6A – Entrepreneurship 2025-2026

    About 

    The 6A-Entrepreneurship (6A-E) track is a pathway within the MIT EECS 6A Program that allows MEng students to merge their thesis work with a startup venture.

    Participants design and build a new concept, prototype, or demo that is both:

    • Thesis-worthy – meets MEng academic standards

    • Venture-ready – addresses a real problem with potential for meaningful impact

    Students selected for a 6A-E Fellowship receive full support to work on their venture full-time for six months through the 6A framework while completing their MEng.

     

    PITCH DAY EVENT – RSVP HERE

    Why choose 6A-Entrepreneurship?

    Build your company while at MIT

    Work on a real venture instead of a purely theoretical project, with your startup serving as the foundation of your MEng thesis.

    Get structured time and funding


    The full 6A-E Fellowship gives you six months of full-time focus to make serious progress on your idea.

    Access mentors, VCs, and founders


    Get feedback and guidance from faculty, industry experts, and investors who know what it takes to go from research to company.

    Application Process

    Apply Here

    1. Apply to the 6A-Entrepreneurship Track
      Complete our simple online application form and upload the required materials. Your submission should include:
      Resume
      Research Statement (your proposed venture, prototype, or direction)
      Personal Statement (why this venture, why 6A-E, and your goals)
      Optional: Recommendations are encouraged but not required.
    2. Application Review
      All applications are reviewed by a committee of MIT faculty, experienced founders, and industry experts who evaluate technical depth, innovation, feasibility, and venture potential.
    3. Acceptance Notification
      Selected applicants will be notified via email and invited to join the 6A-Entrepreneurship track.
    4. Program Onboarding
      Students begin onboarding into the program, which includes:
      – Connecting with mentors and advisors
      – Aligning venture goals with MEng thesis requirements
      – Guidance on timeline planning, deliverables, and fellowship expectations
      – Resources for venture development (workshops, office hours, support sessions)
    5. Fellowship Engagement
      Once the fellowship period begins, students spend six months working full-time on their venture through the 6A framework while completing their MEng thesis.

    Eligibility

    For Senior Students (applying to the MEng)

    Students applying as seniors must meet the following requirements:

    • MEng application or acceptance into the program is required
    • Must commit to one of the following 6-month internship timelines:
      • 6-month Spring / Summer,
      • 6-month Summer / Fall
    • Must enroll in MIT Trust Center entrepreneurship classes (e.g., 15.378)
    • Must participate in StartMIT or an E-ship Internship (required)
    • Must describe a plan to build/create a prototype tied directly to their MEng thesis and venture
    • Must participate in startup-focused events, workshops, and activities
    • End-of-program participation in the Pitch Day
    • Must be committed to completing the internship and all associated 6A-E requirements

    For MEng Students (Course 6 Graduate Students)

    Students applying as seniors must meet the following requirements:

    • MEng application is required
    • Must commit to one of the following 6-month internship timelines:
      • 6-month Spring / Summer
      • 6-month Summer / Fall
    • Must enroll in MIT Trust Center entrepreneurship classes (e.g., 15.378)
    • Must participate in StartMIT or an E-ship Internship (required)
    • Must describe a plan to build/create a prototype tied directly to their MEng thesis and venture
    • Must participate in startup-focused events, workshops, and activities
    • End-of-program participation in the Pitch Day
    • Must be committed to completing the internship and all associated 6A-E requirements