Carnegie Mellon University
GEW Crowd

Global Entrepreneurship Week Archives

Find past Global Entrepreneurship Week events.


Steel City Startups

Monday, November 14, 2022
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Join us for this virtual panel to kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Hear TEDx-style presentations from Pitt and CMU innovators and learn about how they were motivated to pursue commercialization, what path they are taking, and the challenges they’ve faced.


Building & Leveraging Your Professional Team

(Part of the Start Smart Legal Series)

Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

In addition to your cofounders and team members, startups need a knowledgeable team of professionals from a variety of fields who are experienced working with startups. This includes your lawyer, accountant, insurer, and banker as well as advisors. This session will start with how to find the lawyer that is the best fit for your startup and then give some advice on rounding out your professional team, recruiting advisors and maximizing the value of the relationship.

Who Should Attend: Open to all


Kuzneski Innovation Cup Finalist Showcase

Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Live Broadcast

Teams from the University of Pittsburgh have worked on and pitched their new ideas to a panel of industry professionals as part of the Big Idea Center’s newest competition opportunity, the Kuzneski Innovation Cup. Now we present the finalist teams to you! Join us virtually as we celebrate our student teams and learn about the projects “spinning out” of the Big Idea Center. $25,000 will be awarded in this showcase of Pitt entrepreneurial talent!

A live broadcast of the event will be made available to public audiences.

Who Should Attend: Open to all


PDMA Competition

Thursday, November 17, 2022
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: CMU Swartz Center

Students who chose to represent Pitt, CMU, Chatham and Duquesne will go head-to-head in this year’s Pittsburgh's Chapter of the Product Development and Management Association. Witness the entrepreneurial talent growing within each of these Pittsburgh universities as students showcase their big ideas for a panel of judges.

Who Should Attend: Open to all.

pdma

*Sponsored by the Product Development Management Association (PDMA) 

THE ANGEL TABLE

November 5, 2021: Orientation, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
November 6, 2021: Competition, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Zoom

A graduate student investment competition where YOU are the angel investors and put real Pittsburgh startup companies in YOUR hot seat. As student angels, you will grill local entrepreneurs and REAL angel investors will assess your team! No experience is required.

The application deadline is Oct 29.
Who Should Attend: Graduate Students from Pitt and CMU Only


Steel City Startups

Monday, November 8, 2021
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Join us for this virtual panel to kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week at the University of Pittsburgh. Hear TEDx-style presentations from Pitt and CMU innovators and learn about how they were motivated to pursue commercialization, what path they are taking, and the challenges they’ve faced.


Meet the Funders

Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Funding is the fuel to spur the growth of companies and the city of Pittsburgh is fortunate to be the home to new and unique sources of funds operating throughout the region. Join us as we feature a panel of professional funders as they share their stories. Hear about how their fund or program operates and how YOU can become a good candidate for their investment!


Who Should Attend: Open to all.

Meet the Champions

Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Time: 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
Where: Virtual Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Pittsburgh supports its entrepreneurs! Our region’s vibrant and growing entrepreneurial support system was recently recognized in the 2021 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, ranking Pittsburgh #23 in its list of Emerging Startup Ecosystems globally.

Join us on November 10 for a virtual “fireside chat” with representatives from some of the newer organizations and programs that are enriching our region’s ecosystem and ability to support a diverse range of entrepreneurs and businesses. Hear from and connect with these champions of entrepreneurs to learn how they can support your entrepreneurial journey.

Emcee: Sean Luther, Pittsburgh Innovation District

Who Should Attend: Open to all


PDMA Competition

Thursday, November 11, 2021
Time: 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Students who chose to represent Pitt, CMU, and Duquesne will go head-to-head in this year’s Pittsburgh's Chapter of the Product Development and Management Association. Witness the entrepreneurial talent growing within each of these Pittsburgh universities as students showcase their big ideas for a panel of judges.

Who Should Attend: Open to all.

pdma

*Sponsored by the Product Development Management Association (PDMA) 


Kuzneski Innovation Cup

Friday, November 12, 2021
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Teams from throughout the University of Pittsburgh have worked on and pitched their new ideas to a panel of industry professionals as part of the Big Idea Center’s newest competition opportunity. Join us as we present the finalist teams to you and announce the winners. Celebrate our student entrepreneurs and learn about the projects “spinning out” of the Big Idea Center!

Who Should Attend: Open to all

 Money Tree Image

The Money Table

Friday & Saturday, November 6 & 7, 2020
Where: Virtual Zoom

Startup companies are a dime a dozen. Think you've got what it takes to pick a winner? Introducing The Money Table, the competition where you are the angel investor. Put real Pittsburgh startup companies in your hot seat. As you grill local entrepreneurs, real angel investors assess your investment team in a single elimination tournament. No experience required; we'll give you a crash course in investing prior to the competition. All backgrounds welcome, but you must be a graduate student to participate.

Who Should Attend: Graduate Students from Pitt and CMU Only


Ben Weiss: Author, Basementality | Founder, Crook & Marker and Bai Brands

Monday, November 9, 2020
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Join us for this special presentation, for 2020 only! The University of Pittsburgh presents Ben Weiss, founder of Bai Brands and author of Basementality, in this new talk designed to inspire budding entrepreneurs to get their ideas off of the ground. Ben founded Bai Brands in the basement of his townhouse in 2009 and, in just seven years, built Bai into the fastest-growing brand in the industry, leading to its $1.7 billion acquisition by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. His new book, Basementality, offers the first inside look at how he drove Bai’s fight against Big Sugar and elevated the company from his basement to a $1.7 billion brand. It is the story of old-fashioned door-to-door hustle, naïve belief and the powerful mindset of a classic American entrepreneur.

Special discount code for 30% off the hardcover book on Amazon when you register for the event! (The code will expire on 11/23).

Who Should Attend: Open to all


PDMA COMPETITION

Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Time: 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Pittsburgh's Chapter of the Product Development and Management Association will help celebrate Pitt and CMU’s Global Entrepreneurship Week by sponsoring an exciting student pitch competition. Top graduate and undergraduate teams from Pitt, CMU, and Duquesne will pitch their innovative ideas to an expert panel of judges to compete for great prizes. Join us to experience the energy and creativity of Pittsburgh’s future innovators and entrepreneurs.


Changing the World: Social Innovation Panel

Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Time: 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Interested in learning more about taking entrepreneurial action to help solve local, regional, national or global challenges? Students, alumni, and the Pittsburgh community are welcome to join us for a conversation with Pittsburgh mission-driven organizations…it's a journey from inspiration to impact.

Who Should Attend: Open to all


STEEL CITY STARTUPS: PITT X CMU

Thursday, November 12, 2020
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtua Zoom, please register to receive Zoom info

Join us for our annual event highlighting startups from throughout the greater city of Pittsburgh! Hear TEDx style presentations from Pitt and CMU innovators and learn about how they were motivated to pursue commercialization, what path they are taking, and the challenges they’ve faced.

Who Should Attend:  Open to all

2020 GEW Partners

Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship Project Olympus
Don Jones Center at the Tepper School of Business CTTEC
GEC (Graduate Entrepreneurship Club) UEA  (Undergraduate Association of Entrepreneurship)
Scotty Labs Pittsburgh Tech Meetup
Innovation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Innovation Practice Institute, University of Pittsburgh

Student Shadow with Pittsburgh Startup

Friday, November 15, 2019
Where:
PNC Numo
When:
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Transportation:
Public transportation should be used.
Attire:
Business Casual

This exclusive opportunity to visit with awesome startups right here in Pittsburgh is a chance to hear from members of startup teams and what it takes to succeed in an innovation and entrepreneurial environment!

Who Should Attend: CMU & Pitt Students


 Money Tree Image

The Money Table

Friday & Saturday, November 15 & 16, 2019
Where: Pitt, Alumni Hall, 532 and CMU, Tepper Quad 3rd Fl., Swartz Center

Startup companies are a dime a dozen. Think you've got what it takes to pick a winner? Introducing The Money Table, the competition where you are the angel investor and put real Pittsburgh startup companies in your hot seat. Angel investors will assess your investment thesis as you grill local entrepreneurs. No experience required; we'll give you a crash course in investing before the competition. All backgrounds are welcome, but you must be a graduate student.

Who Should Attend: Graduate Students from Pitt and CMU Only

GEC logo

Innovation Institute logo


Steel City Startups: Pitt x CMU

Monday, November 18, 2019
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pitt Campus, Alumni Hall, Connolly Ballroom, 4227 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Join us for this reception to kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week at the University of Pittsburgh. This event will start with a networking reception for alumni, faculty, students and friends from Pitt and CMU followed by TEDx style presentations from Pitt and CMU innovators. Hear how these entrepreneurs have pursued their dreams and leveraged resources at both universities to help grow their startups.

Who Should Attend: Open to all


PDMA Pitch Competition

Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: CMU, Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship - Tepper Quad 3rd Fl.

Pittsburgh's Chapter of the Product Development and Management Association will help celebrate Pitt and CMU’s Global Entrepreneurship Week by sponsoring an exciting student pitch competition. Eight teams – four graduate and four undergraduate teams from Pitt and CMU – will have 90 seconds to pitch their innovative ideas to an expert panel of judges to compete for great prizes. Join us to experience the energy and creativity of Pittsburgh’s future innovators and entrepreneurs.

pdma

*Sponsored by the Product Development Management Association (PDMA) 


EVERYONE WINS: MEET UPPRIZE SOCIAL INNOVATORS

Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pitt Campus, O’Hara Student Center, Dining Room

Interested in learning more about taking entrepreneurial action to help solve local, regional, national or global challenges? Students, alumni, and the Pittsburgh community are welcome to join us for a conversation with Pittsburgh mission-driven organizations…it's a journey from inspiration to impact.

Who Should Attend: Open to all

Startup Job Fair

Thursday, November 21, 2019
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Mellon University, Newell Simon Hall Atrium

Interested in getting a job or internship at a startup? Come to the Startup Job Fair on Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Newell Simon Hall Atrium to meet some of today's most exciting startups in Pittsburgh! All are welcome and encouraged to attend. There will be a variety of paid internships, part-time and full-time opportunities available.

Who Should Attend:  Open to all

2019 GEW Partners

Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship Project Olympus
Don Jones Center at the Tepper School of Business CTTEC
GEC (Graduate Entrepreneurship Club) UEA  (Undergraduate Association of Entrepreneurship)
Scotty Labs Pittsburgh Tech Meetup
Innovation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Innovation Practice Institute, University of Pittsburgh

Money Tree Image

The Money Table Graduate Investor Competition

Friday & Saturday, November 9 & 10, 2018
Where: Pitt, Alumni Hall and CMU, Tepper Quad 3rd Fl., Swartz Center

Startup companies are a dime a dozen. Think you've got what it takes to pick a winner? Introducing The Money Table, the competition where you are the angel investor. Put real Pittsburgh startup companies in your hot seat. As you grill local entrepreneurs, real angel investors assess your investment team in a single elimination tournament. No experience required; we'll give you a crash course in investing prior to the competition. All backgrounds welcome, but you must be a graduate student. 

Who Should Attend: Graduate Students from Pitt and CMU Only

GEC logo

Innovation Institute logo


Steel City Startups: Pitt x CMU

Monday, November 12, 2018
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pitt Campus, Alumni Hall, Connolly Ballroom 4227 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Join us for this reception to kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week at the University of Pittsburgh. This event will start with a networking reception for alumni, faculty, students and friends from Pitt and CMU followed by 4 TedX style presentations from Pitt  and CMU innovators. Hear how these faculty innovators were motivated to pursue commercialization, what path they are taking and the challenges they’ve faced. There are sure to be some great takeaways for anyone considering commercializing an innovation or starting a company.


PDMA Pitch Competition

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: CMU, Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship - Tepper Quad 3rd Fl.

PDMA Pittsburgh will help celebrate Pitt and CMU’s Global Entrepreneurship Week by sponsoring an exciting student pitch competition.  Eight teams – four graduate and four undergraduate teams from Pitt and CMU – will have 90 seconds to pitch their innovative ideas to an expert panel of judges to compete for great prizes. The winning teams will receive cash prizes as well as access to a variety of resources which are generously donated from local sponsoring companies. From mentoring on Intellectual Property (IP) to providing product development and manufacturing advice, the sponsors will be focused on helping these young entrepreneurs develop their products and services.Join us to experience the energy and creativity of Pittsburgh’s future innovators and entrepreneurs.

pdma

 

*Sponsored by the Product Development Management Association (PDMA)


Pittsburgh Good Neighbors: Social Impact Fireside Chat

Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Pitt Campus, O’Hara Student Center

Students, alumni, and the Pittsburgh community are welcome to join us for a conversation with four Pittsburgh impact investors who will talk about the various forms and motivations for investing in mission-driven organizations, all of whom have helped Thread International’s journey from inspiration to impact.

Keynote by Ian Rosenberger, Founder and CEO of Thread International 

Fireside chat with four of Pittsburgh’s (very different) impact investors who have helped Thread on its journey from idea to impact.

These funders include:

  • Zach Malone, Principal at Draper Triangle
  • Nicole Muise—Kielkucki, Director, Impact Innovations, Idea Foundry
  • Lisa Kuzma, Senior Program Officer, Richard King Mellon Foundation
  • Matt Madia, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Bridgeway Capital

Startup Job Fair For Students & Alumni

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Mellon University, Newell Simon Hall

Do you want to be a part of something from the ground up? Interested in working for a start-up? Attend the Start-Up Job Fair to network with almost 50 Pittsburgh startups looking to hire full-time, part-time, interns, and paid/unpaid positions in sales, marketing, operations, IT, engineering, and more. This annual event is presented by Project Olympus and the Pittsburgh Tech Meetup and co-sponsored by Pittsburgh Tech Meetup and the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute. 

Who Should Attend:  CMU & Pitt Students & Recent Alumni
BNY Mellon Logo 2018

Student Shadows with Pittsburgh Startups

Friday, November 30, 2018

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where:
Niche
Student Meeting Time:
12:45 p.m.
Transportation: Public transportation should be used.
Attire:
Business Casual

Registration is required to attend this event. To reserve your space please contact: Emily Bennett

Register now for this exclusive opportunity to visit with awesome startups right here in Pittsburgh! Hear from members of their teams about life in a startup and what it takes to succeed in an innovation and entrepreneurial environment!  Space is limited.

Who Should Attend: CMU & Pitt Students

Niche

Money Tree Image

The Money Table

Application Deadline: November 3, 11:59 p.m.

Bootcamp (Required to participate in the Money Table Competition)
Friday, November 10, 2017

6:30 p.m.
University of Pittsburgh, Alumni Hall 532

Money Table Competition
Saturday, November 11, 2017
8:30 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
CMU Campus, Gates Hillman Center 6115

Startup companies are a dime a dozen. Think you’ve got what it takes to pick a winner? The Money Table is the competition where you are the angel investor. Put real Pittsburgh startup companies in your hot seat.
READ

GEC logo

Innovation Institute logo


Kickoff Event

Rob Cochran

James R. Swartz Leadership Series: Rob Cochran

President and CEO
#1 Cochran

Stray the Course: Driving Change in Traditional Industry

Monday, November 13, 2017
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
CMU Campus, Tepper School of Business, Cooper Auditorium

Rob Cochran sits atop Western Pennsylvania’s most successful automotive dealer group. But when it comes to running the enterprise that bears his name, there is little sitting involved. President and chief executive officer since 1992, Rob directs all facets of the organization’s operations. His presence is ubiquitous. From boardroom to showrooms, in communities and on TV, Rob drives the company with vigorous leadership, spirit and vision.

Rob joined the family business as executive vice president in 1987 after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Industrial Management.


Rob Lee

Special Talk: Rob Lee

CEO, Pittsburgh Knights LLC

The Future of E-Sports

Monday, November 13, 2017
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
CMU Campus, Newell Simon Hall 3305

In 2017, the Esports Economy generated $696 million of revenue, a year-on-year growth of 41.3%. Brands will contribute up to $517 million in 2017 and brand investment will double by 2020. The global esports audience will reach 385 million by the end of this year, with 191 million Enthusiasts. This session will talk about the future of Esports, the trends and finances of the industry, and why entrepreneurs should seek to be involved with respect to their interests and skillsets. 
 
This talk features Rob Lee, former top Pro Gaming Manager in the U.S. & Europe, Creative Director and a current organization owner (think Steelers but for esports). Rob is currently building Pittsburgh’s esports infrastructure in the city and the region by connecting high schools and colleges and strengthening the local community of gamers casual and/or competitive.


START SMART: Structuring 3rd Party Relationships

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
CMU Campus, Newell Simon Hall, 3305
Presenter: David Lehman, K&L Gates Law Firm
 

Map

Third party relationships can come in a variety of forms, e.g. joint ventures, partnerships and licensing. Creating strategic partnerships can add tremendous value, if the partnership is structured properly. Since every partnership is different, startups must understand the differences between the forms and how to negotiate the best terms to ensure the partnership success.

Co-sponsored by Project Olympus and The Innovation Practice Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.


Pittsburgh’s Good Neighbors: Entrepreneurs Who are Changing Our Region and the World!

A fireside chat with Thread International, Rorus, 412 Food Rescue and Eco-Soap Bank

Dessert and Networking reception to follow

Wednesday, November 15, 2017
5:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
University of Pittsburgh, William Pitt Union

5:45 p.m.  Doors open

6:00 p.m. Fireside Chat

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Dessert and Networking

Audience: Open to all

Join us for a conversation with four Pittsburgh mission-driven enterprises as they talk with us about their journey from inspiration to impact, the lessons they’ve learned along the way and what’s next on their horizon.  

 

This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about taking entrepreneurial action to help solve local, regional, national or global challenges.  Following the conversation, stick around for dessert and mingling with others in our region’s social innovation and impact ecosystem.


Startup Job Fair

Thursday, November 16, 2017
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
CMU Campus, Newell Simon Hall, Perlis Atrium


Map

Audience: Open to all

View the partcipating companies

This annual event brings together over 45 local startups and more than 350 applicants who are interested in working for a startup. 

Startups: Need to be less than five years old (company formation is not required) and should register in advance. A fee of $25 will be charged after the startup is approved.

Attendees: Positions available include full-time, part time, paid and unpaid internships in a variety of fields. Registration in advance is not required, but is encouraged. 

Co-sponsored by Pittsburgh Technology Meetup and Project Olympus.

Pittsburgh Tech Meetup

Project Olympus


Student Pitch Competition

Friday, November 17, 2017
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
University of Pittsburgh, William Pitt Union

Audience: Open to the CMU and Pitt community

Come watch as CMU and Pitt grad and undergrad students pitch their entrepreneurial ideas in 90 seconds to a panel of judges for the chance to win cash prizes. Members of the audience will also vote for their favorite pitch. The competition is open to CMU and Pitt undergraduate and graduate students.

Interested in pitching? Contact Craig Markovitz

Sponsored by:
PDMA logo


GEW

The Road to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Pittsburgh

Friday, November 17, 2017
10:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
CMU, Jared L. Cohon University Center, Rangos Auditorium

RSVP to Sopenforum@state.gov by Wednesday, November 15, 2017, with your name and affiliation. A confirmation email will be forthcoming to include full details.

This event is an inspiring opportunity to collaborate with government officials, entrepreneurs and investors about Innovations & Technologies for the Smart City.  As the U.S. & India prepare to host the flagship Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad, India, November 28-30, this “Road to GES: Pittsburgh” engagement will highlight the best of Pittsburgh as a model Smart City.

Agenda:

•10:45 a.m.: Registration (All guests are asked to be registered and seated by 11:20 a.m.)
•11:20 a.m.: Welcome
•11:30 a.m.: U.S. Government VIP Keynote Address
•12:00 p.m.: Panel #1 “Technologies & The Smart City”
•1:00 p.m.: Luncheon & Student/Faculty Presentations
•1:45 p.m.: Panel #2 “Sustainable Development & Entrepreneurship”
•2:45 p.m.: Entrepreneur TED-style Talks
•3:30 p.m.: Network Reception

Full Page Schedule (pdf)

The Money Table

Saturday, November 12, 2016
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
University of Pittsburgh, 5th Floor, Alumni Hall

Startup companies are a dime a dozen. Think you’ve got what it takes to pick a winner? Introducing The Money Table, the competition where you are the angel investor. Put real Pittsburgh startup companies in your hot seat.
READ

Co-sponsored by the Graduate Entrepreneurship Club and the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute


Networking Mixer

Sunday, November 13, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Yard
736 Bellefonte Street
Shadyside, Pittsburgh 15232

CMU startup founders! Get an early start celebrating GEW at a special networking mixer hosted by the team from Dorm Room Fund, the student-led venture fund backed by First Round. Enjoy light bites at a local spot in Pittsburgh.

Sponsored by the Dorm Room Fund


Kickoff Event

Monday, November 14, 2016
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon University
Tepper School 152

Kickoff Global Entrepreneurship Week at CMU by meeting the Dorm Room Fund team.  Dorm Room Fund is a student-run venture fund backed by First Round. It invests in the strongest community of entrepreneurial students across the nation. Learn about Dorm Room Fund's 125+ investments, how to join the Dorm Room Fund student investment team, and meet investment partner, Nigel Coelho and managing partner, Jeff Ellington.

After the Kickoff, Nigel and Jeff will hold office hours from 2-4 pm in Tepper, 228. Sign up to learn more about possible investment opportunities!

Sponsored by the Dorm Room Fund



Student Pitch Competition

Monday, November 14, 2016
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon University
Newell Simon Hall, 3305

Audience: Open to the CMU and Pitt community

Come watch as CMU and Pitt grad and undergrad students pitch their entrepreneurial ideas in 90 seconds to a panel of judges for the chance to win cash prizes. Members of the audience will also vote for their favorite pitch. The competition is open to CMU and Pitt undergraduate and graduate students.

Sponsored by pdma


GEW: CONNECTS: How to Find Office Space for Your Startup

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon University
Tepper, 146

Presenter: Michael Stuart, Senior Associate, CBRE

Learn the "do's and dont's' of looking for the right office space for your startup with presenter Michael Stuart, commercial real estate broker with CBRE in Pittsburgh. Mike is also a member of the Occupier Services Group at CBRE. The primary focus of practice at CBRE is on transaction advisory services for commercial tenants and property owners.

Sponsored by CBRE


GEW: START SMART: Structuring 3rd Party Relationships

Tuesday, November 15, 2016
5:30 p.m.
- 7:00 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon University
Newell Simon Hall, 3305 

Presenter: David Lehman, K&L Gates Law Firm

Third party relationships can come in a variety of forms, e.g. joint ventures, partnerships and licensing. Creating strategic partnerships can add tremendous value, if the partnership is structured properly. Since every partnership is different, startups must understand the differences between the forms and how to negotiate the best terms to ensure the partnership success.

Co-sponsored by Project Olympus and The Innovation Practice Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.



Social Entrepreneur Lunch and Talk

Corinne Clinch head shot Cara Jones head shot

Wednesday, November 16, 2016
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon University
Hamburg Hall, 1002

Audience: Open to the CMU community

Join CMU’s Institute for Social Innovation for a special talk featuring Corinne Clinch, founder of Rorus, Inc., developer of a point-of-use filtration system for water, and Cara Jones, founder of Marinus Analytics, provider of research aimed to help law enforcement stop sex trafficking. During the talk, moderated by Kate Dewey of The Forbes Funds, both will discuss their entrepreneurial journeys to founding their successful startups.

Sponsored by The Forbes Funds and ISI


Student Startup Panel

Wednesday, November 16, 2016
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon University
Newell Simon Hall, 3305

Andy Chan, CEO VIT
Matt Katase, Founder/Partner  The Brew Gentlemen
Kelly Collier, Founder/CEO ActivAided (now elizur Corporation)
Elijah Mayfield, Founder/CEO Lightside Lab (now TurnItIn)

Startup success stories are inspiring – but over time, many tend to gloss over the tough patches, focusing only on what went right. This student startup panel will talk about the earliest days and the assumptions or expectations that didn’t hold up, market realities, and unexpected developments that caused each to rethink their product, market, business model, etc.  All have demonstrated resilience and persistence, the key characteristics that distinguish the winners from the ‘also ran.’ Our panelists represent a startup on a winning trajectory, a thriving business ready for the next growth stage and two exits.


Startup Job Fair

Thursday, November 17, 2016
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon University
Newell Simon Hall, Perlis Atrium

Audience: Open to the CMU community. This annual event, presented by Project Olympus and the Pittsburgh Tech Meetup, brings together over 40 local startups and more than 300 applicants who are interested in working for a startup. The positions available include full time, part time, paid and unpaid internships.

Co-sponsored by Pittsburgh Technology Meetup and Project Olympus.

List of Companies Attending



Special Talk: Courtney Gras, Design Flux Technologies

Courtney Gras

Friday, November 18, 2016
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon University
Newell Simon Hall, 3305

Join us for an exciting talk with Courtney Gras, Forbes 30 Under 30, 2016 and co-founder & COO of Design Flux Technologies, LLC.

Full Page Schedule (pdf)

Fireside Chat with Steve Barsh, CIO and Managing Director, Dreamit Health at Dreamit Ventures

Monday, November 16, 2015
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Newell Simon Hall, 3305

Audience: Open to the CMU community

Join us for a special fireside chat featuring Steve Barsh, CIO and Managing Director at Dreamit Health at Dreamit Ventures in Philadelphia, with Dave Mawhinney, co-director at the CMU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Learn how Dreamit’s accelerator program helps health tech startups change the world and about Steve’s entrepreneurial journey. Refreshments will be provided.

Sponsored by the CMU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship


Elevator Pitch Competition

Monday, November 16, 2015
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Newell Simon Hall, 3305

Audience: Open to the CMU community

Pitch your entrepreneurial ideas in 90 seconds to a panel of judges consisting of Rick Cancelliere, founder and CEO of Treatspace, Kit Mueller, co-founder and CEO of Fygment Productions, Jeff McDaniel, Executive in Residence at Innovation Works and Ilana Diamond, Managing Director at AlphaLab Gear. Win up to $300 in prizes and receive valuable feedback on the delivery and content of your pitch. Members of the audience will vote for their favorite pitch. The competition is open to CMU undergraduate and graduate students.

Co-sponsored by the Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Association and Dreamit Ventures


Office Hours: Global Markets – Opportunities and Challenges 

Tuesday, November 17, 2015
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Project Olympus, 4620 Henry Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Specialists from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service will be available during office hours to discuss how to sell your products and services outside of the U.S. and the issues related to global market development. Email Steven Murray at steven.murray@trade.gov or leeanne.haworth@trade.gov to schedule an appointment.


Start Smart: Structuring 3rd Party Relationships

Tuesday, November 17, 2015
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Gates 6115

Audience: Open to the CMU and Pittsburgh community

Learn about the different types of startup personnel, including employees, independent contractors and unpaid interns, as well as legal issues related to student projects, terms of employment, relationship/covenants and employee equity with presenter David Lehman, K&L Gates.

Co-sponsored by Project Olympus and The Innovation Practice Institute at the University of Pittsburgh


Think Like an Angel

Wednesday, November 18, 2015
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
CMU/Newell Simon Hall, Rooms 3305 and 1507

Audience: Open to the CMU community

This popular event allows participants the opportunity to act as angel investors, interact with real startups and to receive feedback from actual angel investors. This campus-wide event allows you to work with a cross-campus team and a chance to win prizes worth $500! Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis, so if interested sign up now! Open to all CMU students.

Co-sponsored by the CMU Graduate Entrepreneurship Club and BlueTree Allied Angels


Startup Job Fair

Thursday, November 19, 2015
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
CMU/Newell Simon, Perlis Atrium

Audience: Open to the CMU community. This annual event, presented by Project Olympus and the Pittsburgh Tech Meetup, brings together over 30 local startups and more than 300 applicants who are interested in working for a startup. The positions available include full-time, part time, paid and unpaid internships.

Co-sponsored by Pittsburgh Technology Meetup and the Innovative Practice Institute at the University of Pittsburgh


Create a World Changing Vision for Your Startup
Special talk with Ryan Davis, Director of Business Development, FOUNDER.org

Thursday, November 19, 2015
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Newell Simon Hall, Room 3305

Audience: Open to the CMU community

Learn how to turn your idea into a world-changing company and how to position and articulate your idea for maximum impact at this talk featuring FOUNDER.org’s director of business development, Ryan Davis. If you have an innovation, are already working on a startup or just have a great idea, this event is for you. FOUNDER.org invests in young innovators who are building world changing companies and provides an unrivaled experience through its 8D company building science, twelve month executive mentoring and early funding.


Social Entrepreneur Networking Lunch and Talk

Friday, November 20, 2015
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hamburg Hall, Room 1000

Audience: Open to the CMU community

Are you an entrepreneur with an interest in social innovation? Do you have startup and need a team? Do you want to start your own business but lack sufficient funds? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then this event is for you. Join CMU’s Institute for Social Innovation and some of CMU’s social innovation startups for a networking lunch and attend a talk featuring Jennifer Hamilton, Kiva.org, to find out how Kiva Zip low-interest loans can help fund your startup. Lunch will be provided.


How to Build a Successful Hardware Startup

Friday, November 20, 2015
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Newell Simon Hall, Room 3305

Audience: Open to the CMU community

Find out how the accelerator program at HAX helps hardware startups evolve from prototype to launch with presenter Duncan Turner, general partner and program director. HAX, with offices in Silicon Valley and Shenzhen China, has invested in over 80 startups focusing on robotics, medical devices, IoT, advanced manufacturing and lifestyle products. Refreshments will be provided.

2015 GEW Organizers

Office Hours with Drive Capital

Monday, November 17, 2014
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Gates Hillman Center, Room 6501

Audience: Open to the CMU community.

To kick off GEW, members of the Drive Capital team will host office hours for CMU students who have a technology business idea and want to share their innovation with the largest VC fund in the Midwest. Drive Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative technology, healthcare and consumer companies. Drive is an investor in the CMU startup, No Wait.

Sponsored by Drive Capital and the CMU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship


Fireside Chat Featuring Chris Olsen, Drive Capital and Andy Jenks, Formation Data Capital

Monday, November 17, 2014
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Gates Hillman Center, Rashid Auditorium

Audience: Open to the CMU community.

Join us for a special fireside chat featuring Chris Olsen, founder at Drive Capital, and Andy Jenks, cofounder and COO of Formation Data Systems. Drive Capital invests in innovative technology, healthcare and consumer companies in the Midwest. Formation Data Systems focuses on helping IT organizations realize the transformative benefits of modern computing technology by revolutionizing how data is stored, managed and delivered. Find out more about Chris and Andy. Introductions will be made by Lenore Blum, Co-Director, CMU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Founding Director, Project Olympus. Refreshments will be provided.

Sponsored by Drive Capital and the CMU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship


UEAElevator Pitch Competition

Monday, November 17, 2014
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Gates Hillman Center, Rashid Auditorium

Audience: Open to the CMU community.

2014 Winners:

Undergraduate Winner: Kyle Henson, Nebulus
Graduate Winner: Alvin Chou, ExpressCook
Audience Vote: Kyle Henson, Nebulus

Pitch your entrepreneurial ideas in 60 seconds to a panel of judges consisting of Chris Olsen and Mark Kvamme, founding partners at Drive Capital and Dave Mawhinney, Co-director of the CMU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Apply for a chance to win up to $300 in prizes and receive valuable feedback on the delivery and content of your pitch. Members of the audience will vote for their favorite pitch. The competition is open to CMU undergraduate and graduate students.

Brought to you by the Tepper Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Club


Start Smart: How to Conduct Patent Research Workshop

Tuesday, November 18, 2014
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Newell Simon Hall 3305

Audience: Open to the CMU and Pittsburgh community.

Do you have an invention or product that you think can be patented? Bring your laptop to this workshop, which will be conducted by Mike Lazzara from K&L Gates, and learn how to conduct research to determine if there are patents for inventions similar to yours. You will also learn tips on how to describe your invention without infringing on other patents. Mike will be introduced by Kit Needham, Associate Director and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Project Olympus.

Brought to you by Project Olympus & The Innovation Practice Institute at the University of Pittsburgh


Information Session with Hemai Parthasarathy, Breakout Labs

Wednesday, November 19, 2014
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Gates Hillman, Room 6115

This information session is for anyone in the CMU community who has an early-stage, STEM based company or pre-company looking for investment support. Hemai Parthasarathy, Scientific Director of the Thiel Foundation's Breakout Labs, will discuss investment, mentoring and networking opportunities available through the program, which helps companies achieve specific milestones critical to development. Breakout Labs invests up to $350k in the form of convertible grants. Come prepared to give a 1-minute elevator pitch about your company or project.

Sponsored by the CMU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship


Think Like an Angel

Wednesday, November 19
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
CMU/Newell Simon Hall, Room 3305

Audience: Open to the CMU community.

Modeled after VCIC, this popular event allows participants the opportunity to act as angel investors, interact with real startups and receive feedback from actual angel investors. This campus-wide event allows you to work with a cross-campus team and a chance to win prizes worth $500! Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis, so if interested sign up now! Open to all CMU students.

Sponsored by the CMU Graduate Entrepreneurship Club


Startup Job Fair

Thursday, November 20, 2014
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
CMU/Newell Simon, Perlis Atrium

Audience: Open to the CMU community.

This annual event, presented by Project Olympus and the Pittsburgh Tech Meetup, brings together over 30 local startups and more than 300 applicants who are interested in working for a startup. The positions available include full-time, part-time, paid and unpaid internships.

Sponsored by AlphaLab, AlphaLab Gear and Pittsburgh Technology Meetup


Social Entrepreneur Luncheon and Talk: Featuring Christian Schornich, United Nations

Friday, November 21, 2014
12:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
CMU/Hamburg Hall, Room 1000

Audience: Open to the CMU and Pittsburgh community.

Join the CMU Institute for Social Innovation for an informative talk given by Christian Schornich, consultant for the United Nations. Chris is an independent advisor with over 15 years of experience in management and leadership positions. Recently, he authored a comprehensive study on maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of business practices in the United Nations development system. Find out more about Chris.

Registration is not required. Lunch will be provided.

2014 GEW Organizers

Elevator Pitch Competition

Monday, November 18, 2013
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Posner Hall, Simon Auditorium

Pitch your entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of Carnegie Mellon entrepreneurship professors, which this year consists of Dave Mawhinney, Bill Courtright and Robert Culbertson. Apply for the chance to win $300 in prizes and receive valuable feedback on the delivery and content of your pitch. Members of the audience will vote for their favorite pitch - the audience award.

Brought to you by the UEA (Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Association)


Start Smart: Protecting Your Company's Intellectual Property Seminar

Tuesday, November 19, 2013
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Newell Simon Hall, Room 3305

•How to protect your company's IP
•How not to infringe on another's IP
•How to handle IP created by your employee, including non-compete clauses
•Which to use: copyright, patents, trademarks, trade secrets
•First to file vs First to invent: changes in US patent law

Brought to you by Project Olympus & The Innovation Practice Institute at the University of Pittsburgh


Think Like An Angel

Wednesday, November 20, 2013
5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Newell Simon Hall

Modeled after VCIC , Think Like an Angel is a unique twist on its formula. During this extremely popular annual event, you get an opportunity to act as an angel investor, interact with actual startups and receive feedback from real angel investors. Part of Global Entrepreneurship Week at CMU, this campus-wide event allows you the chance to work with a cross-campus team. Prizes total $500!

Selection is on first-come, first-served basis, so sign up!

Brought to you by the EVC Club and BlueTree Allied Angels


Startup Job Fair

Thursday, November 21, 2013
3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Newell Simon Hall, Perlis Atrium

More than 30 startups looking for full-time, part-time, interns, co-founders...in software dev, design, marketing, bus development... will be gathered in one place to recruit talent. Free and open to all in the region.

Brought to you by Pittsburgh Meetup and Project Olympus


ISI Interactive Showcase

Friday, November 22, 2013
Lunch* 12:00 p.m., Showcase 4:30 p.m.
*Social Entrepreneur Luncheon, Hamburg Hall, Room 1000

Come join the Institute for Social Innovation's Social Entrepreneur Luncheon and engage with budding social innovators who will be presenting their ventures.

Interactive Social Innovation Showcase, Location: Hamburg Hall Foyer

Come join the Institute for Social Innovation's Interactive Social Innovation Showcase, where you will have the opportunity to engage with various technologies.

Brought to you by the Institute of Social Innovation at Carnegie Mellon

2013 GEW Organizers