Michigan State University's Burgess New Venture Challenge Semifinalists

The pace of technological change is rapidly reshaping the jobs of the future. In this new landscape, the ability to create by connecting ideas to action is the defining skill that will differentiate the graduates of tomorrow. It is in this spirit that we launched the Eagle Egg Innovation Seed Fund. University of Mary Washington UMW College of Business Filiz Tabak Dan Clendenin Jenn Cole, CPCU, ARe Robby Noll Christopher Sicuranza Eric Holbrook Daniel Curran Lou Marmo Megan Shepherd Andrew Blate, CPA Linda Blakemore Shelby Orlando

A great article on the growth of the Eagle Egg Innovation Fund and Pitch Competition in the College of Business. Submissions close tomorrow, and we are all so excited to see what ideas students are bringing to the table! #MaryWash

⭐ Three award winning startup companies fueled by the interdisciplinary talents of three SMS students ⭐ At Venture Devils Demo Day this fall, Skysong Innovations were transformed into a showcase of bold ideas, rigorous science, and student-driven entrepreneurship. Logan Chang, Logan Hessefort and Esteban Gardea won funding for their impactful startups. Together their awards underscored how student founders are translating lab-born discoveries into scalable solutions, earning both funding and validation from judges, donors and the broader ASU community. Read the full story at ASU News: https://buff.ly/M1Oms9C

Applications are closing soon for UConn Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI)’s Summer Accelerator! Summer Accelerator is University of Connecticut’s premier startup program designed to help founders turn ideas and early-stage ventures into scalable, sustainable businesses. Over the course of eight weeks, 10 selected startups receive dedicated mentorship, structured programming, $15,000 of non-dilutive funding, and access to pro bono resources that help move ventures forward. Participants work closely with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, refine their business models, validate customers, build traction, and prepare for what comes next — whether that’s launching a product, generating revenue, or pursuing additional funding and incubators. The program is open to UConn-affiliated students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and startups from all industries are encouraged to apply. Not every member of your team needs to be UConn-affiliated — just one founding member. If you’ve been thinking about applying, this is your sign to take the leap. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend the summer focused on building something meaningful. Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/ekCb9txX before the February 17th deadline, or reach out to Alycia Chrosniak Alycia Chrosniak at alycia.chrosniak@uconn.edu with additional questions. 

The UWM Research Foundation (UWMRF) and UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship UWM Research Foundation & Regional Partners Awarded $772K WEDC Grant to Launch Founder Factory The UWM Research Foundation (UWMRF) and UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center are teaming up with three key partners—the Universities of Wisconsin Center for Technology Commercialization (lead applicant), Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition, and Midwest Founders Community—to launch Founder Factory. https://lnkd.in/gnPNRfZE

Two Stanford students just changed the game for Gen Z entrepreneurs. Roman Scott and Itbaan Nafi raised $2 million to launch Breakthrough Ventures, a nationwide accelerator built specifically for college students and recent graduates. Here's what makes this different: Up to $10,000 in grant funding (no equity required) Compute credits through Microsoft and Nvidia partnerships Legal support and mentorship from industry veterans Potential $50,000 follow-on investment Demo Day at Stanford with top VCs The problem they're solving is real. Students have historically lacked access to capital and networks needed to launch startups. Most accelerators cater to experienced entrepreneurs, leaving young founders behind. Breakthrough operates with a hybrid model featuring in-person meetups at VC firms across the country, culminating in a Demo Day at Stanford. They're targeting AI, health, consumer, deep tech, and sustainability companies. Backed by Mayfield and Collide Capital, the program aims to incubate at least 100 companies over three years. Applications for their latest cohort opened February 2nd. What I find most compelling is their approach: "for student founders by student founders." They understand the unique challenges young entrepreneurs face because they're living it themselves. This could be the catalyst that unlocks a new wave of Gen Z innovation. When you remove barriers to entry and provide the right support system, amazing things happen. What do you think about student-focused accelerators? Are they the key to democratizing entrepreneurship for the next generation? #GenZEntrepreneurs #StartupAccelerator #StudentFounders #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

✨We’re pleased to share that 47 new LaunchNET Venture Builder badges were issued recently to participants who have demonstrated key venture-building proficiencies through the LaunchNET program. The Venture Builder badge recognizes individuals who have taken meaningful steps to explore, validate, and advance startup ideas while building the skills and discipline required for entrepreneurial progress. LaunchNET serves as a powerful entry point into entrepreneurship for students and alumni across Northeast Ohio - providing coaching, resources, and community support to those launching a startup or beginning to shape a new venture concept. The program is currently available through five partner universities: • Kent State University • John Carroll University • Case Western Reserve University • Lorain County Community College • Baldwin Wallace University 📩 If you’ve participated in LaunchNET, check your inbox. Eligible participants received emails from both Burton D. Morgan Foundation and Credly with instructions to claim their Venture Builder badge. Accepting your badge allows you to: ✔ Celebrate your progress ✔ Showcase your entrepreneurial skill development ✔ Connect with a growing network of Venture Builders We’re excited to recognize this newest group of LaunchNET participants and look forward to seeing their ideas continue to take shape! 👉 More information: https://lnkd.in/eMuCWXsN Daniel Hampu Angela Kwallek Evans Gina Dotson Denise Griggs Christina Utrup Richard SeamanLaunchNET Kent State University CWRU LaunchNET NEO LaunchNET at Lorain County Community College LaunchNET Baldwin Wallace University John Carroll University Entrepreneurship Caite Lenahan Angle Zach Mikrut Matthew Poyle, MBA Janice Lapina EdD Brittain Elswick #entrepreneur #startup

📌 Had the privilege of conducting a detailed session on startups with the students of Aarupadai Veedu insistute of technology, where we explored the entire entrepreneurial journey from why students choose to become startup founders, to how to identify problems and generate impactful ideas using real-world examples like RedBus, and the practical aspects of registering a startup, exploring grants available for student startups, and leveraging hackathons for learning and networking. We also discussed the mindset required to approach entrepreneurship as a career, the challenges founders face, and the opportunities available for young innovators to turn ideas into real-world impact. Looking forward to students starting their entrepreneurship journey. #startup #student #grant #entrepreneurship #idea #colleges

The University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship is excited to announce continued support from Perot Jain for the Perot Jain TechLab series! With an additional $1.5M in funding, PJTL will advance experiential entrepreneurship through 2028, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges alongside pioneering startups. Since launching, PJTL has connected over 500 students with 72 companies worldwide, transforming campus innovation and launching new ventures. We are deeply grateful to Perot Jain, Ross Perot Jr, and Anurag Jain (U-M Ross alumnus) for their ongoing commitment to cultivating entrepreneurial talent and shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Thank you for investing in the minds and missions that move us forward! Explore more: https://myumi.ch/W6WqJ

Two Stanford students just changed the game for young entrepreneurs nationwide. Roman Scott and Itbaan Nafi didn't wait for someone else to solve the funding gap for student founders. They raised $2 million and launched Breakthrough Ventures, the first accelerator built "for student founders by student founders." Here's what makes this different: Up to $100,000 in grant funding per startup Compute credits from Microsoft and Nvidia Mentorship from industry leaders like Waymo CEO Tekedra Mawakana Potential $50,000 follow-on investment Hybrid model with meetups at top VC firms The timing couldn't be better. While Gen Z faces economic uncertainty, these founders are creating pathways for their peers to build solutions in AI, health tech, sustainability, and deep tech. What's brilliant about their approach? They understand the unique challenges student entrepreneurs face because they're living it themselves. No corporate bureaucracy, no outdated processes, just real support from people who get it. Their goal: incubate 100 companies over three years and become "the hub for Gen Z entrepreneurship." Applications opened February 2nd, and this could be the launchpad that transforms how we think about student innovation. The message is clear: don't wait for permission to build the future. Create the opportunities you wish existed. What do you think about student-led accelerators? Could this model reshape how we support young entrepreneurs? #Entrepreneurship #GenZ #StartupAccelerator #Innovation #StudentFounders