Start with the
UC Center for Entrepreneurship
Next
I'm a...
Faculty/Staff Member
Student
Community Member
Alum
Back
I'm a student who wants to...
Build a Business
Ignite my Research
Explore Entrepreneurial Mindset
Explore Entrepreneurial Mindset
Something Else
Back
Explore Entrepreneurial Mindset
Explore Entrepreneurial Mindset
Startup Weekend
VL Digital Preaccelerator
1819 Tribunal Program
Spring Semester- Spend a weekend in a hackathon-like environment coming up with your idea, building it out, and pitching it to win!
Semesterly-Spend a weekend in a hackathon-like environment coming up with your idea, building it out, and pitching it to win!
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
Back
Explore More
Ignite my Research
Ignite my Research
Lab2Market Symposium
Lab2Market Course
Intellectual Property Fund
Rolling- A grant designed to support early-stage intellectual property protection and future venture development, requiring a detailed use-of-funds plan and follow-up reporting.
Fall Semester- a day-long symposium event acting as your introduction to tech commercialization specifically for STEM graduate students' research.
Spring Semester- A credit-bearing course focusing on continuing the commercialization of your research - with a focus on customer discovery
Back
Explore More
Build a Business
Discover Your Idea
Launch Your Idea
Grow Your Idea
Back
Build a Business
DISCOVER YOUR IDEA
Startup Weekend
Innovation Challenge
Spring Semester- Spend a weekend in a hackathon-like environment coming up with your idea, building it out, and pitching it to win!
Semesterly - Team up with peers, build a pitch deck, refine a prototype, and pitch for cash prizes at the semester’s end.
Back
Explore Next
Build a Business
LAUNCH YOUR IDEA
VL Digital Preaccelerator
Innovation Challenge
Spark Grant
Semesterly - Team up with peers, build a pitch deck, refine a prototype, and pitch for cash prizes at the semester’s end.
Rolling - A $500 grant to support early venture development, with follow-up reporting required.
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
Startup Weekend
Elevator Pitch Competition
First Year Fast Pitch Competition
Spring Semester- Spend a weekend in a hackathon-like environment coming up with your idea, building it out, and pitching it to win!
Fall Semester - 60-second prop-less pitch for a chance to win your share of the $5,000 prize.
Spring Semester - A two-minute, deck-free pitch for first year students only.
Explore Next
Back
Build a Business
GROW YOUR IDEA
Semesterly - Assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup.
Venture Lab Accelerator
Launch Grant
Rolling - A $1000-$5000 grant to support later venture development, with a use of funds plan + follow-up reporting required.
Spring Semester - Students pitch their ideas for a chance to win part of a $20,000 prize pool, applying with an executive summary
New Venture Championship
Venture Lab NEXT
Summer semester - Student accelerator, offering $10K in funding, mentorship, and expert support to help teams reach product-market fit.
Back
I'm a faculty/staff member who wants to...
Build a Business
Mentor Teams
Something Else
Join the Curriculum
Back
Build a Business
Build a Business
Semesterly - Assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup.
Venture Lab Accelerator
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
VL Digital Preaccelerator
Back
I'm an alum who wants to...
Build a Business
Mentor Teams
Something Else
Back
Build a Business
Build a Business
Semesterly - Assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup.
Venture Lab Accelerator
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
VL Digital Preaccelerator
Back
I'm an community member who wants to...
Build a Business
Mentor Teams
Something Else
Back
Build a Business
Build a Business
Semesterly - Assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup.
Venture Lab Accelerator
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
VL Digital Preaccelerator
Back
Launch Grant
Launch grants are larger seed grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on need. A use of funds plan and in-depth follow-up reporting required. Launch grants are made by invitation only
For more info or inquiry, email Kate Harmon at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
1819 Tribunal Program
This student-focused fellowship empowers aspiring innovators from all disciplines—especially engineering and technical majors—to explore or advance entrepreneurial ideas through structured support, team accountability, and hands-on experiences. Fellows join a small, college-based cohort led by a College Fellow and staff from UC’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
Over 10+ weeks, students set their own goals, receive weekly mentorship, and work toward showcasing their progress at the end-of-semester Innovation Olympics pitch competition.
Learn More and Sign Up
Startup Weekend
UC Startup Weekend is an action-packed three day program in which participants learn to think, work, and build like a new venture. Students join us on Friday evening to present their business ideas, form teams, and spend the weekend developing their concept to pitch on Sunday afternoon. Mentors and judges from the StartupCincy ecosystem volunteer their time to guide the teams, offer feedback and select prizewinners of the $5,000 pot for an impactful weekend experience.
• $5,000 cash prizes for our winners • Provided food all weekend long • Teams can be from ANY university in the Cincinnati area (including Miami, NKU, XU, etc.)
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
- Validating the Problem: Ensure your idea solves a real need
- Defining Your Customer: Identify your target audience
- Exploring Market Potential: Conduct basic research and analysis
Sign Up Here
Lab2Market Symposium
Participants will come away from the Symposium with a strong understanding of the technology commercialization process, and the ability to recognize and evaluate future business opportunities in their own research and professional career. During the workshop, participants will hear from UC faculty founders and learn about the entrepreneurial resources available to them at UC. Students will have the opportunity to gain feedback on their research from local entrepreneurs and investors familiar with the market landscape in their research area. Selected attendees will be eligible for a $100 scholarship credit to be applied to their Catalyst account.
Lab2Market is open to all UC graduate students whose research connects in some way to a STEM discipline. Participants will be selected based on their research and commercialization interests.Application will be available in early Fall here:
Apply Now
First Year Fast Pitch
A two-minute, deck-free challenge pitch to star judges for first year students only. Teams pitch with product and service ideas that range from entertainingly marketable to truly impactful.
Pitches include the following:
- Problem you're trying to solve
- Solution you give
- Market Opportunity
- Business Model
- Your Team/Your Expertise
- What are your next steps?
The First Year Fast Pitch Competition is held every year in Spring and applications open towards the beginning of the Spring semester. To apply, please review our site where we post the application:
Apply Now
Lab2Market Course: Customer Discovery
Offered each spring, this graduate-level course empowers engineering students to become expert problem-finders by applying entrepreneurial methods to their research interests. With weekly workshops, mentoring, and milestone-based assessments, students select one of three tracks—idea exploration, opportunity discovery, or industry mapping—to guide their journey. The course is co-taught by engineering and entrepreneurship faculty and meets Wednesdays at 2:30 PM in the Kautz Attic of Lindner College of Business.
Open to M.S. and Ph.D. students in the College of Engineering. For more information or to inquire about enrollment, contact Kate Harmon at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu.
Innovation Challenge
Whether you start with no idea or a pre-existing one, you’ll team up with peers, build a pitch deck, refine a prototype, and compete for cash prizes at the semester’s end. Participants can earn up to a $750 stipend, get material costs covered, enjoy free Wednesday dinners, and gain practical startup skills. Join our Slack to begin your journey into venture creation!
- Get your material costs covered
- Free food every Wednesdays
- Learn to create/present a pitch deck
- A community of technically-minded students discovering venture creation
- Chance to earn up to a $750 stipend
Sign Up Here
Startup Weekend
UC Startup Weekend is an action-packed three day program in which participants learn to think, work, and build like a new venture. Students join us on Friday evening to present their business ideas, form teams, and spend the weekend developing their concept to pitch on Sunday afternoon. Mentors and judges from the StartupCincy ecosystem volunteer their time to guide the teams, offer feedback and select prizewinners of the $5,000 pot for an impactful weekend experience.
• $5,000 cash prizes for our winners • Provided food all weekend long • Teams can be from ANY university in the Cincinnati area (including Miami, NKU, XU, etc.)
Sign Up Here
Intellectual Property Fund
IP Fund grants support students seeking to protect and develop novel ideas through provisional or other patent filings. Award amounts vary based on scope and need. A use-of-funds plan and detailed follow-up reporting are required. IP Fund Grants are awarded by invitation only. For more information or to inquire about eligibility, contact Kate Harmon at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Elevator Pitch Competition
The UC Elevator Pitch Competition is a 60-second prop-less pitch giving the quick-and-dirty rundown of your idea to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win your share of the $5,000 prize. Open to ALL UC students. Your must be under 1 minute and include the following:
- Problem you're trying to solve
- Solution you give
- Market Opportunity
- Business Model (how do you plan on making money)
- Your Team/Your Expertise
- What are your next steps?
The Elevator Pitch Competition is held every year in Fall and applications open towards the beginning of the Fall semester. To apply, please review our site where we post the application:
Apply Now
Startup Weekend
UC Startup Weekend is an action-packed three day program in which participants learn to think, work, and build like a new venture. Students join us on Friday evening to present their business ideas, form teams, and spend the weekend developing their concept to pitch on Sunday afternoon. Mentors and judges from the StartupCincy ecosystem volunteer their time to guide the teams, offer feedback and select prizewinners of the $5,000 pot for an impactful weekend experience.
• $5,000 cash prizes for our winners • Provided food all weekend long • Teams can be from ANY university in the Cincinnati area (including Miami, NKU, XU, etc.)
Sign Up Here
Spark Grants
If you are an enrolled UC student (either undergrador graduate) with a business or nonprofit idea, you can apply for a $500 Spark grant to test and develop your idea further. The funds must be applied toward your idea's development. Funds can be used for the following activities: purchasing prototyping materials or inventory, marketing expenses (including digital advertising), legal fees, technology needs applicable toward your venture, and other items where appropriate for your venture. Awardees will be required to submit a 1-page progress report documenting how you spent the funds and what you learned within 3 months of receiving the award. Awardees will also be required to check in 1-2 times over the 3 month period for a venture progress update. Priority for funding will be given to students that have a documented relationship with the Center.
Spark Grants are offered every semester to enrolled UC students. Spark grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students can apply at any time. For more info and to learn how to apply, contact: Kate Harmon, Executive Director, Center for Entrepreneurship at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
- Validating the Problem: Ensure your idea solves a real need
- Defining Your Customer: Identify your target audience
- Exploring Market Potential: Conduct basic research and analysis
Sign Up Here
Innovation Challenge
Whether you start with no idea or a pre-existing one, you’ll team up with peers, build a pitch deck, refine a prototype, and compete for cash prizes at the semester’s end. Participants can earn up to a $750 stipend, get material costs covered, enjoy free Wednesday dinners, and gain practical startup skills. Join our Slack to begin your journey into venture creation!
- Get your material costs covered
- Free food every Wednesdays
- Learn to create/present a pitch deck
- A community of technically-minded students discovering venture creation
- Chance to earn up to a $750 stipend
Sign Up Here
Mentor
Year-round Mentors work 1-on-1 with top student and non-student teams to provide support and guidance to scale their business. Mentors bring experience and a strong track record either in their particular industries or having success incubating and accelerating startups across various industries and markets. If you're interested in becoming a mentor, please email Executive Director Kate Harmon at
harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Entrepreneurship Curriculum
The Center for Entrepreneurship routinely hires adjunct faculty to teach one or more entrepreneurship courses per semester/academic year. Our adjunct faculty members are highly qualified professionals with significant industry experience as well as an appropriate degree in business, preferrably at the graduate level. A doctoral degree is not required. Opportunities based on current Center needs - for inquiry, email Executive Director Kate Harmon at
harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Get In Touch
Have an idea of how to engage with the Center you can't find on our website or just want to get in touch? Contact us to start the conversation: entrepreneurs@ucmail.uc.edu uofcincyeship.com/home
Instagram @uofcincyeship
LinkedIn
Mentor
Year-round Mentors work 1-on-1 with top student and non-student teams to provide support and guidance to scale their business. Mentors bring experience and a strong track record either in their particular industries or having success incubating and accelerating startups across various industries and markets. If you're interested in becoming a mentor, please email Executive Director Kate Harmon at
harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Mentor
Year-round Mentors work 1-on-1 with top student and non-student teams to provide support and guidance to scale their business. Mentors bring experience and a strong track record either in their particular industries or having success incubating and accelerating startups across various industries and markets. If you're interested in becoming a mentor, please email Executive Director Kate Harmon at
harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Venture Lab NEXT
Ran each summer, the exclusive 10-week cohort for select student ventures, the Venture Lab NEXT Accelerator helps you achieve product-market fit through mentorship, collaboration, and guest speaker insights. Participants receive $10,000 in nondilutive funding to grow their businesses. Applications open up in the second half of the Spring semester and will be posted here:
Apply now
- Cohort Meetings: Mondays with discussions and guest speakers
- Mentorship Sessions: Curated meetings over at least four weeks
- Staff Check-ins: Three one-on-one meetings with Venture Lab staff
Venture Lab Accelerator
The UC Venture Lab Accelerator helps you assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup. Over ten weeks at the 1819 Innovation Hub, you'll receive hands-on coaching, 1:1 mentorship, and access to valuable networks. The program culminates in Graduation Day, where you'll pitch your venture to Cincinnati’s business community for feedback and connections.
Program OverviewLength: 10 weeks When: Fall, Spring, Summer cohorts Location: 1819 Innovation Hub Format: Weekly sessions with hands-on coaching with occasional remote check-ins
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Accelerator
The UC Venture Lab Accelerator helps you assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup. Over ten weeks at the 1819 Innovation Hub, you'll receive hands-on coaching, 1:1 mentorship, and access to valuable networks. The program culminates in Graduation Day, where you'll pitch your venture to Cincinnati’s business community for feedback and connections.
Program OverviewLength: 10 weeks When: Fall, Spring, Summer cohorts Location: 1819 Innovation Hub Format: Weekly sessions with hands-on coaching with occasional remote check-ins
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Accelerator
The UC Venture Lab Accelerator helps you assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup. Over ten weeks at the 1819 Innovation Hub, you'll receive hands-on coaching, 1:1 mentorship, and access to valuable networks. The program culminates in Graduation Day, where you'll pitch your venture to Cincinnati’s business community for feedback and connections.
Program OverviewLength: 10 weeks When: Fall, Spring, Summer cohorts Location: 1819 Innovation Hub Format: Weekly sessions with hands-on coaching with occasional remote check-ins
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Accelerator
The UC Venture Lab Accelerator helps you assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup. Over ten weeks at the 1819 Innovation Hub, you'll receive hands-on coaching, 1:1 mentorship, and access to valuable networks. The program culminates in Graduation Day, where you'll pitch your venture to Cincinnati’s business community for feedback and connections.
Program OverviewLength: 10 weeks When: Fall, Spring, Summer cohorts Location: 1819 Innovation Hub Format: Weekly sessions with hands-on coaching with occasional remote check-ins
Sign Up Here
New Venture Championship
To apply for the New Venture Championship, students submit a one page executive summary describing your venture idea, traction, key challenges and near-term goals. Your executive summary should include the following:
- Overview (1-3 sentence summary of the business)
- Problem you're solving and market size (how many people have this problem ?)
- Solution you're developing to solve the problem
- Business model (how are you/how do you plan on making money?)
- Stage of development (concept, prototype, piloting, or selling ?)
- Funding needs and strategy
- Key challenges
The New Venture Championship is held every year in Spring and applications open towards the beginning of the Spring semester. To apply, please review our site where we post the application:
Apply Now
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
- Validating the Problem: Ensure your idea solves a real need
- Defining Your Customer: Identify your target audience
- Exploring Market Potential: Conduct basic research and analysis
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
- Validating the Problem: Ensure your idea solves a real need
- Defining Your Customer: Identify your target audience
- Exploring Market Potential: Conduct basic research and analysis
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
- Validating the Problem: Ensure your idea solves a real need
- Defining Your Customer: Identify your target audience
- Exploring Market Potential: Conduct basic research and analysis
Sign Up Here
Get In Touch
Have an idea of how to engage with the Center you can't find on our website or just want to get in touch? Contact us to start the conversation: entrepreneurs@ucmail.uc.edu uofcincyeship.com/home
Instagram @uofcincyeship
LinkedIn
Get In Touch
Have an idea of how to engage with the Center you can't find on our website or just want to get in touch? Contact us to start the conversation: entrepreneurs@ucmail.uc.edu uofcincyeship.com/home
Instagram @uofcincyeship
LinkedIn
Get In Touch
Have an idea of how to engage with the Center you can't find on our website or just want to get in touch? Contact us to start the conversation:
entrepreneurs@ucmail.uc.edu
uofcincyeship.com/home
Instagram @uofcincyeship
LinkedIn
UC Center for Entrepreneurship
Center For Entrepreneurship
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Transcript
Start with the
UC Center for Entrepreneurship
Next
I'm a...
Faculty/Staff Member
Student
Community Member
Alum
Back
I'm a student who wants to...
Build a Business
Ignite my Research
Explore Entrepreneurial Mindset
Explore Entrepreneurial Mindset
Something Else
Back
Explore Entrepreneurial Mindset
Explore Entrepreneurial Mindset
Startup Weekend
VL Digital Preaccelerator
1819 Tribunal Program
Spring Semester- Spend a weekend in a hackathon-like environment coming up with your idea, building it out, and pitching it to win!
Semesterly-Spend a weekend in a hackathon-like environment coming up with your idea, building it out, and pitching it to win!
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
Back
Explore More
Ignite my Research
Ignite my Research
Lab2Market Symposium
Lab2Market Course
Intellectual Property Fund
Rolling- A grant designed to support early-stage intellectual property protection and future venture development, requiring a detailed use-of-funds plan and follow-up reporting.
Fall Semester- a day-long symposium event acting as your introduction to tech commercialization specifically for STEM graduate students' research.
Spring Semester- A credit-bearing course focusing on continuing the commercialization of your research - with a focus on customer discovery
Back
Explore More
Build a Business
Discover Your Idea
Launch Your Idea
Grow Your Idea
Back
Build a Business
DISCOVER YOUR IDEA
Startup Weekend
Innovation Challenge
Spring Semester- Spend a weekend in a hackathon-like environment coming up with your idea, building it out, and pitching it to win!
Semesterly - Team up with peers, build a pitch deck, refine a prototype, and pitch for cash prizes at the semester’s end.
Back
Explore Next
Build a Business
LAUNCH YOUR IDEA
VL Digital Preaccelerator
Innovation Challenge
Spark Grant
Semesterly - Team up with peers, build a pitch deck, refine a prototype, and pitch for cash prizes at the semester’s end.
Rolling - A $500 grant to support early venture development, with follow-up reporting required.
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
Startup Weekend
Elevator Pitch Competition
First Year Fast Pitch Competition
Spring Semester- Spend a weekend in a hackathon-like environment coming up with your idea, building it out, and pitching it to win!
Fall Semester - 60-second prop-less pitch for a chance to win your share of the $5,000 prize.
Spring Semester - A two-minute, deck-free pitch for first year students only.
Explore Next
Back
Build a Business
GROW YOUR IDEA
Semesterly - Assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup.
Venture Lab Accelerator
Launch Grant
Rolling - A $1000-$5000 grant to support later venture development, with a use of funds plan + follow-up reporting required.
Spring Semester - Students pitch their ideas for a chance to win part of a $20,000 prize pool, applying with an executive summary
New Venture Championship
Venture Lab NEXT
Summer semester - Student accelerator, offering $10K in funding, mentorship, and expert support to help teams reach product-market fit.
Back
I'm a faculty/staff member who wants to...
Build a Business
Mentor Teams
Something Else
Join the Curriculum
Back
Build a Business
Build a Business
Semesterly - Assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup.
Venture Lab Accelerator
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
VL Digital Preaccelerator
Back
I'm an alum who wants to...
Build a Business
Mentor Teams
Something Else
Back
Build a Business
Build a Business
Semesterly - Assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup.
Venture Lab Accelerator
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
VL Digital Preaccelerator
Back
I'm an community member who wants to...
Build a Business
Mentor Teams
Something Else
Back
Build a Business
Build a Business
Semesterly - Assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup.
Venture Lab Accelerator
Asynchronous Online - Introductory venture-building program for early-stage founders to validate ideas and explore the startup process.
VL Digital Preaccelerator
Back
Launch Grant
Launch grants are larger seed grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on need. A use of funds plan and in-depth follow-up reporting required. Launch grants are made by invitation only
For more info or inquiry, email Kate Harmon at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
1819 Tribunal Program
This student-focused fellowship empowers aspiring innovators from all disciplines—especially engineering and technical majors—to explore or advance entrepreneurial ideas through structured support, team accountability, and hands-on experiences. Fellows join a small, college-based cohort led by a College Fellow and staff from UC’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
Over 10+ weeks, students set their own goals, receive weekly mentorship, and work toward showcasing their progress at the end-of-semester Innovation Olympics pitch competition.
Learn More and Sign Up
Startup Weekend
UC Startup Weekend is an action-packed three day program in which participants learn to think, work, and build like a new venture. Students join us on Friday evening to present their business ideas, form teams, and spend the weekend developing their concept to pitch on Sunday afternoon. Mentors and judges from the StartupCincy ecosystem volunteer their time to guide the teams, offer feedback and select prizewinners of the $5,000 pot for an impactful weekend experience.
• $5,000 cash prizes for our winners • Provided food all weekend long • Teams can be from ANY university in the Cincinnati area (including Miami, NKU, XU, etc.)
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
Sign Up Here
Lab2Market Symposium
Participants will come away from the Symposium with a strong understanding of the technology commercialization process, and the ability to recognize and evaluate future business opportunities in their own research and professional career. During the workshop, participants will hear from UC faculty founders and learn about the entrepreneurial resources available to them at UC. Students will have the opportunity to gain feedback on their research from local entrepreneurs and investors familiar with the market landscape in their research area. Selected attendees will be eligible for a $100 scholarship credit to be applied to their Catalyst account.
Lab2Market is open to all UC graduate students whose research connects in some way to a STEM discipline. Participants will be selected based on their research and commercialization interests.Application will be available in early Fall here:
Apply Now
First Year Fast Pitch
A two-minute, deck-free challenge pitch to star judges for first year students only. Teams pitch with product and service ideas that range from entertainingly marketable to truly impactful.
Pitches include the following:
The First Year Fast Pitch Competition is held every year in Spring and applications open towards the beginning of the Spring semester. To apply, please review our site where we post the application:
Apply Now
Lab2Market Course: Customer Discovery
Offered each spring, this graduate-level course empowers engineering students to become expert problem-finders by applying entrepreneurial methods to their research interests. With weekly workshops, mentoring, and milestone-based assessments, students select one of three tracks—idea exploration, opportunity discovery, or industry mapping—to guide their journey. The course is co-taught by engineering and entrepreneurship faculty and meets Wednesdays at 2:30 PM in the Kautz Attic of Lindner College of Business.
Open to M.S. and Ph.D. students in the College of Engineering. For more information or to inquire about enrollment, contact Kate Harmon at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu.
Innovation Challenge
Whether you start with no idea or a pre-existing one, you’ll team up with peers, build a pitch deck, refine a prototype, and compete for cash prizes at the semester’s end. Participants can earn up to a $750 stipend, get material costs covered, enjoy free Wednesday dinners, and gain practical startup skills. Join our Slack to begin your journey into venture creation!
Sign Up Here
Startup Weekend
UC Startup Weekend is an action-packed three day program in which participants learn to think, work, and build like a new venture. Students join us on Friday evening to present their business ideas, form teams, and spend the weekend developing their concept to pitch on Sunday afternoon. Mentors and judges from the StartupCincy ecosystem volunteer their time to guide the teams, offer feedback and select prizewinners of the $5,000 pot for an impactful weekend experience.
• $5,000 cash prizes for our winners • Provided food all weekend long • Teams can be from ANY university in the Cincinnati area (including Miami, NKU, XU, etc.)
Sign Up Here
Intellectual Property Fund
IP Fund grants support students seeking to protect and develop novel ideas through provisional or other patent filings. Award amounts vary based on scope and need. A use-of-funds plan and detailed follow-up reporting are required. IP Fund Grants are awarded by invitation only. For more information or to inquire about eligibility, contact Kate Harmon at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Elevator Pitch Competition
The UC Elevator Pitch Competition is a 60-second prop-less pitch giving the quick-and-dirty rundown of your idea to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win your share of the $5,000 prize. Open to ALL UC students. Your must be under 1 minute and include the following:
The Elevator Pitch Competition is held every year in Fall and applications open towards the beginning of the Fall semester. To apply, please review our site where we post the application:
Apply Now
Startup Weekend
UC Startup Weekend is an action-packed three day program in which participants learn to think, work, and build like a new venture. Students join us on Friday evening to present their business ideas, form teams, and spend the weekend developing their concept to pitch on Sunday afternoon. Mentors and judges from the StartupCincy ecosystem volunteer their time to guide the teams, offer feedback and select prizewinners of the $5,000 pot for an impactful weekend experience.
• $5,000 cash prizes for our winners • Provided food all weekend long • Teams can be from ANY university in the Cincinnati area (including Miami, NKU, XU, etc.)
Sign Up Here
Spark Grants
If you are an enrolled UC student (either undergrador graduate) with a business or nonprofit idea, you can apply for a $500 Spark grant to test and develop your idea further. The funds must be applied toward your idea's development. Funds can be used for the following activities: purchasing prototyping materials or inventory, marketing expenses (including digital advertising), legal fees, technology needs applicable toward your venture, and other items where appropriate for your venture. Awardees will be required to submit a 1-page progress report documenting how you spent the funds and what you learned within 3 months of receiving the award. Awardees will also be required to check in 1-2 times over the 3 month period for a venture progress update. Priority for funding will be given to students that have a documented relationship with the Center.
Spark Grants are offered every semester to enrolled UC students. Spark grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students can apply at any time. For more info and to learn how to apply, contact: Kate Harmon, Executive Director, Center for Entrepreneurship at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
Sign Up Here
Innovation Challenge
Whether you start with no idea or a pre-existing one, you’ll team up with peers, build a pitch deck, refine a prototype, and compete for cash prizes at the semester’s end. Participants can earn up to a $750 stipend, get material costs covered, enjoy free Wednesday dinners, and gain practical startup skills. Join our Slack to begin your journey into venture creation!
Sign Up Here
Mentor
Year-round Mentors work 1-on-1 with top student and non-student teams to provide support and guidance to scale their business. Mentors bring experience and a strong track record either in their particular industries or having success incubating and accelerating startups across various industries and markets. If you're interested in becoming a mentor, please email Executive Director Kate Harmon at
harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Entrepreneurship Curriculum
The Center for Entrepreneurship routinely hires adjunct faculty to teach one or more entrepreneurship courses per semester/academic year. Our adjunct faculty members are highly qualified professionals with significant industry experience as well as an appropriate degree in business, preferrably at the graduate level. A doctoral degree is not required. Opportunities based on current Center needs - for inquiry, email Executive Director Kate Harmon at
harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Get In Touch
Have an idea of how to engage with the Center you can't find on our website or just want to get in touch? Contact us to start the conversation: entrepreneurs@ucmail.uc.edu uofcincyeship.com/home
Instagram @uofcincyeship
LinkedIn
Mentor
Year-round Mentors work 1-on-1 with top student and non-student teams to provide support and guidance to scale their business. Mentors bring experience and a strong track record either in their particular industries or having success incubating and accelerating startups across various industries and markets. If you're interested in becoming a mentor, please email Executive Director Kate Harmon at
harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Mentor
Year-round Mentors work 1-on-1 with top student and non-student teams to provide support and guidance to scale their business. Mentors bring experience and a strong track record either in their particular industries or having success incubating and accelerating startups across various industries and markets. If you're interested in becoming a mentor, please email Executive Director Kate Harmon at
harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu
Venture Lab NEXT
Ran each summer, the exclusive 10-week cohort for select student ventures, the Venture Lab NEXT Accelerator helps you achieve product-market fit through mentorship, collaboration, and guest speaker insights. Participants receive $10,000 in nondilutive funding to grow their businesses. Applications open up in the second half of the Spring semester and will be posted here:
Apply now
Venture Lab Accelerator
The UC Venture Lab Accelerator helps you assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup. Over ten weeks at the 1819 Innovation Hub, you'll receive hands-on coaching, 1:1 mentorship, and access to valuable networks. The program culminates in Graduation Day, where you'll pitch your venture to Cincinnati’s business community for feedback and connections.
Program OverviewLength: 10 weeks When: Fall, Spring, Summer cohorts Location: 1819 Innovation Hub Format: Weekly sessions with hands-on coaching with occasional remote check-ins
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Accelerator
The UC Venture Lab Accelerator helps you assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup. Over ten weeks at the 1819 Innovation Hub, you'll receive hands-on coaching, 1:1 mentorship, and access to valuable networks. The program culminates in Graduation Day, where you'll pitch your venture to Cincinnati’s business community for feedback and connections.
Program OverviewLength: 10 weeks When: Fall, Spring, Summer cohorts Location: 1819 Innovation Hub Format: Weekly sessions with hands-on coaching with occasional remote check-ins
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Accelerator
The UC Venture Lab Accelerator helps you assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup. Over ten weeks at the 1819 Innovation Hub, you'll receive hands-on coaching, 1:1 mentorship, and access to valuable networks. The program culminates in Graduation Day, where you'll pitch your venture to Cincinnati’s business community for feedback and connections.
Program OverviewLength: 10 weeks When: Fall, Spring, Summer cohorts Location: 1819 Innovation Hub Format: Weekly sessions with hands-on coaching with occasional remote check-ins
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Accelerator
The UC Venture Lab Accelerator helps you assess your business' commercial potential and take the first steps toward launching a successful startup. Over ten weeks at the 1819 Innovation Hub, you'll receive hands-on coaching, 1:1 mentorship, and access to valuable networks. The program culminates in Graduation Day, where you'll pitch your venture to Cincinnati’s business community for feedback and connections.
Program OverviewLength: 10 weeks When: Fall, Spring, Summer cohorts Location: 1819 Innovation Hub Format: Weekly sessions with hands-on coaching with occasional remote check-ins
Sign Up Here
New Venture Championship
To apply for the New Venture Championship, students submit a one page executive summary describing your venture idea, traction, key challenges and near-term goals. Your executive summary should include the following:
The New Venture Championship is held every year in Spring and applications open towards the beginning of the Spring semester. To apply, please review our site where we post the application:
Apply Now
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
Sign Up Here
Venture Lab Digital Preaccelerator
Just starting with a business idea? The Digital Pre-Accelerator is your first step. Designed for entrepreneurs not yet ready for a full accelerator, this program provides the foundational knowledge to navigate the Venture Lab process. Ready to begin? Fill out the application below to take the next step.
Sign Up Here
Get In Touch
Have an idea of how to engage with the Center you can't find on our website or just want to get in touch? Contact us to start the conversation: entrepreneurs@ucmail.uc.edu uofcincyeship.com/home
Instagram @uofcincyeship
LinkedIn
Get In Touch
Have an idea of how to engage with the Center you can't find on our website or just want to get in touch? Contact us to start the conversation: entrepreneurs@ucmail.uc.edu uofcincyeship.com/home
Instagram @uofcincyeship
LinkedIn
Get In Touch
Have an idea of how to engage with the Center you can't find on our website or just want to get in touch? Contact us to start the conversation:
entrepreneurs@ucmail.uc.edu
uofcincyeship.com/home
Instagram @uofcincyeship
LinkedIn