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Designed to empower entrepreneurs at every stage.
At the University of Tulsa’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), we deliver targeted programming to meet the needs of entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. We’re committed to supporting the Tulsa community and beyond, connecting with a global network of alumni, partners, and industry leaders. Our initiatives foster creativity, support startups, and build a thriving ecosystem where ideas can flourish.
You never know what you’ll discover next.
$55k
2023 Pitch Competition Prize Money Awarded to TU Students
167
Number of students in JOLT program
$10.4MM
Total Capital Raised by Portfolio Companies
Explore our Flagship Programs
Innovation and Creativity
Where Ideas Transform into Innovations.
Innovation Workshops
Hands-on sessions that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, empowering participants to explore and develop innovative solutions to the world’s biggest problems.
Click here to view examples of past events
- Idea Storm: Practices Used to Generate New Ideas
- The Good and the Bad: Interview with an Entrepreneur Panel
- Value of Play in the Creative Process: Field trip to the Discovery Lab with a presentation by a Laureate neurological research scientist
- Value of Experimentation During Problem Solving: Tower building exercise based on popular TED Talk
- Practices of Highly Creative Thinkers: Session using materials from teachingentrepreneurship.org, design-thinking, and buildabetterbusiness.com
Innovation Challenges
Competitions that encourage participants to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Prizes and recognition for winning ideas, with opportunities for further development and commercialization.
Read about a recent Innovation Challenge, the Tulsa Mobility Challenge, where students competed and pitched innovative ideas to revolutionize Tulsa’s transportation plan. >
University Innovation Fellowship (UIF)
A flagship initiative of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the Jolt program epitomizes our commitment to advancing education through innovation. This program immerses a select cohort of four students in intensive training on design-thinking facilitated by the renowned Stanford Design School (D. School). The UIF program empowers both students and faculty to be catalysts for change in higher education. Read More >
Entrepreneurship
Innovations are Forged into Enterprises.
Pitch Challenges
Platforms for aspiring entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to a panel of investors and industry experts, often leading to funding and strategic partnerships.
Learn more about the Hurricane Pitch Competition, our flagship pitch competition granting $25k exclusively to TU-inspired ideas.
Read more about TU student successes in 2023 at i2E Love’s Cup and the Atento University Pitch Competition.
Accelerators & Incubators
Our accelerators and incubators provide startups with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to grow and succeed, offering a structured environment to move from concept to commercialization.
High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp
In June 2024, TU hosted the first ever High School Entrepreneurship Summer Camp for students who want to learn, test, and challenge their innovative ideas. This five day boot camp provided students the opportunity to work in teams throughout the week, meet with some of the top entrepreneurial hubs around Tulsa, such as 36 Degrees North, ACT House, Techstars, and Atento; while participating in daily learning workshops led by Ph.D. faculty from the Collins College of Business. At the end of the camp there was a “Shark-Tank” style final pitch where teams competed for cash and scholarship prizes.
Read More >
Personal and Professional Development
Entrepreneurs grow into leaders.
Mentorship Programs
Connect students with seasoned professionals and who provide guidance, support, and real-world insights, helping them develop the leadership skills needed for career success. This includes, but is not limited to, internships and job placements with industry-leading companies across the world.
StarTUp Club
Educates, connects, & provides a unique experience for sTUdents interested in early stage/starTUp community & venTUre capital to learn real world experiences. A student-led organization within the JOLT programming mission.
Study Abroad
Education beyond the campus walls. Our worldwide programs offer students the opportunity to gain global perspectives, immerse themselves in different cultures, thought leaders, and develop the skills needed to lead in an interconnected world.
Click the links below to see a small portion of opportunities seized by TU students in 2023.
- Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023 in Miami, Florida.
- Collaboration Established with Dublin City University in Ireland
