For Students

Welcome to a universe of possibilities where innovation knows no bounds. At UVA, entrepreneurship isn't confined to a single school or program – it's woven into the very fabric of our institution, spanning every corner of our grounds and touching every field of study.

A Connected Ecosystem of Innovation

Innovation at UVA transcends traditional boundaries. Whether you're studying Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Law, or any other discipline, you're part of an interconnected web of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. 

The Foundry stands as the beating heart of this ecosystem, but the pulse of innovation runs through every school, every department, and every corner of UVA. 

The Entrepreneurship Cup is our annual competition in which challenges student founders to develop and present their ideas for the chance to win the funding to make them real.

Innovation Across Grounds

Cross-Disciplinary Programs Open to All

The Pan-University Entrepreneurship Minor Open to every UVA student, this program transcends academic boundaries to bring diverse perspectives together. Whether you're a first-year exploring possibilities or a senior ready to launch your venture, you'll find your place here.

School-Specific Innovation Pathways That Welcome All

• McIntire School of Commerce - Not just for business majors – open your mind to commercial innovation alongside students from every discipline.
• School of Engineering & Applied Sciences - Technical entrepreneurship programs that bring together minds from medicine, design, business, and beyond.
• Frank Batten School of Leadership - Social innovation initiatives that unite changemakers from across UVA to tackle global challenges.
• School of Architecture - Design thinking workshops where artists collaborate with engineers, entrepreneurs partner with environmentalists, and creativity knows no bounds.
• School of Law - Legal clinics where future lawyers work alongside inventors, founders, and innovators from every school.

Graduate Opportunities That Cross Boundaries

• Darden School of Business - Innovation programs that welcome graduate students from all disciplines, fostering cross-pollination of ideas.
• Cross-Disciplinary Research Initiatives Where PhD candidates from different fields unite to commercialize breakthrough discoveries.

Resources for Every Innovator

No matter your school, year, or background, you'll find the support you need:

Universal Access to Excellence

• Expert mentorship network spanning all industries
• Workshops open to every student
• Funding opportunities for cross-disciplinary teams
• Technical resources for all skill levels
• Legal guidance for any venture

Collaborative Spaces & Programs

• Innovation labs across grounds
• Virtual collaboration platforms
• Cross-school project teams
• Interdisciplinary events
• University-wide pitch competitions

Where Every Path Leads to Innovation

At UVA, we believe:

• Every student can be an innovator
• Every discipline holds entrepreneurial potential
• Every collaboration sparks new possibilities
• Every idea deserves the chance to grow

Your Innovation Journey Awaits

Whether you're in your first year or final semester, studying philosophy or physics, dreaming of a startup or seeking to innovate within existing organizations – your place in UVA's innovation ecosystem is waiting.

The time is now. The opportunity is yours. The entire UVA community is here to support your journey.

Start your innovation journey today. Because at UVA, entrepreneurship isn't just a program – it's a mindset that unites us all.