Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe you already have an idea, maybe you only sense that you’d like to create or launch something. Or maybe you’re simply not sure whether the incubator is right for you. That’s completely fine. Here you’ll find answers to the questions we receive most often.
Are you considering applying to Validate or Build & Grow and aren’t sure whether the incubator is for you? We’ve prepared answers to the questions we’re asked most frequently from whether you can apply with a brand-new idea to how much time the programs realistically take.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to email us at inkubatoruniba.sk. We’ll be happy to answer and advise you.
1. Can I apply even if I’m at the very beginning?
Yes. The Validate program is designed specifically for brand-new ideas and early-stage projects. You don’t need a finished product or an established company what matters is that you want to work on the idea and move it forward in practice.
2. Do I need to have a finished product or results already when applying?
No. For Validate, an idea and the motivation to move it forward are enough. What matters is being able to briefly explain what problem you’re solving, who the solution is for, and what you want to validate during the program.
3. Can I apply as an individual, without a team?
Yes. You can apply as an individual. If it turns out that building a team would help, we can try depending on capacity to connect you with people interested in similar projects.
4. Is the incubator only for technological projects?
No. It doesn’t matter whether your project is “technological.” What matters is that it makes sense and has the potential to be applied in practice. The only requirement is that the project is innovative whether it’s product, service, or process innovation.
5. Is participation paid?
No. Participation in both programs is free of charge. Capacity is limited, however, so we can provide meaningful support to the teams we accept.
6. When can I apply?
We typically open applications twice a year in spring and autumn. Current dates and conditions are always listed on the Programs page.
7. How do you select projects?
We select projects so we can truly support the teams. We primarily assess the clarity of the project, the team’s motivation, and growth potential.
8. What’s the difference between Validate and Build & Grow?
Validate helps you clarify your idea and validate it in practice. Build & Grow is a one-year program for teams that showed progress and want to develop the project further and turn it into a real business supported by more regular guidance, consultations, and connections to practice.
9. How much time does participation take?
It depends on how much space you want to give the project and how quickly you want to progress. We provide clear steps and feedback, but the pace is largely set by you.
In Validate, we recommend setting aside about 2–5 hours per week. This includes the shared meeting (usually 60–90 minutes) and time for the weekly task (e.g., interviews, simple testing, short outputs). It’s manageable alongside school if you work on it regularly.
In Build & Grow, the time commitment is more individual because it’s about real project execution. Most teams work on the project about 3–8 hours per week, sometimes more. From our side, you’ll usually have one meeting per month, and in between you work on the agreed steps.
Simply put: the more time you invest, the faster you’ll see results, but even a small, consistent step can make a big difference.
10. What exactly does “mentoring” mean in your programs?
Within our programs, we can connect you with mentors and experts from both the university and professional practice. For us, mentoring means practical consultations and feedback on what you’re currently working on so you can move forward and not get stuck. Connecting you with specific mentors always depends on your needs, your project’s needs, and mentors’ current availability.
11. What if it turns out my idea doesn’t work?
That’s still a good outcome. Especially in Validate, the goal is to find out as early as possible what makes sense and what doesn’t so you don’t waste time and energy. If you need to adjust direction, we’ll help you do it sensibly and define a clear next step.
12. What if I can’t keep up?
We understand that demanding periods can happen alongside school or work. However, the programs are designed for teams that work on the project regularly and make progress. If you consistently fail to deliver agreed outputs or attend meetings and do not communicate with us, we will agree to end the support to keep capacity available for active teams.
13. What if my idea is sensitive and I’m afraid to share it?
We understand. At the beginning, we work only with what is safe to share. For projects where protection is important, we recommend a suitable approach and, if needed, connect you with experts in intellectual property protection and legal matters.
14. Can I participate if I’m outside Bratislava/on an exchange program?
Yes, the program can be completed online. For some activities, in-person participation may be beneficial, but we always try to set up the format so that remote participation is possible.