Overview
This program supports PSU students and recent alumni (within the last 3 years) who are actively building **real products** and want to turn them into real companies. Admission is rolling and participation is free for those accepted.
Join a cohort of student founders who want to build companies with real momentum. Our shared goal is to help you reach your first $100K—whether through early sales, grants, pitch competitions, or investors.
How It Works
Application:
1. Submit the [short application form](https://airtable.com/appcgmmeA680saDQN/pag7qL0DiMtY2ynWj/form) (takes ~5 min).
2. Meet with Arsh Haque.
3. Receive a go/no-go decision within one week.
Who We’re Looking For
Students and recent alumni who are building a product outside the classroom and want structured support to take it to market. You should be ready to build, test, pitch, and sell, and you should want help setting up reliable systems for growth and funding.
Program Benefits
First Year
- Regular workshops & meetings with Arsh (10+ per year) to set up your sales, fundraising, and submission processes.
- Guaranteed participation in Pitch Demolicious at least once per year (partner pitch competition with a $25K prize).
- Two updated video assets per year for investors, sales, or applications.
- $2,000 in direct funding support for software or professional services.
During & After the Program
- Access to student-specific co-working space.
- Monthly update meetings with all current and past Cube companies. Monthly newsletter pushed to key stakeholders.
- Ongoing but less frequent access to Arsh for strategic guidance.
About Arsh
Arsh Haque (they/them) is the Director of the PSBA, the oldest and largest startup accelerator in Oregon, where they have helped secure over $3M in funding for regional entrepreneurs. They are the founder and CEO of Henna, a venture-backed software platform helping startups launch. Arsh has been nationally recognized for their work in entrepreneurial ecosystem building, including as a 2024 PLACE Builders Fellow and Make Startups Executive Fellow. They previously served as Head of Product at Pitch Genius, helping startups and VCs raise more than $200M. Arsh holds a JD from USC and a Master of Public Policy from Sciences Po Paris.