About the Program

What is the Block Digital Start-Up Incubator & Challenge? Block Digital is a 10-week startup incubator and competition where 5 teams build real brands, raise real capital, and compete for cash prizes. The program is designed to sharpen your business acumen through hands-on experience with real stakes. Last cohort raised over $50,000 collectively.

Who runs the program? Block Digital is a program of TBH LLC, a Houston-based organization focused on building entrepreneurial talent in STEM.

Where does the program take place? The program is based in the Houston area. Participants must be available for one day per week onsite. The remaining hours can be completed remotely.

Application & Eligibility

Who can apply? You're eligible if you are:

• A current college sophomore, junior, or senior

• A recent college graduate (2024–2026)

• Studying a STEM-related major: Computer Science, Engineering, Digital Marketing, Math, or Finance

Do I need to live in Houston? You need to be able to attend onsite sessions one day per week, so being in the Houston area for the duration of the program is required.

Can I apply if I'm an international student or from out of state? Yes, as long as you can commit to the onsite requirement and have legal authorization to participate in a program with potential earnings.

When is the application deadline? Applications close on May 22, 2026.

What happens after I apply? Once you submit your application and the $99 fee, one of our instructors will follow up to assess your fit for the program.

The $99 Fee

Why is there a $99 fee? The $99 covers your application processing and program materials. It also helps ensure that accepted participants are serious about the commitment.

Is the fee refundable? Yes, in two cases:

• If you are not accepted into the program, you receive a 100% refund.

• If you are accepted but choose not to start before the program begins, you receive a 100% refund.

Once the program begins on June 13, 2026, the fee becomes non-refundable.

How do I pay the fee? The fee is submitted as part of your online application at www.tbhtechsvcs.com/block.

Time Commitment

How many hours per week is the program? Approximately 20 hours per week, including one full day onsite in the Houston area.

What does the onsite day look like? Onsite days typically include workshops, mentor sessions, team collaboration, and check-ins with instructors. The remaining ~12 hours per week are flexible and team-driven.

Is attendance mandatory? Yes. Attendance, participation, and performance are required to remain in the program throughout all 10 weeks.

Prizes & Equity

What are the prizes?

• 🥇 1st Place: 10% of the total funds raised by ALL teams across the program

• 🥈 2nd Place: $1,500

• 🥉 3rd Place: $1,000

How is 1st place calculated? The winning team receives 10% of the combined total raised by all 5 teams during the program. For example, if all teams collectively raise $80,000, the 1st place team receives $8,000.

Could prize amounts change? Yes. The prize structure may be adjusted based on the total funds raised during the program.

Do participants get equity in TBH LLC or the brands they build? No. Participants do not receive an equity share in TBH LLC as a condition of the program. All work created during the program is assigned to TBH LLC, as detailed in the agreements you'll sign upon acceptance.

Legal & Agreements

What agreements will I need to sign? Accepted participants sign:

• A non-disclosure agreement (NDA)

• A non-compete agreement

• A work assignment acknowledgment (work created during the program belongs to TBH LLC)

Is there a photo/video release? Yes. By applying or attending TBH LLC events, you grant TBH LLC and its partners permission to use photos and video of participants for program-related communications.

Still Have Questions?

DM us on Instagram or Facebook, or reach out through the contact form at www.tbhtechsvcs.com/contact. We'll respond within 24 hours.