Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Inkling website at inklinglabs.org and your participation in the Inkling Summer Entrepreneurship Program (the "Program"), operated by Inkling Labs ("Inkling," "we," "us," or "our").

By accessing our website, submitting an application, or enrolling in the Program, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or apply to the Program.

For participants under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must review and agree to these Terms. By completing enrollment on behalf of a minor, the parent or guardian accepts these Terms for themselves and the student.

2. Program Participation

Eligibility

The Inkling Program is open to students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 (or the equivalent) at the time of the program. Admission is selective and at Inkling's sole discretion.

Enrollment

Acceptance into the Program is confirmed only upon receipt of the required program fee and a completed enrollment agreement. Inkling reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if enrollment requirements are not completed by the stated deadline.

Program Changes

Inkling reserves the right to modify the program schedule, curriculum, mentors, format, or delivery method at any time. We will make reasonable efforts to communicate material changes in advance. Changes do not entitle participants to a refund except as described in the Fees & Refunds section.

Remote & In-Person Sessions

Depending on the program format, sessions may be conducted virtually, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Participants are responsible for having the necessary equipment and internet access to participate in virtual sessions.

3. Fees & Refunds

The program fee for the current cohort is listed on our website at the time of application. Fees must be paid in full to secure enrollment.

Refund Schedule

• More than 30 days before program start: Full refund minus a $150 processing fee
• 15–30 days before program start: 50% refund
• Fewer than 15 days before program start: No refund
• After program begins: No refund

Cancellation by Inkling

If Inkling cancels a cohort prior to its start date for any reason, enrolled participants will receive a full refund of all fees paid. If a cohort is cancelled after it has begun due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, Inkling will issue a prorated refund for the remaining unfulfilled portion of the program.

Dismissal for Conduct

Participants dismissed from the Program due to violations of the Code of Conduct are not entitled to any refund.

4. Code of Conduct

Inkling is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and productive environment for all participants. By enrolling, you agree to:

• Treat all participants, mentors, and staff with respect
• Attend all required sessions and meet program deadlines
• Refrain from harassment, bullying, discrimination, or any form of abusive behavior
• Not engage in academic dishonesty, plagiarism, or misrepresentation of your work
• Follow all platform-specific community guidelines for any tools used during the program
• Not share confidential information about other participants or their startup ideas without permission

Inkling reserves the right to dismiss any participant who violates these standards, without refund, at the sole discretion of program leadership.

5. Intellectual Property

Your Work

You retain full ownership of all original ideas, business concepts, products, and creative work that you develop during the Program ("Student Work"). Inkling does not claim any ownership rights over Student Work.

Inkling's Materials

All curriculum materials, frameworks, presentations, videos, and other content provided by Inkling ("Program Materials") remain the exclusive property of Inkling Labs. You may use Program Materials for your personal educational purposes but may not reproduce, distribute, or commercialize them without our written consent.

Feedback

Mentor and staff feedback provided during the Program is given for your educational benefit. Inkling does not claim any ownership of your work as a result of feedback provided.

6. Media & Consent

Program activities, including Demo Day presentations, may be recorded, photographed, or livestreamed. By enrolling, you grant Inkling a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use your name, likeness, and voice in connection with program documentation and promotional materials.

For participants under 18, this consent is granted by the parent or guardian completing enrollment. If you wish to opt out of any specific use of your likeness, please notify us in writing prior to the relevant event.

We will not share media featuring minors on public platforms without parental consent.

7. Disclaimers

The Inkling Program is designed to be an educational experience. While we work hard to provide a high-quality program, we make no guarantees about specific outcomes, including but not limited to:

• College admissions results
• Business success or viability of any startup idea developed during the Program
• Employment, internship, or investment opportunities arising from participation
• The quality or reliability of any third-party tools, platforms, or services used during the Program

The Program is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Inkling Labs, its staff, mentors, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to your participation in the Program or use of our website.

Inkling's total liability to you for any claim arising out of these Terms or your participation in the Program shall not exceed the total program fees you paid for the current cohort.

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations on liability, so the above may not apply to you in full.

9. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising under these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration or in the courts of competent jurisdiction, as mutually agreed.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: