The next great startup might not originate in Silicon Valley, but at the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology atOklahoma State University.
CEAT is elevating innovative thinking, problem-solving prowess, collaboration, recruitment and competitive spirit into its strategic footprint.
Students will soon have the capability to turn ideas fostered in classrooms into commercial success through the inaugural Dean’s Innovation Award for Promising Business Startups.
Beginning in fall 2026, the award will recognize some of CEAT’s most promising student entrepreneurs with $20,000 to $30,000 in milestone-based funding. This will allow students to transform engineering concepts into viable businesses, all while sharpening their entrepreneurial skills to help them succeed beyond graduation. Applications for this fall’s award open on July 31 and close at 5 p.m. Aug. 10.
Anyone interested in applying for this award can do so by clicking this link.
This award reflects CEAT’s emphasis on equipping engineers with the skillsets and proficiency to solve a variety of real-world problems once they enter the workforce.
“Through innovation, CEAT serves the land-grant mission of OSU by driving economic growth and job creation in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Hanchen Huang, dean of CEAT.
The Zink Center for Competitive Innovation will be a cornerstone of this award, providing resources that strengthen interdisciplinary design, engineering practice, leadership development and teamwork while bridging the gap between technical innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The new Dean’s Innovation Award for Promising Business Startups will enhance CEAT programs and initiatives, leading to a high demand for our graduates — graduates who have the kinds of ideation-to-market experiences that create new businesses, support existing businesses, benefit society and can be monetized,” said Michael Carolina, director of the Zink Center for Competitive Innovation.
Source: CEAT launches Innovation Award to turn student ideas into startups | Oklahoma State University
