13th Annual Symposium

Awards

Deshpande Symposium Awards for Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship are now accepting nominations

For many years, a highlight of the Symposium has been our Awards Celebration. This year, we are pleased to be accepting nominations in the below four categories. Shine a spotlight on the leaders and institutions championing and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship by nominating them for a 2024 award!

Award Nominations are now closed.

Excellence in Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship

The purpose of this award is to recognize an institution that demonstrates exemplary commitment to, and success in, developing and offering innovative educational courses and / or programs that foster entrepreneurship education across the institution.

Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship

The purpose of this award is to recognize an institution that encourages student leadership and engagement in developing innovative extra and co-curricular activities that support the development of entrepreneurial awareness, skills and practice.

Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education

The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements to entrepreneurship in higher education. The recipient of this award should be known for leadership activities, service, and/or contributions to advancing the field of entrepreneurship in higher education.

The Entrepreneurial University

The purpose of this award is to recognize an institution that demonstrates excellence in both the Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship categories. This institution must provide evidence that support for entrepreneurial programs and initiatives are integrated across the institution's strategic plan.

Important Details

  • We accept proposals via the web portal only. You will need to sign in or create a VentureWell account in order to submit.
  • You may nominate yourself or your own institution. You may also nominate a colleague or different institution from your own.
  • Someone from the winning institution must be available to attend the Symposium.

Winners receive Excellence Award badges for their institution's brochures and website.

Previous Winners

The 2024 Deshpande Symposium Award Winners:

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    THE ENTREPRENEURIAL UNIVERSITY EXCELLENCE IN CURRICULUM INNOVATION IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO ADVANCING INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION

  • The 2023 Deshpande Symposium Award Winners:

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    Entrepreneurial University Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation Excellence in Curriculum Innovation Excellence in Student Engagement Rising Star

  • The 2022 Deshpande Symposium Award Winners:

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    Excellence in Curriculum Innovation Excellence in Curriculum Innovation - Rising Star Founders Award Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Exemplary Practice in Technology Commercialization Founders Award Exemplary Practice in Technology Commercialization Excellence in Student Engagement Excellence in Student Engagement

  • The 2021 Deshpande Symposium Award Winners:

    Entrepreneurial University

    Queens University

    Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education

    Dianne Welsh, University of North Carolina Greensboro

    Excellence in Curriculum Innovation

    University of Connecticut, Werth Institute

    Rising Star Award for Excellence in Curriculum Innovation

    InnovationX, the Oregon State University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

    Excellence in Student Engagement

    Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute, Georgia State University

    Rising Star Award for Excellence in Student Engagement

    EDGE Entrepreneurship Incubator, Sheridan College

    Exemplary Practice in Technology Commercialization

    University of Akron I -Corps Sites program

    Founders Award

    Ed Roberts, MIT, For his outstanding contributions to the field of Entrepreneurship and Innovation


    The 2019 Deshpande Symposium Award Winners:


  • The 2018 Deshpande Symposium Award Winners:

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    Excellence in Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship Award Outstanding Contributions to Advancing I&E in Higher Ed Award Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Award Entrepreneurial University Award Exemplary Practice in Technology Commercialization Award

  • The 2017 Deshpande Symposium Award Winners:

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    Excellence in Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship The Entrepreneurial University Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Exemplary Practice in Technology Commercialization

  • The 2016 Deshpande Symposium Award Winners:

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    Excellence in Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Exemplary Practice in Technology Commercialization The Entrepreneurial University Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education (#1) Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education (#2)