Programs & Competitions

Unlock funding, mentorship, resources, and more.

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.

Need some help getting started? Book an office hour with a staff or expert-in-residence here.

Our Programs

(Go ahead, poke around!)

Let's break those down.

Toggle open the sections below to find relevant programs.





The Innovate@BU Experience

Hear what real BU students say about their experience participating in our programs.

Man with a microphone speaks at an event in front of a colorful backdrop

3…2…1…Pitch!

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!

See the schedule

Program Dates & Deadlines

Enlight Fellowship Application Opens

Day: Monday Dec 1st Time: All Day

New Venture Competition Application Opens

Day: Friday Dec 5th Time: All Day

New Venture Competition Info Session

Day: Friday Dec 5th Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm 730 Commonwealth Ave. Boston MA 02215

First-Year Innovation Fellowship (FYIF) Early Application Deadline

Day: Monday Dec 8th Time: All Day

New Venture Competition Q&A Drop-In Session

Day: Tuesday Dec 9th Time: 3:00pm - 6:00pm 730 Commonwealth Ave. Boston MA 02215

New Venture Competition Info Session

Day: Thursday Dec 11th Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm 730 Commonwealth Ave. Boston MA 02215

New Venture Competition Q&A Drop-In Session

Day: Thursday Dec 11th Time: 3:00pm - 6:00pm 730 Commonwealth Ave. Boston MA 02215

First-Year Innovation Fellowship (FYIF) Regular Application Deadline

Day: Friday Jan 9th Time: All Day

Announcing the 2025 Wellbeing Innovation Seed Grant Recipients

This fall, Boston University students submitted proposals for how BU could address wellbeing challenges across campus—from financial stress and social isolation to physical health and academic pressure. Through the new Wellbeing Innovation Seed Grant program, a partnership between BU Student Wellbeing and Innovate@BU, 15 students have been selected to receive $500 and mentorship to launch […]

Read more

New BU Hub Class Teaches Students How to Navigate the US Healthcare System

Healthcare Literacy 101, a collaboration between former classmates and Student Health Services Related posts: Communiti Connects Students to Campus Life Through Innovative Platform Innovate@BU Awards $15,000 to Students Who Came Up with Ways to Help Boston Face Climate Change Fostering Changemakers: BU’s Enlight Program Equips Students for Social Impact “Astra Wellbeing” Meets State Rep John […]

Read more

IDEA Con, Boston’s Premier Student Entrepreneurship Conference, Continues to Grow

The George Sherman Union buzzed with entrepreneurial energy on October 25 as 540 attendees, representing over 40 schools across the Northeast, gathered for the eighth annual IDEA Con, presented by Innovate@BU. This year's conference, the largest in its history, brought together student innovators who are tackling everything from sustainability in fashion to accessibility in education. […]

Read more
FYIF Students Collaborating

Meet the First-Year Innovation Fellowship Fall 2025 Cohort!

The newest Fall 2025 cohort of students in the First-Year Innovation Fellowship (FYIF) has arrived! FYIF is a semester-long program at Innovate@BU that empowers Boston University first-years to explore innovation and entrepreneurship through hands-on projects, mentorship, and community-building. Applications for Spring 2026 will open later this semester. To be notified when applications open, sign up […]

Read more