Your Idea, Realized.
Do you have an idea for a business, a nonprofit, or a world-changing venture? The Eureka! Student Venture Program provides a structured framework to help you validate your concept, discover your customers, and build a solid business plan.
With dedicated coaching and opportunities to access funding as you progress, we’re here to help you build the skills to launch a successful venture.
How It Works:
From spark to strategy, Eureka! is your guide with checkpoints and growing support every step of the way.
Steps that set you up for success
- Focus: Validate the strength of your startup idea through peer feedback and weekly pitch workshops.
- Outcome: Earn your official Eureka! student status and unlock your first round of funding.
- Focus: Dive deep into your market. You’ll develop a research plan, create customer personas, build your first prototype, and conduct your first three customer interviews.
- Outcome: Gain critical insights into who your customer is and what they truly need.
- Focus: Get out of the building! Continue discovery with at least 20 potential customers, adapting your idea based on real-world insights and identifying key stakeholders.
- Outcome: Pivot and refine your concept based on direct market feedback.
- Focus: Bring it all together. Formalize your business plan, integrating your discovery findings into a powerful product and go-to-market strategy.
- Outcome: A professional, fundable business plan that’s ready for your next big step.
Grow Your Venture with Funding & Coaching
Each step in the Eureka! journey brings opportunity for more resources to fuel your venture—more funding, deeper mentorship, and greater exposure.
- Step-by-Step Growth: Build a strong foundation as you move through a clear, structured progression plan.
- Pitch & Shine: Share your progress at Eureka! Expos to gain feedback and visibility.
- More Funding, More Momentum: Unlock opportunity for capital at each stage, tied to your progress and execution.
- Targeted Coaching: Get up to six 30-minute sessions per month with the Baker Institute Director for expert guidance.
- Compete to Win: Top ventures will have the chance to pitch at the Innovate! Celebrate! finale at the Joan F. & John M. Thalheimer ’55 Grand Prize Pitch Competition.
Eureka! Pitch Nights
Think Shark Tank, but with more collaboration, less pressure, and feedback that fuels your next move.
L to R: Cedrique Wafula ’25, Joan F. Thalheimer, Jere Andrews ’27G, and Canaan Kimball ’26 at the 2025 Annual Joan F. & John M. Thalheimer ’55 Grand Prize Competition.
How It Works
EUREKA! Pitch Nights are live events for students in Steps 2, 3, and 4 of the program. At each stage, you’ll pitch your venture in front of a supportive audience to unlock new funding and mentorship opportunities.
- Share your idea live
- Receive real-time feedback
- Compete for fellowship funding
- Connect with the EUREKA! community
Step 1 is different.
At this early stage, pitches are personal and private — a one-on-one session with the EUREKA! team. It’s your chance to get feedback, refine your idea, and prepare for the spotlight in future steps.
What Makes EUREKA! Different?
You’re not pitching against others — you’re pitching for your own growth.
- Everyone has a shot. If your project is ready, we’re ready to support it.
- Funding is grant-based. No equity, no strings attached.
- Mentorship included. Personalized feedback helps shape your next move.
- Progress over perfection. We care more about where you're going than where you started.
What Can You Pitch?
Whether it’s a product, a service, or a bold new way to solve a problem — Pitch Night is your chance to share it. Every idea is different, and every pitch is a step forward.
Ready to Take the Stage?
Start with Step 1 to unlock your path to Pitch Night.
As you advance, you’ll earn the chance to pitch live, secure funding, and move your venture forward — one bold step at a time.
