Startup Fest '25: Impact and Innovation

Ignite your ambition and propel your startup dreams to the next level!

Startup Fest is the Close School of Entrepreneurship’s premiere annual event, a day dedicated to innovation, action and connection. Whether you’re pitching for funding, networking with industry leaders or exploring the future at the vendor expo, this is where ideas become reality. Undergraduate, graduate and alumni — no matter your major — you’re invited to dive into a full day of competitions, workshops and thought leadership conversations that will fundamentally change your entrepreneurial journey!

Highlights:

• Coffee and Croissants (9:30—11 a.m.): Relax and enjoy coffee and croissants during a special taping of Startup Talks with Chuck Sacco, where Professor Sacco and a special guest will answer your questions quick-fire. Location TBD.
• Featured Speaker (12—1 p.m.): Robert Amar of Small World Seafood will be speaking about “The Small World of Seafood”. He will share how he created a thriving business by bringing fish and fellowship directly to consumers in his local Fairmount neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. His message stresses the importance of community and neighborhood in the building of a grassroots food business. Don’t miss this inspiring talk!
• Proving Ground Expo (1—4 p.m.): Discover ground-breaking ideas and cutting-edge innovations from Drexel University students at the Proving Ground Expo, Pearlstein Building Lobby. Apply to be a Vendor!
• Master Classes with Local Business Leaders (2—3 p.m. and 3—4 p.m.): Choose from a variety of workshops led by local business leaders from across the industry to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge in workshops that will teach you “How To…” in less than an hour. Rooms 302 and 308 Pearlstein.
• Fast Pitch Competition (11—12 p.m.): Pitch your idea in 2 minutes or less to win cash prizes. This is a verbal pitch only - no slides. As the theme for this year’s Startup Fest is Impact and Innovation, impact-driven ideas will be given preferential scoring. All students (grad and undergrad, from any Drexel school or major) are invited to compete. Room 102, Pearlstein.
• Startup Funds Fall 25 Competition (3:30—5:30 p.m.): The final round of the Fall Drexel Startup Funds competition, where students compete for up to $20,000 to fund their ideas. Room 102, Pearlstein.
• Networking Reception and Awards Announcements (6—7 p.m.): Join us at the conclusion of the event for cocktails and light refreshments in the Baiada Institute, 4th Floor, Pearlstein Building