AI powered tools and platforms are fundamentally changing how student founders build startups. From idea validation to pitch deck creation, these platforms provide structured guidance, AI assistance, and access to knowledge bases that help founders move faster and make better decisions. At MIT and Harvard, three platforms stand out: MIT Orbit, HBS Foundry, and TNT Tools (coming soon).
TNT Tools Coming Soon
TNT is building a suite of AI powered tools designed specifically for student founders from MIT, Harvard, and beyond. Unlike generic startup tools, TNT Tools are built by founders who understand the unique challenges of building while in school, balancing coursework, managing limited time, and navigating the student founder ecosystem.
MIT Orbit: Jetpack and Knowledge Base
MIT Orbit is MIT's comprehensive online platform designed to help student entrepreneurs navigate the startup ecosystem. Built by the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, Orbit serves as a centralized hub for knowledge, resources, and AI powered tools.
Eship Jetpack
The standout feature of MIT Orbit is Eship Jetpack, an AI powered assistant designed to accelerate the startup development process. By inputting your startup idea into Jetpack, you receive rapid, in depth research and analysis that compresses the time required to investigate and develop entrepreneurial concepts.
Jetpack helps you quickly validate ideas, understand market dynamics, and identify key considerations for your startup. Instead of spending weeks researching, Jetpack provides comprehensive analysis in minutes, allowing you to move faster from idea to validation.
The Knowledge Base
At the heart of MIT Orbit is an extensive knowledge base with over 5,000 articles developed by Entrepreneurs in Residence. These articles cover everything from early stage ideation to scaling your startup, with practical advice from experienced entrepreneurs who've been through the journey.
The knowledge base is searchable and organized by topic, making it easy to find relevant information when you need it. Combined with Jetpack's AI analysis, Orbit provides both structured knowledge and rapid research capabilities.
For MIT students, Orbit is an essential resource for understanding the ecosystem and accessing the wealth of knowledge available. It's particularly valuable in the early stages when you're exploring entrepreneurship and need to quickly research and validate ideas.
Explore MIT OrbitHBS Foundry: From Idea to Launch in 30 Days
HBS Foundry is Harvard Business School's AI powered startup platform designed to help founders go from idea to launch in 30 days. Developed by HBS, Foundry combines structured workflows with AI assistance to guide founders through the essential steps of building a startup.
Structured Workflows
Foundry's core strength is its structured approach to startup building. The platform breaks down the journey into clear steps, helping you create essential startup documents and artifacts. Whether you need to draft a founder's agreement, build a financial model, or create a competitive analysis, Foundry provides templates and AI powered guidance.
The platform is designed to eliminate guesswork. Instead of wondering what to do next, Foundry gives you a clear path forward with actionable steps and tools to complete each task. This is particularly valuable for first time founders who may not know where to start or what documents they need.
AI Powered Feedback
One of Foundry's most powerful features is its AI powered feedback system. The platform can analyze your pitch deck, business model, and financials, providing specific feedback and suggestions for improvement. For example, if your financial model shows a high cost per transaction, Foundry will flag this and suggest ways to reconsider your unit economics.
Foundry helps you create and manage essential startup documents, generating competitive analyses, financial models, and business model assessments tailored to your specific startup. The platform also helps you build a data room for fundraising, guiding you through what investors expect to see.
Foundry is well suited for founders who want structure and speed. If you're ready to move quickly and want AI powered assistance to help you create professional documents and get feedback, Foundry can significantly accelerate your progress. The 30 day framework creates urgency and helps you maintain momentum.
Explore HBS FoundryAI tools are powerful accelerators, but they work best when combined with human insight, real customer feedback, and a strong founder community. Use tools like Orbit and Foundry for speed and structure, then leverage your network, including programs like TNT Accelerator, for strategic decisions, mentorship, and access to investors.
Ready to Build?
If you're a student founder from MIT, Harvard, or beyond, join the TNT Accelerator to get early access to our upcoming tools, plus mentorship, community, and demo day opportunities.