Drexel University's Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship isn’t learned in a straight line.  Professor Robert Morier took three Drexel students - winners of our recent travel writing contest - on an experiential journey to Waco, Texas. But as Rob reminded the group, the real "travel hack" for a founder isn't maximizing points or packing protein, it’s embracing the detour. From sitting in on high-level industry panels at Baylor University to navigating the unscripted "in-between" moments of travel, our students learned that being a founder is about how you respond when things don't go to plan. "Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building. It’s about interpreting and responding - navigating the unexpected with clarity and curiosity." - Professor Morier Read more about their trip here: https://lnkd.in/gU6MVbC2  #ExperienceDrexel #CloseSchool #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship #StudentSuccess #DrexelDragons #FounderMindset #HigherEd #Innovation

Future Fest 2026 was a masterclass in the entrepreneurial mindset. We brought together the brightest minds from Drexel, Temple and Rowan University for a day of high-pressure competition and real-world validation.🐉 The Winners’ Circle: ⚡️ BIIT Hackathon: Team Buck-It, Team Mentor Link, Team After Hello and Team Human. 🎤 Fast Pitch: Mahika Shetty (1st), Vidhi Shah (2nd) and Anthony Perez (3rd).  🔥 Rising Starters (Pre-College): Nick Lilly & Jeff Kolakowski (1st), Julia Berkey (2nd) and Jayce Roth (3rd).  🌍 Hult Prize: plusPouch (1st), Hearty Health (2nd) and Bobica Bars (3rd). From the Proving Ground Expo to the final awards ceremony, thank you to everyone who helped our community thrive! The future looks bright. 🔗 Check the here for the full recap: https://lnkd.in/exbqPnJZ Drexel University Rowan University Temple University Hult Prize Foundation  #FutureFest #DrexelUniversity #CloseSchool #Entrepreneurship #PitchCompetition #PhillyStartups #Innovation #SmallBusinessCheck #StudentFounder #GenZBusiness #HultPrize #CollegeLife #BusinessOwner #PhillyTech #Funding

For Lasya Tarini (‘25), an entrepreneurship degree was never just a credential—it was a toolkit for architectural change. As Engagement Manager at United Effects Ventures (UEV)[tag the company], Lasya is at the forefront of the Philadelphia startup scene. Her journey to UEV defines the proactive opportunity finding taught at Drexel: after making the finals of an AI Innovation Tournament, she leveraged her strategic networking and pitch fluency to design a custom role that didn’t previously exist. Today, she is using that same Close School toolkit to solve one of the region’s greatest challenges: retaining talent in Philadelphia. Through her monthly Ground Floor pitch series, Lasya is creating the intentional, high-energy spaces necessary for local founders to scale their businesses right here in the city. Whether she is mentoring international cohorts through the HER Lab global incubator or building community in Philly, Lasya’s story is a masterclass in the power of the pivot. She is a reminder that at the Close School, we don’t just prepare students for the market—we empower them to build it. Read the full feature on Lasya’s evolution from student leader to ecosystem builder: https://lnkd.in/eRwWEQeU Drexel University  #DrexelAlumni #VentureCapital #PhillyStartups #Innovation #EcosystemBuilding #FounderMindset #Drexel #CloseSchool #WomenInBusiness #ImpactEntrepreneurship

The future of AI is being reimagined at Drexel 🐉 What happens when you give Drexel students access to the world’s most powerful tools? You get a masterclass in problem-solving. We’re diving into the top three trends currently driving student innovation at the Close School:  📚 Education: Personalized AI partners built for specific syllabi.  🌱 Mental Health: Scaling empathy and access through sentiment-sensing tech.  ⚙️ Niche Automation: Solving complex industry problems with high-value AI agents. From conceptual pitches at Startup Fest to deep-dives into personal pain points, our students aren't just using AI - they are ideating the next generation of impactful solutions. Check out our latest Starter’s Review to see how concepts like Learnflow AI, Safe Space, and Masari are mapping the future of student-led ventures. 🔗https://lnkd.in/epQ7j2w3 #Drexel #LeBow #Entrepreneurship #CloseSchool #AInnovation #StudentFounders #StartupFest2025 #Ideation #AI

Are you ready to level up your innovation? We have a list of upcoming external competitive programs offering substantial funding, mentorship, and networking. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a student with an idea, these opportunities are designed to help you grow. Swipe through to explore this month’s featured opportunities: 🌟 Stu Clark New Venture Championship: Compete for over $72,000 in cash prizes in Winnipeg. (Deadline: March 26) Register here: https://lnkd.in/gTMThs3U.  🌟Arch Grants: Secure $75,000 in equity-free grants and relocation support for the St. Louis ecosystem. (Deadline: March 31) Register here: https://lnkd.in/dVTn88Hv  🌟Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures: Pitch for capital and resources dedicated to Philadelphia-based social impact. (Deadline: March 31) Register here: https://lnkd.in/eUKmr46S  🌟Cleantech Accelerator 2026: Join the world’s largest cleantech network for mentorship and investor matching. (Deadline: April 6) Register here: https://lnkd.in/dgYtNQEg Don't miss your chance to secure the resources your vision deserves! Drexel University  #ExperienceDrexel #CloseSchool #DrexelUniversity #LeBow #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #DrexelEntrepreneurs #DrexelStudents #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #Cleantech #SmallBusiness #PitchCompetition

Does the fear of networking or pitching paralyze you? You're not alone. At the Close School, we replace the terrifying unknown with actionable certainty. We give you the structured "Entrepreneurship Toolkit" to guide your venture and provide repeated, low-stakes practice to build muscle memory. It's not about being fearless; it's about being prepared. Read how our methodology—based on Preparation, Practice, and Constructive Feedback—turns strangers into valuable connections and market data: Read the full article ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gZkN6is9  Drexel University   #ExperienceDrexel #CloseSchool #DrexelUniversity #LeBow #Entrepreneurship #Startups #PublicSpeaking #Networking #PitchCompetition #Pitch

Future Fest 2026 brought together the brightest entrepreneurial minds from the Drexel University community and beyond for a day of innovation and professional development. Here are the key moments from the day: ⚡️ BIIT Tournament: Student teams engaged in high-pressure collaboration during this hackathon-style sprint, where they were tasked with solving complex technical and business hurdles in real time.  Congratulations to our event winners: Team Buck-It, Team Mentor Link, Team After Hello and Team Human. 🎤 Fast Pitch: This on-the-spot competition is a Drexel University's Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship  staple. Students had just two minutes to convey their visions to a panel of expert judges, vying for a share of a cash prize pool to fund their ventures. Winners: 🥇 1st: Mahika Shetty, Drexel 🥈 2nd: Vidhi Shah, Drexel 🥉 3rd: Anthony Perez, Rowan University 🔥 Rising Starters Fast Pitch: We opened the stage to the next generation of changemakers. This pre-college competition invited high school entrepreneurs to sharpen their ideas and experience the heat of a real pitch floor. Winners: 🥇 1st: Nick Lilly and Jeff Kolakowski, Father Judge High School 🥈 2nd: Julia Berkey, Perkiomen Valley High School 🥉 3rd: Jayce Roth, Perkiomen Valley High School 🛒 Proving Ground Expo: Student vendors moved beyond theory to practice, engaging directly with the public to secure real-time market validation and actual sales. This served as a vital opportunity for founders to test product-market fit on the spot. 🌍 Hult Prize Regionals: This "Nobel Prize for Students" challenged teams from Drexel, Rowan and Temple University to solve a pressing social issue through a sustainable business model. Winners advanced toward the national stage for a chance at $1M in global seed funding. Winners: 🏆 1st: Team plusPouch, Rowan 🥈 2nd: Hearty Health, Drexel 🥉 3rd: Bobica Bars, Drexel The day concluded with a formal awards ceremony and networking reception, where participants forged lasting professional connections. A massive thank you to our mentors and industry professionals for providing the guidance that helps our community grow. Until next time! 🐉 Drexel University Rowan University Temple University Hult Prize Foundation  #FutureFest #CloseSchool #ExperienceDrexel #DrexelDragons #Startup #Philly #HultPrize #FastPitch #StudentFounder #GenZEntrepreneurs #Innovation #PhillyTech #PreCollege #MarketValidation #Funding

Please join us in congratulating Close School Professor Robert Morier on receiving the 2024-2025 Schulze Publication Award from the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Exchange (EIX)! His article, “Why Lifeguards Make the Best Founders and CEOs,” took home the top honor in the Theory and Research Category.  Rob’s work explores a powerful concept: The Lifeguard Mindset. He argues that the vigilance and split-second decision-making skills learned on the lifeguard stand are the secret ingredients for executive success. It’s about more than just managing a business—it’s about scanning the horizon for the "rip currents" of the market before they hit. 🌊 This recognition highlights the world-class thought leadership our faculty bring to the Drexel community every day. Want to lead like a lifeguard? Check out the full article at the link here: https://lnkd.in/epC62xA6 @DrexelUniversity @DrexelOne @LeBowCollege @EIX_ Exchange #ExperienceDrexel #CloseSchool #DrexelUniversity #LeBow #Entrepreneurship #ThoughtLeadership #SchulzeAward #Lifeguard #EntrepreneurshipMindset #StartupStrategy #BusinessResearch #DrexelDragons

What are Drexel entrepreneurs building in 2026? 🐉 The Baiada Institute just released the 2026 Student Idea Index, a look at the trends, shifts, and "ideation traps" currently surfacing in our entrepreneurship ecosystem. Written by our Vice Dean of Educational Affairs, Chuck Sacco, this report goes beyond the surface to analyze how Dragons are leveraging AI, rethinking real estate, and tackling social impact.  Key takeaways from Close School: ✅ The Validation Gap: Why primary research is the missing link in student startups.  ✅ Solution-First Traps: The danger of building a "tool" before identifying a "pain."  ✅ Emergent Categories: AI remains king, but Workforce and HR tools are rising fast. Whether you’re an investor looking for talent or a student looking for a gap in the market, this Index is your roadmap! Read the full analysis by Chuck Sacco, here: https://lnkd.in/g6A_nRqJ #BuildInPublic #LeanStartup #VentureBuilding #SocialImpact #GenZWorkforce #DTCBrands #FutureOfWork #Ideation #DrexelUniversity #DrexelDragons #CloseSchool #BaiadaInstitute #DrexelCoop #LeBow #AIsolutions

Want to take your startup to the next level? Apply to Drexel’s Startups Fund!  This is your chance to transform your vision into a viable business. Participants have the opportunity to scale through the Baiada Incubator, receive massive funding, and get direct feedback from a network of expert mentors. This program is specifically designed to bridge the gap for student entrepreneurs, providing the resources needed to turn an idea into reality. Apply before February 27th to make your mark: https://lnkd.in/gpmSy9cK  @Drexel University @Drexel University's LeBow College of Business #ForeverDragons #ExperienceDrexel #CloseSchool #DrexelUniversity #LeBow #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Pitch #Funding #StudentStartups