Options for Students
Students can enrich their real-world experience and expertise as young entrepreneurs by joining one of OU’s student entrepreneur organizations, and by participating in the “Pitch Us Your Plan” competition, a part of the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Expo. The high-energy, quick-paced competition is a first step toward business viability assessment. Pitches are judged on verbal presentation and entrepreneurial enthusiasm. Optional preparatory workshops, such as the Shark Tank Competition seen below, help students polish their pitches.
The Center has already awarded nearly $20,000 to winning student teams on the basis of ideas derived from inspiration in all arenas: from focused academic research to digital communications innovations. Judges, who are seasoned professionals in venture, banking, and technology transfer, provide encouragement and advice to all competitors.
The Center’s Guest Lecture Series hosts illustrative speakers and industry leaders that have included Mr. David Pidwell, a successful venture capitalist and entrepreneur from Silicon Valley; Dr. Donald “Dr. K” Kuratko, Executive Director of the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington; Ms. Pamela Springer, President and CEO of Manta Media, Inc.; and OU alumna, author, and journalism entrepreneur, Ms. Rebecca Fannin.
