The Impact Innovation Hub (IIH) empowers Drexel student entrepreneurs who want to tackle important social and environmental issues. The program focuses on market-based solutions aligned with the United Nation’s (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Students in this program are guided to create sustainable, market-driven, ventures that make the world a better place.

Students selected for the Annual Cohort Program receive six months of guided instruction through the Impact Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp. The program provides flex space in the Baiada Institute Incubator, targeted mentorship, and seed money to develop their ideas.

Participants attend 1–2 hours of educational seminars, weekly, and participate in hands-on workshops with faculty, entrepreneurs in residence, and industry experts. Students receive “The Impact Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp Badge” upon completion of the program.

The IIH provides a supportive community that helps students navigate complex markets while creating social impact. The program helps participants develop an entrepreneurial mindset, build strategic partnerships, and expand their ability to lead innovative solutions across different industries

Here's what past participants have to say:

"At a research focused institution like Drexel University, the Impact Innovation Hub provided a strong support system for students like myself to further push new ideas to emerging markets. It opened my eyes for the needs of innovations that explore science as well as people, finances, and strategy. During the program, I attended networking events with impact-driven businesses leaving their mark in the Philadelphia area that built my curiosity in the new kind of company with a triple bottom line. In the Philadelphia and Drexel Community, I found mentors that shared new perspectives and paths forward when navigating the uncertain landscape of starting a business. With the mentors I gained in IIH, I experienced a wave of possibilities in front of me to not only envision new ideas, but to have the capability to lead them as well. This program has put me down a new path to become a great engineer that is bilingual in scientific and economic language with an entrepreneurial mindset; an unstoppable combination."
Elizabeth Clarkson

"The Impact Innovation Hub provided me with the structure, skills, and support I needed to take my FinTech social venture, SEEd HER, from idea to implementation. When it comes to social entrepreneurship, it's so important to be surrounded by a like-minded community, who cares about the reciprocal impact of people, planet, and profit on business. I particularly enjoyed learning about the B-Corp status and structure, as it encouraged me to consider alternative structures for my venture beyond the more common non-profit or for-profit structures. The award funding I received from the Impact Innovation Hub gave me the opportunity to travel to Kenya, where I conducted in-depth market research in collaboration with women entrepreneurs from two rural communities. From this experience, I learned about the vast implications of entrepreneurship in the most remote parts of the world, among the most vulnerable populations, not just as a means for survival, but as a catalyst for the creation of sustainable livelihoods and communities."
Victoria Faith Miller

“The Impact Innovation Hub provided me with a transformative experience that reshaped how I approach innovation and leadership. It wasn’t just a space to work but a catalyst for refining my ideas, connecting with like-minded peers, and learning how to take my vision from concept to reality. Through hands-on mentorship and collaboration, I honed the skills I needed to lead Raptor Engineering Company, a defense robotics startup, and secure critical partnerships and funding. The Hub’s resources and community inspired me to think bigger, act faster, and focus on making a tangible difference in the world.”
Andrew DeLuca

"The Impact Innovation Hub was an incredible journey of entrepreneurial growth and social impact. Market research, networking, planning, and for some members implementing their solutions was a great introduction to impact entrepreneurship. Not only was it a great intro, but it highlighted the market opportunity for companies who prioritize environmental/social initiatives alongside financial ones. The bootcamp/collaborative sessions and guest speakers helped us to communicate our ideas most effectively to connect with our ideal customer or audience. None of this works without collaboration!"
Jackson McKiernan

Do you have an innovative business idea that tackles critical social and environmental issues and provides a market-based solution? 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 – 26 Impact Innovation Hub Cohort. Drexel undergraduate and/or graduate students may apply now to participate in a September - May program that includes: 

• 6 months of guided instruction – the “Impact Entrepreneurship Bootcamp”
• Incubator flex space in the Baiada Institute
• Targeted mentorship
• Seed money to develop their ideas
• Educational trips to visit startups
• A badge certification
• Hult Prize Regional Competition: Participants in the Impact Innovation Hub will automatically be entered into the Regional Hult Prize Competition, the world's largest social entrepreneurship competition for college students. The Hult Prize includes a grand prize of $1M, a virtual summer accelerator program, national and global competition rounds, and a grand prize of $1M. The Close School will host the regional competition in February 2026. The winner of that competition will automatically be entered into the national competition, which will take place sometime in March.

This program is open to current Drexel undergraduate and graduate students

Apply Here

JUDGING CRITERIA COHORT MEMBERS WILL BE SELECTED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING: 

Does their idea/innovation tackle one or more of the following 17 Sustainable Development Goals? (These goals were developed with the belief that ending poverty and other deprivations is dependent upon the improvement of health and education, the reduction of inequality, the growth of the economy, the preservation of the environment, and the tackling of climate change.)

• Does the applicant's business idea clearly address at least one of the UN Sustainability Goals?
• Can the applicant commit to attending the 1 - 2 hours per week of instruction through The Impact Entrepreneurs Bootcamp?
• Will the applicant benefit significantly from this program?
• Does their idea have a market-based solution?

SCHEDULE AND DETAILS

• This program will begin at the start of Fall Term 2025.
• CA committee of industry experts (entrepreneurs and executives working in the sustainability field) will serve as mentors/coaches to the cohort members. Cohort members will have access to all the resources of The Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship including workspace, community, networking opportunities, and expert advice. Cohort members will be offered continued incubator space in The Baiada Institute for at least one year after the successful completion of their cohort.
• At the end of the Fall Term 2025, cohort members will be asked to present a mid-program update on their learnings, progress and plans for the Winter Term 2026. We will provide continued mentorship and check-in opportunities for cohort members during this time.
• At the end of the Fall Term 2025, cohort members will be asked to present a mid-program update on their learnings, progress and plans for the Winter Term 2025-2026. We will provide continued mentorship and check-in opportunities for cohort members during this time. 
• Cohort members will complete a course of guided education - “The Impact Entrepreneurs Bootcamp” – which will consist of 1 to 2 hours per week of educational seminars and hands-on workshops with Entrepreneurs in Residence, Professors, and Guest Speakers. Instruction will include a focus on the business's value proposition, stakeholders, customer segments, and metrics. Cohort members will learn how to establish actionable and measurable goals that drive successful decision-making through the B-Impact Assessment. At the completion of this course, students will earn a credential - the "Impact Entrepreneur's Bootcamp" badge
• Cohort members will complete a course of guided education - “The Impact Entrepreneurs Bootcamp” – which will consist of 1 to 2 hours per week of educational seminars and hands-on workshops with Entrepreneurs in Residence, Professors, and Guest Speakers. Instruction will include a focus on the business's value proposition, stakeholders, customer segments, and metrics. Cohort members will learn how to establish actionable and measurable goals that drive successful decision-making through the B-Impact Assessment. At the completion of this course, students will earn a credential - the "Impact Entrepreneur's Bootcamp" badge.
• In the Spring of 2026, Cohort members will present their ventures and tell the story of their evolution and progress at a special event/reception. Presentations will include:
• a five-minute pitch
• the results of any market testing
• impact metrics
• pivots to their original idea 
• wins and setbacks 
• their plans for the development of their idea/innovation at the conclusion of the program 

Each student or team, will receive $3000 in seed money to be disbursed as follows:

• $1000 upon acceptance into the program
• $1000 after presenting their Fall mid-program update
• $1000 at the successful conclusion of the program