The Emergence Accelerator Program supports a cohort of highly driven social and environmental student entrepreneurs and ventures each year from across campus. Through key impact entrepreneurship workshops, coaching from successful founders, one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals, and facilitated networking and connections to prospective funders, students are supported to ideate, develop, and launch purpose driven ventures that address our most pressing health challenges. The Emergence Accelerator includes the following key components:
Impact Entrepreneurship Curriculum: Students learn the fundamentals of impact entrepreneurship and are supported to incorporate them into their venture via the following focused workshops:
Fundamentals of Impact Entrepreneurship
Transformational Leadership
Incorporating Equity & Sustainability in Innovation
Aligning Business Models with Impact
Culture & Team Building
Ownership & Governance Structures
Raising Mission Aligned Capital
Coaching from a Successful Founder: Each student is paired with a successful founder who serves as their coach for the duration of the program. Through regular meetings and continued support students receive tailored guidance to troubleshoot areas of venture development and personal leadership.
Industry Mentorship: Throughout the duration of the program, students are connected to industry professionals, relevant to their specific needs and focus areas, to gain feedback as they refine/scale their ventures for success.
Funding Partnerships: Student entrepreneurs receive facilitated connections to aligned prospective funders (VC’s, Corporations, Angel Investors, Foundations etc.) within the Emergence network to support the launch and scaling of their innovations. In addition, ventures chosen to pitch at the annual Emergence Summit are eligible to receive a small seed award.
Peer-to-Peer Connections: Through a cohort of like-minded impact-driven student entrepreneurs, participants are able to lean into a community of support and knowledge sharing.
Networking & Exposure: Students are connected to a network of private and public sector partners and gain visibility via convenings, an annual Summit, conferences, and investor pitch events.
