Social Innovation Launchpad Celebration

​Join us for the culminating event of Northeastern University Oakland's Inaugural Social Innovation Launchpad!

​What to Expect

​We're excited to welcome Mayor Lee to the Awards and Recognitions Celebration!

​Quick Pitches Mingle with this cohort's founders as they share quick-fire snapshots of their ventures throughout the evening. In 60 seconds, you'll hear straight from the builders themselves—who they are, what they're solving, and why now. Strike up a conversation and go deeper on the ones that catch your eye.

​Investor & Civic Leader Networking Connect with a curated audience of Bay Area investors, foundation representatives, city leaders, and fellow innovators who share a commitment to building technology that serves—rather than extracts from—the communities it touches.

​Awards & Recognition Ceremony The afternoon closes with a celebratory reception featuring remarks from program mentors and advisors, certificates of completion for our graduating founders, and recognition of standout achievements across the cohort.

​About the Social Innovation Launchpad

​The Social Innovation Launchpad is a flagship program of Northeastern University Oakland's Social Innovation Lab, made possible through the generous support of the Kapor Foundation. The program recruits, supports, and accelerates founders from the Oakland community who are building solutions to the city's most pressing challenges—from workforce equity and healthcare access to education, housing, and environmental justice.

​The Launchpad is rooted in the belief that the most durable innovations come from within communities, not from the outside in. Our founders are not just building startups—they are building the infrastructure of a more equitable Oakland.