Center for Entrepreneurship

Our Mission

Our mission is to equip aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds with the skills, resources and connections to launch and scale their business ideas and build an entrepreneurial mindset. We endeavor to catalyze the commercialization of marketable technologies and translational research, as well as foster connections to the local startup and business communities.

KICKSTART YOUR JOURNEY: Interested in getting involved with us?                                      Fill out our quick intake form and we’ll follow up with personalized ways to plug in.

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Event Calendar - Center for Entrepreneurship:

Venture Lab

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The Venture Lab at the 1819 Innovation Hub, part of UC's Center for Entrepreneurship, offers founders a powerful launchpad with comprehensive programming, non-dilutive funding, expert mentorship, and a vibrant startup ecosystem to turn ideas into scalable ventures. This program is for venture-backable startups. See our dedicated website to our Venture Lab.

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

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Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is the act of acquiring an existing business for the purpose of adding value and growth. ETA benefits include leveraging existing customer bases, brand recognition and infrastructure through new leadership, technology, resources and innovation. For more information about upcoming initiatives and Entrepreneurship through Acquisition as a whole, please visit the ETA webpage.

Launch UC

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Launch UC, the Center for Entrepreneurship’s resourced pathway to support small business development, launch and growth. This initiative gives particular focus to supporting businesses in the food and beverage, Ecommerce, and product/consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors.  For more information about Launch UC, visit the dedicated webpage or see below for more opportunities:

Programs

Competitions

Funding

Student Organizations

Resources for All

About

Follow Us

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Phil Santoro is empowering the next generation of innovators

January 22, 2026

Phil Santoro built his first computer at 12, launched his first company at 13 and made his first startup exit as a college student. He fulfilled his dream of working for Google and founded a startup studio, Wilbur Labs, that’s built and invested in more than 20 companies.

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Megan Pando

BEARCATS FOR LIFE

Megan Pando built her future at UC. From DAAP studios to founding Makers Social, her Bearcats for Life story is about creating fearlessly and building boldly.