Proving Ground

Several times a year, the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship hosts Proving Ground events — a vibrant vendor expo for student startups across Drexel University. From makers and app creators to food entrepreneurs, social enterprises, game designers and fashion designers, student innovators are invited to display their businesses, sell products, gather feedback and build connections.

How it Works

Proving Ground events take place in the Pearlstein Building lobby, the Close School’s home on Drexel’s University City campus.

• Signature all-day events like Startup Fest in the fall and Future Fest in the winter always feature a Proving Ground.
• Each October, a special edition of the Proving Ground celebrates Women’s Entrepreneurship Week by spotlighting female founders.
• New in 2025, a collaboration with Drexel’s Barnes and Noble bookstore brings Proving Ground pop-ups to a dedicated space inside the store.