This September, we officially launched UVA Innovates, our new platform for catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Virginia. UVA Innovates is a gateway to support, training, and opportunities to help you succeed in your innovative endeavors.
:: WHAT’S HAPPENING ::
President Ryan helps launch The Foundry at grand opening
On October 2nd, we officially launched The Foundry, our new student “club house” for entrepreneurs, innovators, and creative types! The launched featured comments from President Ryan, a keynote by former Reddit CTO Marty Weiner, a faculty panel, and an open house reception. The launch was part of a broad Fall Entrepreneurship Week featuring a Venture Fair, Entrepreneurship Escape Room, and Entrepreneurship Challenge. Check out http://foundry.virginia.edu to learn more about this exciting new initiative.
Congrats to our E-Cup Concept Competition Winners!
The Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Technology, & Innovation is thrilled to announce the winners of the UVA Entrepreneurship Cup: Concept Phase! This year, we had over 150 applications spread across 5 tracks: Engineering & Health Care, Social Entrepreneurship, B2B, Consumer, and UVA Wise.
Congratulations to all participants who brought their seed ideas forward and competed for the chance to win $1,000 to put towards their new venture. Special thanks to our dedicated track leads for organizing each track competition and supporting the entrepreneurship programs at UVA!
The fifth and final track competition for UVA Wise will be held on November 22nd.
Alumni Association Hosts Entrepreneurship Mini Summit
The UVA Alumni Association hosted its first Entrepreneurship Mini Summit on October 4th (LinkedIn post/photos here). Hundreds of entrepreneurial alumni came together at UVA Darden’s Sands Family Grounds to hear from successful entrepreneurs and investors and to network with their fellow Hoos. As we build at UVA Innovates, we hope to do more to cultivate our entrepreneurial alumni base.
:: OPPORTUNITIES ::
Applications for the Entrepreneurship Minor are now open!
The application for the pan-university Entrepreneurship Minor, with concentrations in Tech, Social and Business innovation is now open. Application Process and Timeline:
Eligibility: To be considered for the minor, you must have completed or be enrolled in ENTP 1010: Startup and be in good academic standing according to your school of enrollment.
Timeline: The application is available Nov. 1, 2024, and is due Feb. 21, 2025, at noon. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. Decisions will be released on March 21, 2025.
Application components: The application includes 1) your academic information (transcript), 2) a summary of three meaningful activities, and 3) two short essay prompts.
:: WAHOOWA ::
Check out these stories on entrepreneurial UVA alumni!
Pro Golfer to Entrepreneur: Kelly Okun’s Mission to Transform Women’s Sports
Food Startup ‘Ethiopian Delights’ Serves Cultural Connection
This UVA Darden Alum is Literally Crushing It in the Wine Industry
START SOMETHING AWESOME!
Looking for connections to a co-founder or need help with a project? Email uvainnovates@virginia.edu.
Should you have any questions about UVA Innovates, feel free to check out our website, sign up for the newsletter, or email uvainnovates@virginia.edu.
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