Say hello to the founders advancing to Phase Two of the 2026 Future Founders Startup Bootcamp!
Startup Bootcamp is Future Founders’ premier accelerator for early-stage entrepreneurs, helping founders transform promising ideas into businesses with real momentum. During Phase One of the program, participants spent months learning alongside experienced entrepreneurs, refining their business models, testing assumptions, and strengthening their pitches through a series of virtual workshops, mentorship, and peer collaboration. Their journey culminated with Startup Bootcamp Pitch Day, where every founder presented their venture to a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.
Following this transformative first phase, 22 founders have been selected to continue into Phase Two of Startup Bootcamp, our largest cohort ever. Over the coming months, they’ll receive deeper one-on-one mentorship, personalized guidance, and expanded opportunities to accelerate their businesses. They’ll also join Future Founders’ signature FounderCon retreat this November, connecting with an inspiring community of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and alumni from across the country.
“Every year, we’re inspired by the ambition, creativity, and resilience these founders bring to the program,” said Scott Issen, President & CEO of Future Founders. “Phase Two is where that momentum really begins to compound, and we’re excited to help these entrepreneurs continue building companies that create lasting impact.”
Startup Bootcamp plays a powerful role in bridging the gap between learning about entrepreneurship and building, growing, and scaling a venture. One founder advancing to Phase Two first joined Future Founders as a paid high school intern through our Be Your Own Boss program. Meanwhile, five members of the 2026 Fellowship – our year-long development program for growth-stage founders – previously participated in Startup Bootcamp. Together, these journeys are a powerful reflection of what we are building: a community where young entrepreneurs can find new opportunities, deepen their skills, and continue growing alongside Future Founders at every stage of their journey.
Startup Bootcamp is made possible through the generous support of Keywell Foundation, Nasdaq Foundation, The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation, Summer Oaks Fund, Itzkowich Family, and The John E. & Jeanne T. Hughes Foundation.
The founders selected for Phase Two are tackling challenges across industries with innovative solutions and bold ideas. While every venture is unique, they share a common commitment to building businesses that solve real problems, create opportunity, and strengthen their communities. We can’t wait to see what they build next!
Jazmine Adamson, By Crux – WA By Crux builds first-of-its-kind AI agents and automations to help modern businesses apply AI and scale smarter.
Keith Blake, Ezseat – IL Ezseat is a backpack and comfortable stadium seat to solve the inconvenience of carrying traditional stadium seats.
Shannon Callsen, Spirit Elf – NY Spirit Elf is an interactive game where you unlock levels online and IRL.
Jailee Dejean, Campus Cliques – FL Campus Cliques is a collegiate two-way marketplace that connects brands with a dedicated community of authentic student content creators.
Vidhi Gondalia, CuraFitt – IL CuraFitt is a smart wearable device for people with knee injuries that helps bridge the data gap between patients and their PTs for better decision making and recovery.
Madhuri Gujje, Unraveled – CA Unraveled is a gym for your relationships, a place to train the skills no one taught us through digital and in-person experiences, and build healthier connections of every kind.
Nicholas Hein, Universal Fungi Organics – IL Universal Fungi Organics is a skate company breaking down hard to handle waste using mycelium, and transforming that mycelium into the world’s first skateboard made from fungi.
James Hoffmann, Pulsyn – AZ Pulsyn is building the privacy-first smart ring that processes all health data on-device with no mandatory subscription.
Je’Mia Irving, Irving Impact Consulting – IL Irving Impact Consulting is a capacity-building firm that helps nonprofits and community organizations strengthen their operations, implement their vision, and expand their impact.
Mariam Jabbar, MamaVoice – NY MamaVoice is a culturally-trusted maternal navigation platform connecting Black and Brown women to culturally sensitive maternal care providers.
Cameron Johnson, Picksy – IN Picksy is an AI-powered marketplace that scours the web for product data and compiles and analyzes it with AI.
DaAsia Johnson, The Pedal Party – IN The Pedal Party is a 15-passenger electric pedal bike providing group tours around downtown Lafayette, IN.
Ambily Jose, Think Twice – IL Think Twice is designed to be your Duolingo for improving emotional intelligence through AI-powered journaling exercises, individualized therapy on demand, and community connection.
Derek Massey, VisionBoardAI – MI VisionBoardAI is an AI-enabled identity operating system that transforms users’ long-term aspirations into personalized, adaptive daily actions.
Chris Mixa, Comuniti – IL Comuniti is a map-based social platform where people discover, share, and engage with content and experiences through place.
Minh Nguyen, Datable Health – TX Datable Health is a patient engagement and clinical documentation platform designed to bridge the gap between therapy sessions and give providers the real-world data they need to deliver better care and protect reimbursements.
Aleisha Reado, REDEAUX – IL REDEAUX is a cut and sewn apparel brand that specializes in genderless, versatile streetwear inspired by music.
Jonathan Roldan, Refresh Audio FX – IL Refresh Audio FX is a creative audio effect hardware and software company focused on designing devices that are built to last, inspiring, and affordable.
Maria Saitta, NatureFill – NJ NatureFill is a smart self-serve refill kiosk for liquid soap products designed to make eco-friendly decisions more convenient and accessible for college students.
Gabrielle Simmons, Lillie’s Leaping Learners – IL Lillie’s Leaping Learners is a childcare and enrichment company providing flexible, community-based programs that help children grow while supporting working families.
Caleb Starkey, Stig Sensors – CO Stig Sensors is a telemetry and coaching system for adventure sport athletes.
Shomari Wellington, Top 1000 League – IL Top1000 is a competitive basketball platform that helps players build a verified basketball identity while giving organizers and gyms the tools to run trusted competitions.
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