How to Apply

RSVP

Build Your Own Startup at SMU.

Build Your Own Startup at SMU.

20 Weeks. Up to $10,000 Funding.

20 Weeks. Up to $10,000 Funding.

Apply Now

RSVP Info Session

Skip the traditional internship; get real in this new 20-week WSE program.

Skip the traditional internship; get real in this new 20-week WSE program.

Go from raw concept to market launch—build the product and pitch to investors.

Go from raw concept to market launch—build the product and pitch to investors.

Learn by doing.

Learn by doing.

Learn by doing.

Experience entrepreneurship firsthand as you design, prototype, and launch your own business idea with up to $10K in milestone-based equity-free funding.

Experience entrepreneurship firsthand as you design, prototype, and launch your own business idea with up to $10K in milestone-based equity-free funding.

Expert mentors.

Expert mentors.

Expert mentors.

Get guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders throughout your 20-week WSE journey.

Get guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders throughout your 20-week WSE journey.

Real-world results.

Real-world results.

Real-world results.

Present your startup to real investors and take the first step into the business world.

Present your startup to real investors and take the first step into the business world.

Open to SMU students with a passion for entrepreneurship.

Open to SMU students with a passion for entrepreneurship.

No prior business experience required. Get ready to learn and build.


No prior business experience required. Get ready to learn and build.


The “Design Your Own Startup” Work-Study Elective (WSE) is a high-impact alternative to the traditional corporate internship. Over 20 weeks, you will navigate the unfiltered reality of building a business—from conducting intensive customer discovery to shipping a functional prototype. It is the ultimate bridge between academic theory and real-world execution.

Backed by up to $10,000 in milestone-based funding, you will have the capital to run real market tests and acquire your first users. Through rigorous bi-weekly mentoring, you will confront strategic blind spots and sharpen your instincts as a founder. The journey culminates in a high-stakes Demo Day—the perfect launchpad to pitch active investors and scale your venture.

This WSE carries 2 Credit Units (graded Pass/Fail to encourage bold innovation) and fulfills the mandatory SMU credit-bearing internship requirement.

20

20

Weeks WSE

Weeks WSE

$10,000

$10,000

Milestone-based funding

#1

#1

You are the CEO

You are the CEO

Dedicated mentor.

Have inside access to a dedicated main mentor (Mr. Soon Loo, Executive-in-Residence at SMU) who, as a Harvard MBA, started a Silicon Valley startup that successfully raised over $35 million in venture capital and served as the chairman of a publicly listed company.

Have inside access to a dedicated main mentor (Mr. Soon Loo, Executive-in-Residence at SMU) who, as a Harvard MBA, started a Silicon Valley startup that successfully raised over $35 million in venture capital and served as the chairman of a publicly listed company.

Have inside access to a dedicated main mentor (Mr. Soon Loo, Executive-in-Residence at SMU) who, as a Harvard MBA, started a Silicon Valley startup that successfully raised over $35 million in venture capital and served as the chairman of a publicly listed company.

Demo day access.

Showcase your startup to real investors during our exclusive Demo Day near the end of the program.

How to apply

How to apply

Applications are open now! Click the Apply Now button to start—limited spots.

Applications are open now! Click the Apply Now button to start—limited spots.

Apply Now

Info session

Meet the Main Mentor. RSVP to join the info session
16 April, 2pm
Room 222, LKCSB, SMU

RSVP Info Session

For questions, please contact soonloo@smu.edu.sg

Success Stories.

Success Stories.

Hear from our SMU alumni.

Hear from our SMU alumni.

“… deeply appreciate the development and mentorship I had received during my time at SMU.”

JEFF TUNG

Chairman, SY Holdings (publicly listed)

“… outstanding 0-1 entrepreneurship development.”

BENJAMIN TWOON

Co-Founder, Alta

“… gave us the courage and inspiration to pursue … at the next level.”

ADRIAN ANG

Co-Founder, Hepmil Media

Can I take other classes?

Yes. To ensure optimal learning and venture progress, you may take up to two additional courses concurrently with this WSE.

What is the weekly structure?

Every week, you are expected to spend 4 days making consistent, independent progress on your startup. Every 1-2 weeks, there will be progress check-ins, methodology workshops, and deep-dive mentoring.

How is the $10K disbursed?

The $10,000 is equity-free capital to directly support building and testing your product. It is not a lump sum; it is disbursed in phases as you hit key milestones (like completing customer discovery or launching a prototype) throughout the 20 weeks.

Design Your Startup Work Study Elective (WSE )


Design Your Startup Work Study Elective (WSE )


Design Your Startup Work Study Elective (WSE )