How it works

Dock - The Startup Lab is a program for building startups from the ground up. We select top talent first and then create teams, providing essential tools, knowledge, a valuable network, and the ideal environment to learn and launch a startup

We offer a comprehensive four-month program that takes you from idea to an investor-ready startup.

The program is built on 15 years of expertise: our curriculum evolves continuously to incorporate the latest startup methodologies and market trends.

Each year, we receive over 300 applications and select the top 100 talents who demonstrate strong motivation to challenge themselves and grow.

Participation in the program is free for those selected. We believe that talent and ambition shouldn't be limited by financial barriers. Instead, we invest in individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and actively contribute to their teams and the program. In return, we ask for a high level of commitment, ensuring that each participant is fully engaged and can make the most of this experience.

This mutual commitment allows us to create an environment where everyone is driven to succeed, fostering growth and the development of strong, impactful startups.

Requirements

  • starting a startup is not an easy task…Be prepared to dedicate at least 15 hours per week to developing your startup

  • Participation in weekly workshops and team-building events is essential for your success. 2-3 hours per workshop

  • Your involvement in mentorship sessions and pitch practices is crucial to maximizing the program’s value.

Schedule

Application

Applications open on January 13, 2025, and close on March 14, 2025.

Evaluation

Within 15 days of the application deadline, we will review submissions and announce the selected participants.

Kick-off & Team Building

In March, we’ll meet face-to-face for two days to form teams and get to know each other, marking the start of the journey.

Modules

From March to May, you’ll engage in both online and offline workshops, diving deep into essential topics to develop your entrepreneurial idea.

DemoDay

In July 2025, the top startups will present their ideas on stage before a panel of judges and investors, with prizes for the best pitches.

Alumni

Once a Docker, always a Docker. Stay connected with the community through initiatives that keep all past participants engaged.

Team building

The Dock program kicks off with an essential team-building phase. A strong, cohesive team is the foundation of any successful startup, and one of the primary reasons for failure often stems from team-related issues. In fact, studies show that 65%* of startups fail due to internal team conflicts.

That's why, at Dock, we place great emphasis on building trust and collaboration from the start. You can watch our team-building process in action in the video, where we highlight the methods we use to strengthen connections and ensure a solid team dynamic—because for us, it’s fundamental to your success.

*Wasserman N. (2013). The Founder's Dilemma. Princeton University

Program Structure

  • Master techniques to generate and refine business ideas. Learn how to focus on problem identification, develop user personas, and conduct qualitative interviews.

  • Dive into lean startup principles, pretotyping and MVP development. Learn how to rapidly prototype and iterate based on user feedback.

  • Learn how to reason about business models, create financial projections and identify key metrics to measure the evolution of the business.

  • Navigate the legal landscape of startups, including incorporation of the company, intellectual property protection, and term sheets.

  • Perfect the art of pitching. We’ll help you develop your pitch deck, refine presentation skills, and tailor your message for different audiences.

  • Most workshops are online to accommodate participants from various locations.

  • Selected workshops are held in-person in Rome for enhanced networking and hands-on collaboration.

  • All sessions are conducted in English to prepare you for the international startup ecosystem.

  • Workshops typically take place in the afternoon, from 3.00-6.00 pm allowing you to balance other commitments while fully engaging with the content. Each session lasts 2-3 hours and includes interactive elements and Q&A, ensuring an engaging and comprehensive learning experience.

Mentorship Sessions

We have assembled a team of mentors and advisors to support our participants. Mentors are experienced startup founders or experts who will provide free guidance throughout the program.

Dock Demo Day

The Highlight of Your Journey: Dock Demo Day

  • Perfecting Your Pitch: In the weeks leading up to Demo Day, you'll collaborate with expert pitch coaches to refine your presentation and ensure maximum impact.

  • Present to Key Stakeholders: Demo Day provides a platform to showcase your startup to an audience of hundreds, including investors, industry leaders, and potential partners.

  • Compete for a Prize: Pitch your venture to a jury of 20+ investors for a chance to win up to €30,000 in cash.

  • Networking Reception: After the pitches, engage in valuable networking opportunities with attendees, fostering B2B and B2C connections and setting the stage for follow-up meetings.

Benefits

Selected participant in Dock Startup Lab program will access to deals and benefits worth thousands of euros to accelerate their startup journey.

  • Genial.ly

    Genial.ly

  • Theta

  • Scaleway

  • Refactoring

  • Notion

  • Orrick

After The Program

Your relationship with Dock doesn’t end at Demo Day:

  • Join the Alumni Network: Become part of our vibrant alumni community for continued support, networking, and growth opportunities.

  • Ongoing Support: Access resources and expert advice as you scale your startup post-program.

  • Investor Introductions: We facilitate ongoing connections with investors from our extensive network.

  • Mentorship Opportunities: Give back by mentoring future dock cohorts and sharing your insights.

 FAQs

  • Those who work, those who do research and those who attend or have completed a higher education course (at universities, ITS, academies, higher education schools, etc.) and want to test their entrepreneurial skills and validate a business project.

    To participate, it is not necessary to have your own business idea. You can apply individually and put your expertise and motivation at the service of a team that will be assembled at the start of the course. 

  • Any kind of innovative business idea can be submitted. 

    The programme is designed for new replicable and scalable products and services.

  • Most of the meetings will be online and some face-to-face.

  • Dock lasts 4 months and is divided into approximately 12 meetings, mainly in the afternoon, with compulsory attendance: 9 webinars and 3 pitch tests. The workshops will be held in English.

    For more information read the calendar section.

  • It is possible to apply either individually or with a team. If you already have a team, all members must apply. 

  • Within two weeks from the start of the programme, through team building and organized events, those selected for Dock will be invited to form teams, which must meet the following requirements:

    Numerosity: each team must be of minimum 3 maximum 5 people (from among the Dock participants);

    Multidisciplinarity: each team must have a maximum of 2 members from the same area of study.

     

    These requirements also apply to externally formed teams. 

  • Absolutely yes, even already established teams participate in team building activities so that they can find new members for their team. 

  • We are committed to reading all applications and responding to all within one week after the call closes.

    We will do three selection rounds: after the Christmas holidays, early February and early March.
    We will select a maximum of 10 people per round. In the third and final round we will select all the other participants so as to reach 100 total participants.
    Therefore, those who apply in December will have three chances to be selected, those who apply in January will have 2, and those who apply in February will only have one chance.

  • Motivation 

    Previous experience and skills

    Order of receipt of application

    Balance of participants disciplines of origin

If you do not find the answer you were looking for, write to info@dockstartuplab.com