GAP Insights: The evolution of universities as engines of innovation | Stanford Report
For over a century, American universities have shifted from purely academic institutions to dynamic, innovation-driven ecosystems. Stanford’s Professor Chuck Eesley charts this transformation—revealing how education, policy, culture, and investment interlock to produce world-changing startups. Eesley’s research proves entrepreneurship begins with educational autonomy. When students can select electives and access cross-cutting programs, more become founders with […]
From idea to impact: UNSW supports South West Sydney’s next entrepreneurs
South West Sydney’s most promising innovators were given a platform to transform their ideas into reality at Pitch Night South West, opens in a new window. The initiative is led by UNSW Founders, opens in a new window and supported by the NSW Government, Investment NSW, Liverpool Innovation Precinct, opens in a new window and Justice Inclusion Access (JEINA), opens in […]
GAP Insights: Cornell invites startups into Activate Fellows
Cornell’s ongoing commitment to nurturing science-based startups was recently recognized when two of its incubator-affiliated ventures became Activate Fellows for 2025. The Activate Fellowship, now in its 11th year, supports transformative hard-tech entrepreneurs with direct funding, mentorship, and access to leading national innovation communities. This year’s cohort selection saw a record number of applicants, underscoring […]
Aarhus University and regional partners launch €80M venture fund for research startups – ArcticStartup
Delphinus Venture Capital, an Aarhus-based evergreen investment fund, has raised €80 million to finance research-driven startups in East and Central Jutland. Established by the Aarhus University Research Foundation, HEARTLAND, Norlys, and Salling Group, the fund will invest from pre-seed through scale-up stages, with a focus on companies emerging from academic and research environments. Newly appointed CEO Mathias Brink Lorenz, who […]
1435 Capital launches $25M innovation fund for NJ startups
A New Jersey venture capital firm is continuing its remarkable growth – and launching a new fund to catalyze startup investment here in the state. 1435 Capital boasts more than $2.5 billion in assets under management. It features a wide range of notable investments and holdings in its portfolio, as well as a focus on growth-stage investments. Ben […]
How McGill’s Innovation Fund Turns Research Into Real-World Impact
The McGill Innovation Fund was created to fill a big gap in early-stage research funding and help promising ideas make the leap from the lab into the real world. In this episode, Senior Communications Advisor Junji Nishihata shares the story of how the fund came about in 2021, just as McGill University was marking its […]
Wanted: Entrepreneurs to Launch Startups Based on University Innovations
The University of Colorado Boulder will offer a groundbreaking level of support for seven entrepreneurs looking to commercialize CU Boulder innovations. Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator will provide seven would-be startup founders six months of salary as CU Boulder employees, business training, funding opportunities and access to high-potential inventions developed at the university. This unique model expands […]
Two startups from UWM earn Bridge Grant funding
Two faculty members from the College of Engineering & Applied Science recently received Bridge Grants from the UWM Research Foundation to advance their startup companies. Launched in 2021, the Research Foundation Bridge Grant Program helps high-potential UWM startups overcome early funding gaps and accelerate their growth. Bridge Grants are supported by a Wisconsin Economic Development […]
Smeal launches Penn State’s first undergraduate-centered venture investment fund
The Penn State Smeal College of Business has launched the Propel Penn State Seed Fund, an initiative designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in venture capital while supporting real-world startups seeking early-stage investment. The Propel Penn State Seed Fund expands access to undergraduate students interested in venture investing and is modeled after the […]
1834 Ventures Launches $20M for Tulane Startups
NEW ORLEANS (press release) — 1834 Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm, announced the launch of its inaugural $20 million fund to invest in startups founded by Tulane University alumni, faculty, and extended community—including those who have engaged with Tulane programs, partnerships, or innovation initiatives. 1834 Ventures has completed a $4.4 million first close, with 30 investors across […]