Autumn 2026
New Directed Research Group opportunity: Build an Unexpected Company
If you’re a founder, or want to be a founder, or have considered becoming a founder, this is for you. Come join the group at Unexpected Venture for 10 weeks of intense building and discover where the journey takes you. Apply to build an Unexpected Company here.
Run by three experienced founders (Omri Mor, Steve Krenzel, and HCDE Professor Beth Kolko), this Directed Research Group will be a “doing” group. Basically, an incubator. It doesn't matter what department you're in. You’ll be able to sign up for credits if you need/want (HCDE 496 or HCDE 596), but it’s not required. This is for anyone who wants to build — no prior founding experience, technical background, or specific coursework required. If you’ve got an idea and a team, great. If you have more than one idea and no team and no idea which idea to pursue, also great. If you have a team but no idea, also great.
Apply here, and for those selected, you’ll meet with the team and other founders every Monday from 4 - 6 p.m. You’ll hear from speakers, you’ll have office hours with Omri, Steve, and Beth, and you’ll learn from watching your peers build.
By the end of ten weeks, if you’re ready we’ll put you in front of investors, and if not, we’ll keep working with you until you are. And if you decide founding isn’t for you, that’s ok, too. Just come curious and willing to work.
Dr. Kolko's research group archive