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Schedule

Columbus - Midwest Fall 2026

At the Founder Institute, you won't "learn" how to build a business. Rather, you will build your business alongside top startup experts using a proven, structured process that has helped some of the world's fastest growing companies raise over 2BN. 

Our core program includes a series of challenging growth sprints, in addition to Weekly Feedback Sessions where you will receive constant feedback on your progress from experienced Mentors and Investors. 

See the schedule for the Columbus - Midwest Fall 2026 program below.

The Final Application Deadline for the Columbus - Midwest Fall 2026 program is Oct 06, 2026, and you can apply to the program at FI.co/join.

Onboarding

Learn about the Founder Institute

Date: Oct 20, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

When you enroll in the FI Core Program, you can immediately start onboarding by following a guided process where you will learn how the program works, tips to get the most benefits, and details on the perks of Graduating from the Founder Institute.

Kickoff

Meet the Cohort

Date: Oct 27, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll get familiar with the program, set up your AI toolkit, prove your AI proficiency, and prepare to introduce yourself to the cohort.

Vision

Define a strong business vision

Date: Oct 28, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll explore the biggest possible idea to pursue, validate real customer problems, define your personal purpose, and draft your first pitches.

Validation

Analyze your customer feedback

Date: Nov 04, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll select one business to focus on, validate it deeply through customer development, and build an initial mockup of your product.

Model

Validate a scalable revenue model

Date: Nov 11, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll test pricing with real customers, build a revenue model that can scale, and map out the human and agent roles needed to run your business.

Development

Learn how to build a great pitch

Date: Nov 18, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll turn your mockup into a working prototype that customers can use, co-develop with a lead customer, and prepare for your first major review.

Idea Review

Test the core business on a mentor panel

Date: Nov 25, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This is your first major milestone. You'll present your business and product to a panel of mentors who will rate you on idea viability, presentation skill, and research thoroughness.

Formation

Review your legal infrastructure

Date: Dec 02, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll incorporate your company, set up the legal foundation, protect your intellectual property, and start building your advisory board.

Launch

Improve your strategy to launch or scale

Date: Dec 09, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll launch your go-to-market engine, get your product into the hands of paying customers, and set your victory conditions for the rest of the program.

Traction

Get feedback on your product roadmap

Date: Dec 16, 2026
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll push for 10% weekly growth, track both your business and AI performance metrics, and discuss growth strategies.

Fundraising

Test your progress on a mentor panel

Date: Jan 06, 2027
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This week, you'll prepare for fundraising by organizing your materials, building your investor pipeline, and deciding on your funding strategy ahead of Demo Day.

Demo Day

Improve your team and hiring

Date: Jan 13, 2027
Starts at: 06:00 pm (America/Chicago)

This is your final milestone. You'll pitch a panel of angel investors and VCs with a five-minute pitch and a live demo for ratings, feedback, and potential investment.