2021 Startup Fest

Startup Fest 2021 brings together Drexel students, alumni, staff, and the Startup Community in a hybrid event, that will consist of both in-person and virtual events. Join us for exciting pitch competitions, speakers, networking, a Proving Ground expo, and more!  This years theme is "Sustainability, Climate Change, and Stewardship". 

To be held over two days, Nov. 4th and 5th, at the Pearlstein Building, the Mandell Theatre and online on the Hopin event platform (https://hopin.com/events/drexel-startup-fest-2021).

RSVP Here More Info

Baiada Institute Incubator Competition

The Baiada Institute Incubator Competition is designed to help student and recent graduate entrepreneurs develop their for-profit or non-profit ideas, receive feedback and mentoring, and compete for cash prizes. It also provides significant opportunities for developing your network, learning how to present your business and developing your public speaking skills.

For more competition opportunities, check out the Student Pitch Competition, the Staff Pitch Competition and the Alumni Pitch Competition.

2020 Startup Fest

At the StartUp Fest (LIVE), we’ll bring together hundreds of entrepreneurs virtually to discuss the challenges they are facing and the solutions they are seeking as they build companies for the future. Join us for valuable insights and new connections with an influential group of change-makers and future building experts. For more information and updates, please visit our Startup Fest website.

2019 Startup Fest Recap

The winners of the the Baiada Institute Incubator Competition:

First place: AeroPest

-Awarded $12,500 in cash, one year of free residency space in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship and other services from our various sponsors. AeroPest is described as an aerial drone spraying system which eliminated and prevents pests in hard-to-reach, elevated areas.

Second place: Camino Kombucha

-Awarded $7,500 in cash, one year of free residency space in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship and other services from our various sponsors. Camino Kombucha is a North-east Philadelphia born Kombucha company.

Third place: Phoodie

-Awarded $5,000 in cash, one year of free residency space in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship and other services from our various sponsors. Phoodie is the first of its kind, smart food ordering app that uses machine learning to create dynamic prices when based on how busy the restaurant is. In return, restaurants get an influx in sales during slow hours and customers get exclusive discounts to keep coming back for more!

November 14, 2019 at Behrakis Grand Hall

Startup Fest is our annual, premier entrepreneurship event. This year's event focuses on food innovation (yum!) and will feature our annual Baiada Incubator Competition, a student, staff and alumni pitch competition and an Entrepreneur Expo featuring Drexel student startups and local food entrepreneurs who will be providing samples of their food. Speakers include prominent Philadelphia and national food entrepreneurs, including Steven Zagor, Food Expert, and Tessa Price and Manachem Katz of WeWork Food Labs. Stop by for a chance to enter our raffle and win gift cards and other food prizes from local restaurants. Lunch and an evening reception included. Details and RSVP at Startup Tree.

Startup Fest 2018 Recap

Six Drexel University student entrepreneur teams competed to win funding for their startup, physical space in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship and other services that are essential to growing companies. Congratulations to the winners of the competition and thank you to all those who participated!

The winners of the the Baiada Institute Incubator Competition:

First place: Outland Analytics

-Awarded $12,500 in cash, one year of free residency space in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship, SEO auditing services from Wanashaker, legal services from Morgan Lewis up to $2,500 and three hours of pro-bono accounting consulting services from GMS Surgent.

Second place: ADHDO

-Awarded $7,500 in cash, one year of free residency space in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship, SEO auditing services from Wanashaker, two hours of pro-bono accounting consulting services from GMS Surgent and reserved slot in the next Drexel Entrepreneurship Law Clinic.

Third place: CloutQuiz

-Awarded $5,000 in cash, one year of free residency space in the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship, 10 free hours of legal services valued at $4,800 from Dougherty Law, one hour of pro-bono accounting consulting services from GMS Surgent and 10 hours of marketing services from Argyle Interactive.

Student Fast Pitch Competition

Winner: Paris Gramann, Just Be
Prize: $500

Drexel University Staff Pitch Competition

Winner: Shawn Walsh
Prize: $250