Two student entrepreneurs standing in a coffee shop

Anything is possible.

Research

Entrepreneurship

Your chance to make it real

We believe students have the power to turn ideas into solutions that make the world a better place. And we’re not the only ones who believe in our students. Check out these partners — here in Richmond and around the world — who are investing in VCU students:

VCU students participate in the entrepreneurship program

We take risks, not tests

The VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation is something you won’t find at other universities. It harnesses the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration to produce the next generation of innovators and creators, and it’s committed to increasing diversity and inclusivity in entrepreneurial and technical ecosystems. Programs include: 

VCU Entrepreneurship Academy
This program brings underrepresented students together with local entrepreneurs, and they learn and work together, earning micro-credentials in innovation and entrepreneurship along the way.

Shift Retail Lab at VCU
One of the first of its kind, this storefront lets past and present students showcase their work to gain insights and test their products, services and ideas with real-world customers.

 

Quick Facts

Richmond is one of the “Best Cities Regardless of Size for Startups” according to Southern Business and Development.

Startup successes

Two students making a presentation on a stage

Taking flight

How Flight, a VCU student-led craft beer delivery startup, is getting off the ground Read more
Female student posing with her laptop

Power of big data

Student’s startup aims to halt famine, food insecurity in Africa Read more
a male student holding a box with a sneaker on top of it

Student entrepreneurs

VCU student-led startup companies bring in more than $1 million Read more
Three women, one in a lab coat, working on iPads and laptops

Pass it on

Entrepreneurial students and alumni are paying it forward by hiring VCU students to work at their startups Read more

Programs offered

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Ready to be a Ram?

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