Events
Explore our series of entrepreneurial events, featuring workshops and pitch competitions. Perfect for nurturing innovation and expanding networks within and beyond the academic environment.
November 2025
November 3
Rice Business Plan Competition (Applications Open)
Houston, Texas at Rice Business
The Rice Business Plan Competition, at Rice Business and hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, showcases the best early-stage graduate student-led university startups from across the U.S. and around the world. The competition provides student entrepreneurs the unparalleled experience of pitching their startups to investors and learning what it takes to build and launch a successful business.
November 3, 6pm - 7pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
November 4
NJIT New Business Model Competition (Applications Due)
Finals on December 2 at NJIT Campus Center Atrium
Hosted annually during the fall semester, the New Jersey Innovation Acceleration Center runs the New Business Model Competition. Many entrepreneurs submit practical innovative ideas for review by a panel of judges for a chance to win a $3,000 summer fellowship to pay them to work on their idea. Although submission is free, each submission must follow the guidelines of the NAVC program. NAVC is the standard model for innovation focusing on the basics that help tell if an idea is viable or not. First participants must define what the need for their product is and to whom their target audience would be. This basically outlines what the problem is that needs solving. Next, they must outline their proposed solution to the problem including how their solution is the best solution to date. Their product is defined at this stage of the NAVC process. Value proposition, also known as profitability, can now be examined because the target audience, production costs, and projected gains can be determined from the problem and proposed solution. Finally, competition and competency can be accounted for. A solution is only viable if a market is both available and not over-saturated with competition. Of the many submissions, roughly 4 will be accepted as finalists in each track. Finalists make a 7-minute presentation to the judges in person with the use of PowerPoint as an option. Following the presentation is a Question and Answer session. It is at this point winners are chosen and awards distributed.
November 5, 3pm - 5pm
Entrepreneurship Open Office Hours: Movie Night Showing The Pitch: Patient Safety's Next Generation
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room
Grab some popcorn and join us for the viewing of The Pitch! The Pitch explores innovative technological solutions aimed at preventing medical errors in healthcare settings, highlighting the crucial role of collaboration between healthcare systems and innovators. The documentary showcases the creative ways new technologies are being used to improve patient safety, offering hope for a future with fewer medical errors. Featuring expert interviews, recent breakthroughs, and the story of a young innovator navigating the medical frontier, the film delivers an optimistic message about the potential for technological advancement to transform patient care. Open to all NJIT students
November 6, 1pm - 2pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
November 10, 6pm - 7pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
November 12, 3pm - 5pm
Entrepreneurship Open Office Hours: Fireside Chat with Daniel Gohl
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Join us for a fireside chat with Daniel Gohl, Chief Technology & Strategy Officer, U.S. Education at HP, where he leads national K-12 and edtech initiatives. Previously Chief Academic Officer for Broward County Public Schools, he has also held leadership roles in Houston ISD, the New Jersey Department of Education, and Newark Public Schools. Committed to equity and innovation, Dan shares insights on how technology can transform learning and expand opportunities for all students. Open to all NJIT students
November 13, 1pm - 2pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
November 17, 6pm - 7pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
November 19, 3pm - 5pm
Pitch Clinic Workshop: Part 2
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room
This two part series brought to you by the NJIT Center for Student Entrepreneurship, students are encouraged to attend both two parts. Led by Dr. Kathy Naasz, MTSM Research Professor & Executive Director of the Center for Student Entrepreneurship. Session 1 will cover the basic content required for a 5-minute pitch and attendees will be guided to create a draft pitch presentation for their own startup. We will also share information on upcoming pitch competitions to encourage participation. Come with a basic startup idea outline. Session 2 will build on the basics and incorporate more sophisticated techniques to make ideas stick and clearly express points through visuals. It will also address verbal delivery and non-verbal communication. Each participant will practice their pitch in small groups. Come with your pitch deck that you created in the first session.Open to all student entrepreneurs who have a startup idea and would like to compete in pitch competitions.
November 20, 1pm - 2pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
November 21
Startup Wars: An Interactive Simulation and Competition (MTSM Honors Colloquium)
Agile Strategy Lab, Central King Building
Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test in the Startup Wars Competition. This exciting, hands-on simulation lets students step into the shoes of startup founders, launching and scaling a mobile app business from the ground up. Compete against your peers as you make real-world decisions in marketing, product development, finances, and user growth. The event kicks off with remarks from Dr. Kathy Naasz, a research professor at the Martin Tuchman School of Management and director of the Center for Student Entrepreneurship. Participants must bring a laptop to fully engage in the simulation.
November 24, 6pm - 7pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
November 26, 3pm - 5pm
Entrepreneurship Open Office Hours
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Open to all NJIT students
December 2025
December 1, 6pm - 7pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
December 2, 11am - 12:30pm
Center for Student Entrepreneurship One Year Anniversary Celebration
Campus Center Atrium
Join us as we mark the Center for Student Entrepreneurship’s First Anniversary with an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Showcase, exciting raffle prizes, lunch, and birthday cake! Event followed by the New Business Model Competition. Open to all. RSVP recommended, not required.
December 2, 12pm - 4pm
New Business Model Competition: Finalists Presentations
Campus Center Atrium & Ballroom B
Come watch the 17th Annual New Business Model Competition hosted by New Jersey Innovation Acceleration Center at New Jersey Institute of Technology on December 2nd, where student and community-entrepreneurs pitch their bold business ideas for a chance to win a $3,000 fellowship. You’ll witness firsthand how teams identify real problems, propose smart solutions, and wrestle with profitability and competition. No registration needed for audience participant.
December 3, 3pm - 5pm
Entrepreneurship Open Office Hours
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Open to all NJIT students
December 4, 1pm - 2pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
December 4
Santander Entrepreneurial Scholars Program (Applications Open)
Deadline: January 18
Through a grant made possible by Santander Bank, we are seeking Peer Entrepreneurs In Residence (PEIRs) at the NJIT Center for Student Entrepreneurship. The NJIT Center for Student Entrepreneurship is a one-stop shop for student entrepreneurs with the mission to radically increase access to and participation in entrepreneurial education and experience for all NJIT students. PEIRs are students who have participated in an entrepreneurial experience at NJIT and wish to serve as peer mentors for new entrepreneurial students, continuing to learn by doing and helping others to navigate the ecosystem and provide insight into their own entrepreneurial work.
December 8, 6pm - 7pm
Student Mentor Hour
Second floor of the Library in the Leir Data Observatory Room (drop in and innovate)
Looking for guidance on your startup idea or entrepreneurial journey? Drop in for a Student Mentor Hour at the Center for Student Entrepreneurship on Mondays and Thursdays to connect one-on-one with our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (Peer EIRs) who can help you refine your business concept, prepare for competitions, access software like Crunchbase or Scroobious and direct you to our ecosystem of resources. Open to all students—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your venture to the next level. No appointment needed!
December 10, 3pm - 5pm
CSE & Entrepreneurs Society Holiday Party
Campus Center Game Room
Celebrate the season at our Holiday Party! Enjoy free pizza, snacks, and drinks while you unwind with bowling, ping pong, and tons of other games. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the semester! Open to all. RSVP recommended, not required.
January 2026
January 18
Santander Entrepreneurial Scholars Program (Applications Due)
Deadline: January 18
Through a grant made possible by Santander Bank, we are seeking Peer Entrepreneurs In Residence (PEIRs) at the NJIT Center for Student Entrepreneurship. The NJIT Center for Student Entrepreneurship is a one-stop shop for student entrepreneurs with the mission to radically increase access to and participation in entrepreneurial education and experience for all NJIT students. PEIRs are students who have participated in an entrepreneurial experience at NJIT and wish to serve as peer mentors for new entrepreneurial students, continuing to learn by doing and helping others to navigate the ecosystem and provide insight into their own entrepreneurial work.
January 31
Rice Business Plan Competition (Applications Due)
Houston, Texas at Rice Business
The Rice Business Plan Competition, at Rice Business and hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, showcases the best early-stage graduate student-led university startups from across the U.S. and around the world. The competition provides student entrepreneurs the unparalleled experience of pitching their startups to investors and learning what it takes to build and launch a successful business.