University of Utah students can now launch real software startups while earning credit through Sandbox, a hands-on, interdisciplinary program that combines entrepreneurship, computer science, and structured, build-first execution starting Fall 2026.
March 4, 2026 — Salt Lake City, Utah
Students at the University of Utah can now earn their degrees while building real software startups, thanks to a new partnership with Sandbox, the university announced today.
Starting Fall 2026, seniors and upper-division students across entrepreneurship, computer science, and other majors can enroll in Sandbox, a hands-on program that gives academic credit while guiding students through launching and growing their own companies. Interested students must attend an information session to apply.
Founded initially at BYU in 2020, as an experimental, for‑credit startup incubator within Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business, the Sandbox program operates as a for-credit capstone project, offering a comprehensive, hands-on experience where students create and launch their own tech companies. Selected startup teams prepare for two semesters culminating in Sandbox’s demo-day showcase.
In April 2024, Sandbox Founder and CEO Chris Crittenden announced at that Sandbox would expand to three additional higher education institutions in Utah: Utah State University, Utah Tech University, and Utah Valley University. Over the past two years Sandbox has expanded to BYU-Idaho, Northern Arizona University, Boise State University and University of Louisville, and now the University of Utah.
The University of Utah expansion is a collaboration between the Kahlert School of Computing, the College of Science, and the David Eccles School of Business, with support from the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute and the Doman Innovation Studio.
“We are proud to partner with Sandbox to give students the chance to build real companies while completing their degrees,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “This partnership provides pathways for students to be entrepreneurial and make measurable impact, while helping develop Utah’s next generation of business leaders.”
“Sandbox gives students the chance to change their professional trajectory by building a real startup,” Crittenden said. “We expect great things from University of Utah students and look forward to supporting them.”
Who Can Join Sandbox at the University of Utah?
Unlike a traditional lecture course, Sandbox emphasizes shipping products, not simulations. Students form interdisciplinary teams to build MVPs, test with customers, iterate, and pursue real traction—real code, real customers, real accountability.
Participants receive dedicated office space, mirroring the intensity and collaboration of an early-stage startup. The program at Utah will be led by David Bean, a startup founder and former CTO, supported by professors Cord Bowen and Jason Snyder.
“Our students are ambitious and capable, and Sandbox gives them the support and structure to succeed,” Bean said. “It’s an immersive, hands-on way to learn software development and entrepreneurship.”
Bean has extensive experience in commercial NLP, SaaS, cloud infrastructure, and machine learning, having built technology adopted by major U.S. agencies and enterprises, raised venture funding, and guided senior capstone teams at the University of Utah.
Students interested in graduating with more than a transcript— a product, a venture, and meaningful traction— can register for an information session to join Sandbox.
Apply & Learn More: sandbox.ing
Contact: David Bean, University of Utah Sandbox Director, david.bean@utah.edu
