A collection of upcoming events and opportunities, from both VentureWell and the innovation & entrepreneurship community.
From VentureWell
The Philanthropy Pivot: Funding Futures in Higher Ed
Join us for this webinar, part of the VIA Learning Series, on July 30 at 1:00 p.m. ET—an inside look at how higher education leaders and funders are adapting to a shifting philanthropic landscape. Ify Aduba, executive director, Entrepreneurship Funders Network; Kory Murphy, program officer, The Lemelson Foundation; and David Wolf, Ph.D., associate vice president, Major Gifts, Tulane University, will share their insight on building strategic, mission-aligned relationships that create lasting impact. Free to attend; registration is required. Register now.
Ocean Enterprise Accelerator
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are now open! The VentureWell Ocean Enterprise Accelerator, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is a program designed to empower innovators who are tackling the most critical challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities. We’re looking for ventures developing technologies in key marine and coastal sector industries. With up to $140,000 in total funding potential, this could be your chance to lead the way in ocean innovation! Apply by July 21.
BME-IDEA Meeting 2025
The Biomedical Engineering Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Alliance (BME-IDEA) Meeting brings together professionals in biomedical engineering education for valuable networking opportunities, collaboration, and in-depth discussions on the latest trends and innovations in biomedical engineering instruction. This year’s BME-IDEA Meeting will be hosted on October 8, 2025 at the University of California, San Diego. 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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