Harvard Business School Reveals 2026 Rock Venture Catalyst Cohort

June 15, 2026 - 12:23

Harvard Business School has officially named the 61 students selected for the 2026 Rock Venture Catalyst cohort, a summer program hosted by the Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship. These students will spend the summer months building their startups on campus, gaining access to mentorship, funding, and workspace.

The Rock Venture Catalyst program is designed for HBS students who are serious about launching their own companies. Participants receive a stipend, office space at the Rock Center, and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and investors. This year's cohort includes a diverse range of ventures spanning industries like healthcare, climate tech, artificial intelligence, and consumer goods.

Among the startups in the 2026 group are companies tackling supply chain inefficiencies, developing new diagnostic tools for chronic diseases, and creating platforms for remote team collaboration. Several teams are also focused on sustainability, with ideas ranging from carbon capture technology to circular economy solutions for fashion.

The program runs for ten weeks during the summer, culminating in a demo day where founders present their progress to a panel of venture capitalists and alumni. Past Rock Venture Catalyst participants have gone on to raise significant funding and build notable companies.

Harvard Business School continues to emphasize hands-on entrepreneurship as a core part of its curriculum. The Rock Center, named after venture capitalist Arthur Rock, has supported hundreds of student-founded startups since its inception. The 2026 cohort reflects the school's ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and real-world business creation.