Northeastern University is gearing up for an exciting week of events as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, with a lineup that promises to inspire and engage students, alumni, and the community at large. From special programs in San Francisco to London, the university is pulling out all the stops to showcase innovation, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines its community.
One of the highlights of the week will be a conversation with fashion icon Stuart Weitzman, whose shoes have graced the feet of celebrities like Beyoncé, Kate Middleton, and Taylor Swift. Weitzman, known for his unique approach to entrepreneurship and his commitment to blending function with fashion, will share his insights and experiences with students on the Boston campus. This event is sure to be a must-attend for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion and entrepreneurship.
In addition to the conversation with Stuart Weitzman, Northeastern University has a packed schedule of events planned throughout the week. From hackathons to pitch competitions, there will be no shortage of opportunities for students to showcase their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. Demo Day, the university’s biggest celebration of student innovation, will give student entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their startup ideas and compete for funding. The event will feature the top eight student-led venture finalists from the fall 2023 cohort of the Husky Startup Challenge.
London will also play host to a series of drop-in events, including a Social Innovation Spotlight with Zero Gravity CEO Joe Seddon and a discussion on building sustainable success with Tom Molnar, CEO and co-founder of GAIL’s Bakery. These events will provide valuable insights into the world of social entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices.
For those looking for a more interactive experience, Pitch Karaoke offers a fun twist on the traditional pitch competition. Participants will have the chance to hilariously tackle a set of slides they have never seen before, all in the name of a fake business pitch. This event promises to be both entertaining and informative, giving participants a taste of what it takes to pitch a business idea in a high-pressure environment.
The Northeastern Entrepreneurship Exposition (NEXPO) will be a showcase of the university’s diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, featuring more than 35 innovative ventures and organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with external entrepreneurial communities, investors, and alumni, gaining valuable insights and connections that can help propel their own entrepreneurial endeavors forward.
Mosaic, the umbrella group of various entrepreneurial student organizations at Northeastern, has grown significantly over the years, with 11 student-led organizations and 400 students in leadership roles. The impact of Mosaic extends beyond the university, with 500 ventures receiving support and affecting more than 3,000 Northeastern students and community members. This collaborative and supportive environment is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Women Who Empower Summit will bring together creators, innovators, and change-makers to motivate and connect. Featuring a lineup of inspiring guests, including Amelia Brooks, Betty Francisco, Laura Huang, Meeta Kapadia, Jennifer Keiser Neundorfer, and Marissa Mullen, the summit promises to be a celebration of female entrepreneurship and leadership.
The week will also include an Entrepreneurship Founder Series and Alumni Networking program in San Francisco, where founders from the Roux Institute will discuss their ventures and paths in developing startups. Ideation Day, Leadership in the Entrepreneurial Environment, and a Start Summit Hackathon in Oakland will round out the week’s events, offering participants a chance to dive into the world of innovation and collaboration.
Overall, Northeastern University’s Global Entrepreneurship Week promises to be a week filled with inspiration, innovation, and collaboration. With a diverse lineup of events spanning multiple campuses and featuring a wide range of speakers and activities, the week is sure to leave a lasting impact on all who participate. Whether you’re a student looking to launch your own venture or an alumni seeking to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, this week is an opportunity not to be missed.
