April 2024 Newsletter
Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts University (DEC)
We help Tufts students and alumni develop an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset
Tufts $100k New Ventures Competition: A celebration of entrepreneurship!?
On April 5th, Derby Entrepreneurship Center hosted the in-person/hybrid finals of the Tufts $100k New Ventures Competition! This was the final round in the competition where 15 teams competed for a chance to win cash and in-kind prizes valued at over $250,000.
Excitement was in the air as the competition kicked off at the Joyce Cummings Center with opening remarks from Tufts President, Sunil Kumar. The competition split up into 3 separate tracks for the pitches, which flowed into a lively networking reception as judges deliberated. At the conclusion of the evening, attendees joined together in person and on zoom for the winner announcements. Congratulations to all $100k applicants and especially to the winners from each track.
Tufts Venture Accelerator: 10 Teams selected for summer of coaching and venture growth
The Tufts Venture Accelerator is a full-time, 10-week-long summer accelerator that runs from June 12th to August 15th. It provides structure, accountability, tailored coaching and funding for Tufts entrepreneurs.
The program has grown significantly from our 6-team cohort in 2021. This is a testament to to the dedication of our Jumbopreneurs and the rapid growth of our emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem at Tufts. We can't wait to work with our teams this summer!
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Update
Program spotlights
15 students receive internship awards from Entrepreneurial Internship Program
The Entrepreneurial Internship Program connects students with summer jobs in entrepreneurial settings. This year 15 students received $4,500 awards to work on otherwise unpaid internships. The program has grown significantly thanks to the support of our generous donors. We look forward to further expanding the program in the coming years.
Entrepreneurial Initiative Fund: Spring 2024: Application Deadline is April 29!
The Tufts Entrepreneurial Initiative Fund (EIF) provides modest funding to individual students, teams or student clubs to support them in their entrepreneurial initiatives. Apply now before we wrap up for the semester!
Community Spotlights
Tufts Student Entrepreneur Shines at Northeastern Pitch-a-thon!
DEC recently selected Madison Page, a first year Engineering student, to represent Tufts at the student-led Northeastern Pitch-a-thon. Participating schools included Northeastern University, Babson College, Boston College, Boston University, Bentley College, Emerson College, Harvard University, Suffolk University, Tufts University and Wentworth Institute of Technology.?
Madison, a Montle Prize winner, $100k semifinalist, and founder of Lynx, won 3rd prize in this competitive event!
ZwitterCo recognized as 2024 Most Innovative Company!
ZwitterCo, cofounded by Alex Rappaport scores another Jumbo win by being recognized by Fast Company as a 2024 Most Innovative Company!?
ZwitterCo's mission is to make it practical for industries to recycle water and enhance product recovery with breakthrough advancements in filtration.
Event Spotlights
Alumni Event: Tufts Entrepreneurial Network (TEN Mixer in New York! - May 8
On Wednesday, May 8, the Tufts Entrepreneurial Network and Derby Entrepreneurship Center cordially invite Tufts alumni to a Springtime soiree at the Sentry!
This is a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow alums and form new connections as we make our way into the summer season.?
Reunion Weekends - Entrepreneurial Panel - May 18 and June 1?
Calling all alumni who are coming back to Tufts for our two upcoming alumni weekends: Save the dates for two all-star Entrepreneurship Panels and hear the stories of fellow alumni who have built businesses through an entrepreneurial approach.