Changing the Environmental Narrative with BU Alum Ethan Brown and the Sweaty Penguin
When Ethan Brown (COM/CAS’21) first encountered the idea of climate change in middle school, he found himself paralyzed by the scale of the problem. “I found it really scary and really overwhelming to the point where I wasn’t even interested in it,” Ethan recalls. During his time at Boston University, he discovered something that would […]
Bringing the Impact Home: Jaime Rodriguez-Estrada’s Story
When Jaime Rodriguez-Estrada (CAS’26) was applying to colleges as a high school senior in Hood River, Oregon, he didn’t know much about the college application process. But he did know about QuestBridge, a program connecting exceptional low-income students with leading institutions. Through QuestBridge, Jaime matched with Boston University and received a Fulbright scholarship to pursue […]
Mobility Made Easy: The Story of Technotonin
What started in a Massachusetts garage with two high school friends has grown into a promising startup. Arav Tyagi (ENG’27) and his co-founder Antonio Marzoratti are revolutionizing mobility solutions for wheelchair users through their company Technotonin, which provides Portable Affordable Wheelchair Enhancers (PAWE) that motorize standard wheelchairs in seconds. Their inspiration came from observing the […]
From Tech Visionaries to Green Ventures: Celebrating New and Advancing Innovation Pathway Teams!
The Innovation Pathway is a self-paced program designed to help you launch your for-profit or nonprofit venture. Here are some of the teams: Walk: Teams with a venture idea with early validation research. Run: Teams with a compelling and feasible venture idea with a viable business model. Fly: Teams with a venture that’s ready for […]
Idea Incubator: A Beginner’s Launchpad for Innovation!
Do you have a passion for innovation and want to bring your ideas to life? The Idea Incubator is the perfect way to foster your entrepreneurial skills and develop ideas that can grow into viable ventures. The eight-week program provides students with the opportunity to get involved with Innovate@BU and generate ideas that have a […]
Project Action Pioneer: Ellen Zheng’s Hult Prize Journey
For Ellen Zheng (ENG‘27), The Hult Prize Competition is no unfamiliar challenge. This year, Ellen took on the role of directing the BU branch of the Hult Prize Competition for the second time, and embraced the opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur and social innovator. The Hult Prize is more than just a competition; it’s […]
A First-Year’s Guide to Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Boston University
Navigating your first year of college is both exciting and daunting. For freshmen at Boston University, the First-Year Innovation Fellowship (FYIF) program at Innovate@BU offers a unique opportunity to ease into university life and the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation. Through the reflections of several FYIF students, you’ll get an inside look into how this […]
Fostering Financial Literacy with Ben Brosnahan – Habitual Personal Finance Workshop
Managing personal finances as a college student can seem daunting. Many students are not taught financial literacy in school and find themselves having to navigate finances on their own. However, one student at Boston University is innovating new ways to overcome these challenges and empowering others to do the same. Ben Brosnahan, a BU student […]
New Venture Competition 2025 Tips and Guide For Social Impact Track Applicants
From articulating your problem statement to showcasing your team’s capabilities, this comprehensive guide breaks down each section of the Social Impact track of the New Venture Competition application with concrete examples and actionable tips.
New Venture Competition Tips and Guide For 2025 General Track Applicants
Are you preparing your application for the New Venture Competition? Understanding how to effectively communicate your idea can make the difference between standing out and getting overlooked. From articulating your problem statement to showcasing your team’s capabilities, this comprehensive guide breaks down each section of the application with concrete examples and actionable tips.