Our extracurricular programs offer the tools, mentorship, and community you need to succeed. From quick workshops to immersive experiences, we have a perfect starting point for everyone. Explore the categories below to find the right fit for you.
(Go ahead, poke around!)
Toggle open the sections below to find relevant programs.
First-Year Innovation Fellowship
Apply by Sep 15 to develop your entrepreneurial mindset, build leadership skills, and have fun in an inclusive community of first-year students.
Apply any time and progress through stages to unlock funding, mentorship, and resources to grow your venture into a scalable business.
Apply any time and come up with a viable idea you care about in 8 weeks or less.
Apply any time to get the funding and coaching you need to launch a community project, such as an art installation, concert, or conference.
First-Year Innovation Fellowship
Apply by Sep 15 to develop your entrepreneurial mindset, build leadership skills, and have fun in an inclusive community of first-year students.
Apply any time and come up with a viable idea you care about in 8 weeks or less.
Apply any time and progress through stages to unlock funding, mentorship, and resources to grow your venture into a scalable business.
Immerse yourself in a 10-week accelerator to bring your startup or nonprofit to life with $10k in funding and mentorship. Applications open in spring 2025.
Take center stage to compete for cash prizes, gain expert insights, and build your network. Applications will open in fall 2024.
Apply any time and launch a community project with funding and coaching tailored to your goals. Previous funded projects include benefit concerts, conferences, art installations, and more.
A summer program that provides a $10,000 stipend to intern at a Boston nonprofit and develop your own social venture. Applications open in spring 2025.
Apply any time and progress through stages to unlock additional funding, mentorship, and resources to grow your social venture into a scalable, impactful business.
Kick-start your sustainability project with up to $500 in funding. Applications open in fall 2024.
Take center stage to compete for cash prizes, gain expert insights, and build your network. Apply to the Social Impact track. Applications open in fall 2024.
Apply any time and come up with a viable idea you care about in 8 weeks or less.
Take center stage to compete for cash prizes, gain expert insights, and build your network. Applications open in fall 2024.
Immerse yourself in a 10-week accelerator to bring your startup or nonprofit to life with $10k in funding and mentorship. Applications open spring 2025.
A summer program that provides a $10,000 stipend to intern at a Boston nonprofit and develop your own social venture. Applications open spring 2025.
Apply any time and progress through stages to unlock additional funding, mentorship, and resources to grow your social venture into a scalable, impactful business. Summer interview dates are available.
IDEA Con convenes hundreds of movers and shakers from across New England right here at Boston University for a day of inspiration and workshops. Join us on October 26!
Hear what real BU students say about their experience participating in our programs.
Pitch & Pizza is a fun Shark Tank–style event where you can pitch your big idea in 1 minute or less for a chance to win $100, or just enjoy the show and vote for your favorite!
When Megan Kwan (CFA’27) first arrived on BU’s campus, she had never heard of the First-Year Innovation Fellowship. Today, Megan is the founder of her own startup that reduces art material waste. You may be left wondering: what’s the secret to Megan’s startup success? According to Megan, the key was saying yes to every opportunity […]
As a Freshman, Richard Casimir (QST ‘27), knew he wanted to make an impact on the BU community but didn’t know where to begin. Originally from Port Au Prince Haiti, Richard was looking for ways to meet like minded peers on campus who shared his interest in entrepreneurship and social impact, and ultimately joined the […]
From revolutionizing dental care and eliminating avoidable vision loss to providing innovative data solutions for businesses and high-protein vegan snacks, the winning ventures at Boston University's annual New Venture Competition (NVC) showcased the incredible potential of BU's entrepreneurial community. The competition, which has supported hundreds of student-led teams for more than 20 years, awarded a […]
Now, more than ever, our world needs social impact-driven leaders across all disciplines to solve some of the world’s largest problems. We at Innovate@BU, with the generous support of the Enlight Foundation, are committed to empowering these future leaders and equipping them with the skills they need to make real change.
Ten early-stage ventures have been selected to participate in Innovate@BU’s Summer Accelerator program! This 10-week intensive program helps students build their ventures through mentorship, entrepreneurial education, and more. Looking to support student innovators with your skills and gain experience at one of these amazing new ventures? Join the Innovate@BU Talent Network, where our student innovators can reach […]
Stakes are high for the 10 student teams who've advanced to the final round of Boston University’s New Venture Competition! Chosen from a pool of nearly 150 applications, they'll compete for $72,000 in prizes. Find out who will win at Innovator's Night, our biggest party of the year, on April 25! 🎉 Did You Know? […]
Bella Ramirez (COM’25, CAS’25) founded the intercollegiate sketch comedy group that gives back to charity. Bella is a member of the Innovation Pathway.
Get ready for an exciting showdown as 20 teams of BU students and recent alumni advance to the New Venture Competition semi-finals! Chosen from a pool of nearly 150 applications, they're competing for $72,000 in prizes. Watch the awards ceremony at Innovator's Night, our largest party of the year, on April 25 at 6:00pm! You'll […]