Entrepreneurship

Complementing over 35 courses in entrepreneurship and innovation, the Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation delivers the following co-curricular programs each year.

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Startup Academy A two-day entrepreneurship immersion for Darden MBAs and other UVA graduate students held prior to the start of classes each fall.

Batten Technology Venture Fellowship A competitive program that provides Darden MBAs with an intensive,operational experience with an early stage technology venture during a 10-week summer fellowship.

Darden Connect A multiday learning experience for select MBA students focused on pursuing venture careers, so far offering access to venture ecosystems in Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Venture Capital Bootcamp A two-day, offsite workshop held annually in the Washington, D.C., area for MBAs interested in pursuing opportunities in venture capital and entrepreneurship.

Venturing Projects (x) A program offering an enhanced level of support for students working on venture projects.

UVA Entrepreneurship Cup A yearlong series of pan-University entrepreneurship competitions that award more than $100,000 in grants and investments.

Batten Venture Internship Program Subsidizes summer internships for MBAs interested in working with with startups, early stage ventures or venture capital firms.

VentureLab Supports entrepreneurs and innovators at UVA and beyond. This summer incubator program is open by application each year to early stage companies and entrepreneurs.

Venture Catalyst A long-format accelerator program offering $20,000 grants, workspace, expert advisors and nearly $50,000 in additional resources to high-potential startups in central Virginia.

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Darden and Charlottesville: Changing the Game for Entrepreneurs

KIMBERLY DIAZ (MBA ’19) Prior to Darden: managing director of programming, Teach for America First Year internship: summer intern, Google Post-graduate career: senior account specialist, Google; founder, oneTILT

“I chose Darden to round out my skillset, gain new experiences and build strong relationships. Right before applying to Darden, I launched oneTILT, a nonprofit that works to make organizations more diverse and inclusive. I’ve been surprised by how supportive the entrepreneurship community is at Darden, at UVA and in Charlottesville. The Darden VentureLab program is a great option for those who come to Darden with ongoing ventures, and the “Venture Velocity” elective, taught by a local Darden alumnus who is an entrepreneur as well as an angel investor, has been a game changer in taking my organization to the next level. Charlottesville has also been so supportive — from the Tom Tom Founders Festival to connecting with alumni and community entrepreneurs — and I am really lucky to build my startup in this city!”