A collection of upcoming events and opportunities, from both VentureWell and the innovation & entrepreneurship community.
From VentureWell
VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator
Our oceans are critical to our nation’s future, and innovation is key to solving the challenges facing our blue economy. That’s why the VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator is here to support innovators and ventures developing technologies in key marine and coastal sector industries with advanced training, mentorship, and access to a funnel with up to $140,000 in total non-dilutive funding potential! Together, we can create solutions that transform the blue economy and build the future of America’s coasts. Apply for Spring 2026 Stage 1 by February 18.
From Student to Founder: VentureWell Accelerator Alumni Roundtable
Join us on Thursday, February 19, at 12:00 p.m. ET to hear from VentureWell Accelerator alumni on how they have successfully made the transition from student to founder. Listen in as we hear about their innovation journeys and where they are now in their pathway to commercialization. This free webinar is open to the public. Register now.
Engaging Activities for STEM I&E Classrooms and Programs
Are you searching for new (or new to you) engaging activities for your STEM innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) class or program? Join us on Thursday, March 12, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET to hear VentureWell members share a few of their favorites! We’ll then split up into smaller groups to enact one of these activities. Register now.
Aspire Climatetech
Climatetech startups, engage with investor-mentors and prepare to raise capital with Aspire Climatetech! Aspire is a five-week intensive, hybrid program that prepares startups for investor engagement. Investor-mentors work one-on-one with startups to simulate due diligence conversations and integrate feedback into deal room materials in real-time. This program aims to prepare startups to raise equity investment. Apply by April 8, 2026.
Regional Meet Ups | Spotlight Series
Join us on Thursday, April 9, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET as we shine the spotlight on VentureWell members from each region of the United States, showcasing the excellent innovation and entrepreneurship work happening throughout our network. Attendees will have the opportunity to move into breakout rooms for each specific region to make connections. RSVP now!
DEBUT 2026
With $190,000 in prizes, the DEBUT Challenge is open to undergraduate student teams working on innovative solutions to unmet health and clinical problems. Applications are now being accepted for the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and VentureWell Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge, a competition that recognizes undergraduate excellence in biomedical design and innovation. DEBUT challenges teams of students in undergraduate biomedical education to solve real-world problems in healthcare. Apply by June 5, 2026!
Ecosystem Building 101: Lessons Learned From Our Inaugural Fellows
Join us on Friday, May 1, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET as we hear three of our inaugural Ecosystem Futures Fellows speak to their journeys so far in ecosystem building. They’ll share the challenges they encountered this past year, lessons learned, and actionable takeaways from those attempting to grow their own innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems on campus and beyond. Join us!
Engaging National Economic Partners
Are you interested in growing your network of national economic partners? Join us on Thursday, May 14, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET as we hear insights from our members on how they’ve done this. We’ll then split into small groups to discuss specific examples and how you can take the next step at your institution. Grab your seat!
Mid-Year Celebration | Failures & Flops
Let’s celebrate our STEM innovation and entrepreneurship failures and flops from the last six months… for they surely taught us lessons on what to do and not to do in the future. Join us on Thursday, June 11, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET as we hear stories and examples from our members on pitfalls to avoid and successes to implement for you and your institution. Register today!
From the I&E Community
Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market Course
Developed in collaboration with the Laboratory for Innovation Science at Harvard and the University of California San Diego, this self-paced, introductory course is being offered free on the edX platform. Enroll today to learn how entrepreneurs match technology with customer needs and bring cutting-edge innovations to market. The course will run over five weeks, with the option to pursue a verified certificate. Learn more.
ACRE Incubator at Urban Future Lab
Rapidly scale and transform your startup into a vehicle for solving the world’s greatest challenge, climate change. ACRE provides unmatched access to strategic advisement, introductions to industry stakeholders, marketing and branding support, investor networks, and access to a community of like-minded founders solving real challenges in energy, water, waste, infrastructure, transportation, and resiliency. Learn more and apply.
Dorm Room Fund
Dorm Room Fund (DRF) is a student-run venture fund, backed by First Round Capital, that supports college students and recent graduates looking to grow their startups. Selected teams receive a $20,000 investment, plus access to mentors, resources, and the DRF community. At least one team member must be an undergraduate or graduate student to be eligible for the program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
Hosted by the National Science Foundation, the SBIR program aims to support scientific discoveries and technological innovation that is moving from the lab to the market. The program provides non-dilutive funding and entrepreneurial support at the earliest stages of company development. Consider applying if your discovery can be transformed into an innovation with commercial potential and/or societal benefit. Applications are accepted throughout several seasonal cycles. Learn more.
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