Calvanize is a weekend startup program at UC Berkeley for first-time founders that introduces Lean Startup principles and guides participants through conducting 20+ customer discovery interviews.
Learn the basics, find out if there is a true market need, and pivot if needed.
This July 2026, Calvanize will offer programming for two tracks. One Goal. Build something people want.
Track 1: Introduction to Lean Startup
Learn the fundamentals of customer discovery, validate assumptions, identify real customer pain points, and test whether your idea solves a meaningful problem.
Track 2: Customer Discovery Accelerator
Designed for founders who have already completed an introduction to Lean Startup and are ready to go deeper. Continue conducting customer interviews, refining your value proposition, and building a structured path toward product-market fit with ongoing support and accountability.
Whether you’re validating a new idea or advancing an existing venture, we’ll provide the tools, structure, and guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
- TEAM MIXER – JUNE 23 | 12 PM – 1 PM
- THURS. JULY 9 | 9AM – 1 PM
- THURS. JULY 16 | 1PM – 5 PM
- THURS. JULY 23 | 2 PM – 4 PM
Program Requirements:
- The founder must be a current UC Berkeley Student
- Minimum of 2 team members required
- Attendance for key dates is mandatory
- Complete a minimum of 20 customer discovery interviews [required to present on showcase day]
