October 31, 2018

Startup Fest, Drexel University's premier entrepreneurship event, is back! If you're involved in the entrepreneurship community, you've likely heard of this prestigious event. Each year, the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship hosts Startup Fest to bring together rising student entrepreneurs and established professionals to attend a two-day event filled with opportunities to expand networks, knowledge and horizons. If that isn't enough to convince you to attend, read below!

Chance to win cash prizes!

Drexel University students have the opportunity to earn up to $25,000, physical space for their startup in the Baiada Institute Incubator and mentorship from entrepreneurs in residence. If you're not quite at that stage with your startup idea, the Student Idea Pitch Competition might be for you! All students can pitch an idea (business, app, etc.) during the event and potentially earn a cash prize! Drexel staff may also join the fun during the Staff Pitch Competition.

If you're not competing, you'll still be able to hear entrepreneurially-minded people share their ideas on a wide range of topics.

Raffle prizes

Entering into a competition isn't the only way to win prizes! Startup Fest attendees may enter tickets into a participating booth's raffle and listen for their number to be drawn to win gift cards and more.

Expo & opportunity fair

Booths from student and alumni companies, as well as regional businesses are lined throughout Behrakis Grand Hall. This allows attendees to mingle and speak with representatives from dozens of companies. Who knows? Perhaps you'll land your next job, find someone to invest in your idea or meet valuable connections through someone there!

Learn something new

Each year, we have insightful panelists and keynote speakers that share their wisdom and experiences with the attendees. This year, we have the honor of hearing not one, but TWO keynote speakers - the CEO & President of eBags, Mike Edwards and Co-founder of eBags and Co-founder & CEO of Iterate.ai, Jon Nordmark! We're already looking forward to hearing experiences and advice from these two entrepreneurs!

Networking

As each day of the event simmers down, attendees will grab a bite to eat, a drink to sip and pull out business cards. Drexel's largest entrepreneurship event attracts all sorts, from students to professionals with decades of business experience, so you're sure to find many different people to speak with from all stages in their career!

Don't wait! Register for Startup Fest today.