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Bring the hardest problem. Leave with the most creative answer.

The BOX convenes curated Stanford teams for time-bound, analog brainstorming that unlocks new perspectives fast. We are not a consulting group. We are a rapid ideation engine built for bold founders and business leaders.

Designed for vision, not just data

Traditional consulting solves current problems with existing data. The BOX creates space for visionary thinking about where markets are going and how your company should evolve. Time pressure, diverse cohorts, and pen-and-paper constraints push teams into unexpected ideas you would not get from a standard process.

Time-compressed creativity Interdisciplinary teams Analog-first ideation
Design the Box Define the challenge

We help shape an open-ended, visionary prompt.

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Sponsorship Paths Support a cohort

Sponsor a session to access ideas and talent.

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Start a Pilot Talk with our team

Book a pilot session and set the timeline.

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A fast, focused collaboration

We keep it simple: bring a real challenge, co-design the box prompt, and review the most exceptional outcomes.

1. Define the challenge

Work with our team to craft a problem statement that is specific, open-ended, and vision-oriented.

2. Curate the cohort

We assemble interdisciplinary student teams matched to your sector, from tech to hospitality to supply chain.

3. Run the box

Students enter a time-constrained, analog-only session designed to create bold, actionable ideas.

4. Select and refine

Faculty advisors and the admin team select the strongest ideas for a curated pitch back to you.

Prompt Crafting Open-ended problems

We design prompts that resist simple frameworks.

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Sponsor a Prompt Underwrite a session

Support a problem box and access the outcomes.

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Contact the Team Define next steps

Align on scope, timing, and deliverables.

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Open problems over rigid briefs

The strongest prompts are the ones that cannot be solved with a framework. We prefer visionary challenges that push beyond standard optimization questions. If the prompt is easily solved with analytics, it is not a BOX problem yet.

Start narrow, think wide

Anchor in a real constraint, then let the teams explore the future around it.

Diversify the sectors

We actively look beyond tech: hospitality, entertainment, logistics, and consumer brands.

Founder-access matters

We focus on companies where decision makers can engage with outcomes quickly.

Hershey: innovation under creator pressure

"With the rise of content creators expanding their own brands, how does Hershey stay on top while reigniting product innovation and cultural relevance?"

An example of a creative, non-consulting prompt built to unlock visionary ideas.

What you receive after the box

Concept portfolio

A structured collection of top ideas, captured in student-first language with clear next steps.

Pitch-ready highlights

Shortlist of the most exceptional ideas packaged for an executive or founder review.

Follow-on options

Optional deeper sessions, prototype exploration, or collaboration with student builders.

Sponsor a startup problem box

Businesses can sponsor sessions that pair Stanford teams with startup or growth-stage challenges. Sponsorships underwrite operations while giving you a front-row seat to emerging ideas and talent.

Challenge sponsor

Fund a single box prompt and receive the top idea portfolio.

Cohort sponsor

Support an entire session cycle and engage with multiple teams.

Prototype sponsor

Underwrite a follow-on build sprint for the most promising concepts.

Sponsor a Box Fund a challenge

Back a session and receive curated solutions.

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Engagement Flow How we run it

See the steps from prompt to pitch.

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Book a Call Get aligned fast

Talk through a pilot and timeline.

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Ready to bring a problem into The BOX?

We will help you craft the prompt and identify the right cohort.

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Let's Connect

Want to sponsor a session or explore a pilot? Reach out and we will tailor a proposal.

Email Us thebox@stanford.edu

Start a sponsorship or pilot conversation.

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Sponsorship Options Support a cohort

See sponsor tiers and engagement formats.

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Read the Manifesto Why we exist

Understand the vision behind the program.

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