How much does Spike Incubator cost?
We don't offer one-size-fits-all pricing that you’ve probably seen offered at coding bootcamps. Since this is not a course, and we work with students 1-on-1 to build their projects right alongside them, our pricing is customized based on individual student needs and project scope. We take into account factors such as the complexity of the project, the level of mentorship required, and the duration of support needed. We can understand your child's goals much better on a discovery call and craft an exact program that works for you.
What if my kid is not a coder?
That's actually a common concern!
But don’t worry; this program isn't about churning out code wizards. It's about nurturing creativity and problem-solving skills. Many of our most successful students started with zero technical skills. We've designed the program to be accessible to beginners while still challenging for more tech-savvy students. The focus is on ideas and innovation, not syntax and algorithms.
Your child's unique perspective and creativity are far more valuable than any pre-existing coding skills. We'll provide the technical support they need to bring their ideas to life.
Who knows…they might even discover a hidden talent for tech as we work with them. But even if they don't, they'll build valuable skills in project management, critical thinking, and problem solving - critical skills in today's world.
What if my child doesn't have any project ideas?
It's totally normal for teens to feel unsure about project ideas at first. We don't expect them to come in with a fully-formed concept. In fact, we've designed the first few weeks specifically for exploration and ideation where we meticulously take them through our ‘Idea Pipeline’ methodology to help them identify pain points around them that they get fired up about. Your teen brings their unique experiences and interests, and together, we nurture those seeds into flourishing projects.
We've seen students start with nothing more than a vague interest and end up creating projects that surprised even themselves. In the beginning, we spend a lot of time and effort in discovering the right project alongside our students.
What is the time commitment required for this program?
Our program is designed to be flexible and fit into your child's life, not the other way around. We're not here to add stress or overwhelm anyone. Typically, students spend about 3-5 hours per week on their projects.
But here's the key: it's not about clocking hours, it's about passion and progress. Some weeks, your teen might get really excited and want to dive in deeper. Other weeks, with exams or other commitments, they might need to scale back. That's totally fine! We've structured the program to allow for this.
What is the background and experience of the instructors?
We've handpicked a diverse group of professionals who bring real-world experience in tech, entrepreneurship, and education. Many of our instructors have worked in top tech companies, founded their own startups, or led innovative projects in various industries. But more importantly, they're passionate about mentoring young minds.
We don't just look for impressive resumes. We seek out instructors who can connect with teens, spark curiosity, and guide without overshadowing. They're more coaches than lecturers.
Are there any other prerequisites or prior knowledge required?
We've designed our program to be accessible to teens from all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether your child is a tech whiz or has never written a line of code, there's a place for them here. The only real prerequisites are curiosity and enthusiasm!
What we're really looking for are young minds eager to learn, explore, and push boundaries. Your teen's unique perspective and creativity are far more valuable than any specific technical skills.
That said, if your child does have prior experience in coding or AI, don't worry - we've got plenty to challenge them too. Our curriculum is flexible and can adapt to different starting points.
What if we try it and it doesn’t work?
If your child tries the program and finds it's not the right fit, that's totally okay. No hard feelings, no awkward conversations.
We offer a simple, no-questions-asked refund policy for the first 7 days. We've found that it usually takes a little time for teens to settle in and really get a feel for the program. But if at any point during that first week you decide it's not working out, just let us know. We'll refund your money, no hassle.
There's really no downside. Your teen might discover a passion they never knew they had. And if not, you can walk away easily, having learned something valuable about what does (or doesn't) engage them.
Are there any additional costs or materials needed?
Just a computer and internet access. The program fee covers everything else your teen will need to participate fully in the program. This includes all software tools, access to our online curriculum, 1-on-1 mentoring, and group workshops.
All this sounds great. But why should I trust you?
You shouldn’t.
In a world of BS promises, instant coaches and fly-by-night programs, of course we’re all being lied to all the time.
Instead of asking you for blind faith in us, we set up a no-risk experiment instead. So you can see what it's like to work together without having to commit to a long-term agreement. You’ll find out pretty quickly if the program is a fit for your family or not. There’s no downside to starting, and you can bail quickly if it’s not what you thought.
What can I expect on the discovery call?
First, we'll take some time to get to know you and your teen. We want to hear about their interests, aspirations, and what they're hoping to get out of this experience. It's a chance for us to understand how we might be able to support their unique journey.
We'll also explain more about how our program works and answer any questions you might have. This is your opportunity to dig deeper into anything you're curious or uncertain about.
If it seems like a good fit, we'll discuss potential project ideas and how your teen might get started. But there's absolutely no obligation to make a decision on the spot.
The call is really about exploring possibilities and seeing if there's a spark. We believe in letting the program speak for itself, so we'll even offer a suggestion for a mini-project your teen can try, regardless of whether you decide to join us.
It’s a friendly chat to explore an exciting opportunity for your teen. No pressure, no hard sell - just an open conversation about their potential and how we might help nurture it.
