Entrepreneurship is the dynamic union of innovation and opportunity, passion and vision, risk and reward.

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Michael G. Foster School of Business promotes entrepreneurial learning and discovery to students—from undergraduates to PhD candidates—across the University of Washington. These students become leaders who challenge the status quo and change the way we do business.

Entrepreneurs think differently
The center brings business and scientific minds together in the classroom and provides the framework and incentives to convert student ideas into thriving businesses. Over 70 businesses have launched as a result of the center’s academic and practical experience programs. The Business Plan Competition, for example, is a premier Foster School event involving more than 300 alumni and entrepreneurs as judges, mentors, supporters. See success stories. The new Environmental Innovation Challenge combines solutions to environmental problems with emerging market opportunities.

Student programs feed entrepreneurial minds
While studying business, engineering or other fields, UW undergraduate and graduate students can prepare for the unstructured world of entrepreneurship. Coursework, competitions, events, Seattle start-up connections, fellowships, consulting projects in early-stage companies are just a few ways the center advances entrepreneurial education.

Faculty, research and entrepreneurship curriculum 
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports innovative research and curriculum, working closely with faculty to prepare students for the real-life, complex challenges of entrepreneurship. The center also co-sponsors the West Coast Research Symposium on Technology Entrepreneurship for faculty and PhD researchers.