Campaign Summary
· Investing for Growth
The Center for Innovation has established a unique partnership with Silicon Valley venture capitalists to create the Bronco Ventures Fund. This investment vehicle allows the CIE to invest alongside our VC partners in promising start-ups with all of the returns from successful investments being reinvested as part of the CIE endowment. The Bronco Ventures Fund will not only provide financial support for the Center and SCU alumni entrepreneurs, but also a broader network in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Valley.
· Focused Faculty and Curriculum
New faculty will provide another dimension to Santa Clara’s already rigorous and well-rounded curriculum. Entrepreneurship faculty will provide students with a greater range of course offerings in the entrepreneurship discipline to expand upon the undergraduate certificate and graduate concentrations already in place. Our vision is a fully staffed entrepreneurship department offering a minor, major, and masters to students of any discipline. In addition to educational pursuits, faculty members will also be conducting research at the forefront of entrepreneurial thought.
· International Recognition
Santa Clara University’s location in Silicon Valley provides an unparalleled opportunity to foster innovation in the global hub for technological advancement. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship sees the creation of one of the largest business plan competitions in the world as a way to leverage our location and skills. Such a competition would draw top entrepreneurs from around the world, elevating SCU’s profile while also solidifying Santa Clara’s connection with the Silicon Valley.
· Scholarships to Attract Future Founders
To create a top ranked and highly respected entrepreneurship program, Santa Clara must continue to attract highly intelligent and ambitious students. Having the ability to offset of the cost of tuition at both the undergraduate and graduate level will provide us with the ability to recruit top talent.
· Creating a Distinguished Leader
The Entrepreneurship Challenge represents the foundation for entrepreneurship education and the strengthening of the already well-respected name of Santa Clara University. With entrepreneurship education gaining international recognition as an independent discipline, now is the time to establish SCU as a global leader in entrepreneurship education.
