News

At the Shark Tank–like Vassar Pitch Competition, a Marketplace for Used Soccer Gear Scores Big

Students earned cash prizes, generously funded by an entrepreneurial alum, for business ideas deemed promising by a panel of judges.

Announcing the 2026 New Venture Pitch Competition Judges

We are proud to announce the distinguished panel of judges who will evaluate student ventures at this year's New Venture Pitch Competition. Representing alums, faculty, and industry leaders across entrepreneurship, technology, healthcare, and finance, these judges bring a remarkable depth of experience — and a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of founders.

Announcing the 2026 New Ventures Pitch Competition Participants

This year’s competition will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, and will feature 8 student-led ventures spanning sustainability, mental health, AI, finance, fashion, accessibility, and community-focused innovation.

Apply to the 2026 New York Business Plan Competition

The student application is now open for the 2026 New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC)—New York’s premier statewide, intercollegiate entrepreneurship competition.

Vassar Women Founders Redefine Entrepreneurship—“It’s a Mindset,” They Say

A panel of alum women founders explored the entrepreneurial mindset—the spirit of open curiosity and fearlessness that drives innovation.

Announcing the Inaugural Student Innovation Fund 2025 Grant Recipients

From sustainable fashion in the Garment District to an AI desk companion for stress and planning, the inaugural Student Innovation Fund recipients showcase the full spectrum of creativity at Vassar.

Renowned Designer Stuart Weitzman Details His Entrepreneurial Journey During Vassar Visit

Students interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, and sweet kicks got an inside look at what it takes to make it in the apparel industry from luxury shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, who gave a talk in the Villard Room on September 25.

Vassar Students, Faculty, Administrators and Alums Gather to Celebrate Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship can take many forms and lead to different career paths that are far from linear. But a grounding in the liberal arts ensures that founders are uniquely positioned to approach problem-solving with both creativity and conscience. That was the message from students, faculty, alums, and administrators from 13 colleges and universities who gathered for a two-day conference at the The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts on March 11 and 12.

Students Compete (and Win Cash) in Inaugural Shark Tank-like Pitch Competition

The inventor of a uniquely designed freshwater fishing rod won Vassar’s first Entrepreneur Pitch Competition.

Vassar Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum Offers Guidance to Budding Innovators

Starting your own business or not-for-profit organization is always challenging, often frustrating and never instantly rewarding, but the satisfaction of seeing your idea morph into a viable enterprise is worth the struggle. That was the message two alums and a Vassar senior delivered to aspiring entrepreneurs during a two-hour panel discussion hosted by Vassar Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VIE), a program launched recently by the Office of Computer Information Services (CIS).