The Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) recently held its annual conference at the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship in Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business in Houston. This event brought together leading university entrepreneurship programs to celebrate creativity and innovation in university-based entrepreneurship education. The conference, which saw its largest attendance in history this year, is the flagship event of the GCEC, aiming to advance, strengthen, and celebrate the role universities play in educating future entrepreneurs.
More than 700 leaders from universities across the world gathered at the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at Dallas for the conference, participating in over 140 breakout sessions. At the close of the event, 12 universities were recognized for their outstanding contributions in various categories related to entrepreneurship education. These awards highlight the excellence and innovation present in university entrepreneurship programs.
Among the awardees, the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas at Austin was recognized for its outstanding work in schools with more than 5,000 students. Harvard Innovation Labs at Harvard University received accolades for their exceptional contributions to venture creation. The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado, Boulder was honored for excellence in specialty entrepreneurship education.
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah was commended for excellence in entrepreneurship teaching and pedagogical innovation. Loyola University New Orleans’ Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development and Northeastern University’s Center for Entrepreneurship Education were recognized for outstanding student engagement and leadership in their respective student population categories.
Rebecca White, the James W. Walter Distinguished Chair of Entrepreneurship and director of the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Tampa, received a legacy award for her pioneering work in advancing entrepreneurship in universities. This award recognizes individuals who have made a substantial impact on the field of entrepreneurship education.
Under the new leadership of executive director Holly DeArmond, GCEC is expanding its offerings for members to facilitate global collaboration and continuous learning of best practices throughout the year. One of the new initiatives announced at the conference is the addition of a global summit, which will be hosted by the Sasin School of Management in Bangkok in June 2024. GCEC will continue to hold its annual conference, hosted by Babson College in November 2024.
Overall, the GCEC conference showcased the dedication and innovation present in university entrepreneurship programs worldwide. By recognizing and celebrating excellence in entrepreneurship education, GCEC is paving the way for a brighter future where entrepreneurship can empower individuals and communities globally.
