone works from the same understanding.

3

Parallel work

Students work independently (or in small teams) within the agreed timeframe and constraints.

4

Demos & review

Students demo their solutions. In early stages, Incipia may participate to help clarify trade-offs and implications.

5

Selection & next steps

You decide what to use, who to continue with, or whether to close the challenge. You are expected to provide feedback or make a clear selection at the end.

For Students
1

Apply to a challenge

Choose a real startup problem that matches your skills and interests.

2

Understand the context

Watch the startup's recorded onboarding session to fully understand the need, constraints, and expectations.

3

Build a solution

Work independently within the defined scope and timeline.

4

Demo your work

Present your solution and explain your assumptions, trade-offs, and next steps.

5

Feedback & visibility

Not all submissions are selected — but serious submissions receive feedback and become part of your experience and portfolio.

What Incipia Does

  • •Helps structure problems so they are solvable and fair
  • •Facilitates clarity, demos, and evaluation
  • •Supports constructive feedback and closure
  • •Participates in early discussions to help both sides make informed decisions

What Incipia Does Not Do

  • •We are not an employer
  • •We are not a staffing or recruiting agency
  • •We do not guarantee selection, payment, or future work
  • •Final decisions always belong to the startup

Early Access

Incipia is in early access. Processes may evolve as we learn what works best for startups and students.