BioLegacy winners holding a check for 20K at the Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition 2023

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center

Accelerating Entrepreneurial Leaders for the Common Good

Nourishing the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Entrepreneurship is a philosophy; a mindset that inspires innovation, risk-taking, and seizing opportunities in any form of business venture.

The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) is an active business gymnasium that accelerates "fit for the future" Seattle University students so they can apply entrepreneurship theory and innovation to solve real-life problems, launch new ventures, and advance the common good.

The IEC also actively supports initiatives in micro-enterprise, family business, and student consulting services.

IEC Programs

Three office workers collaborating on a project

Albers-SJIM Virtual Competition

Students from across the globe virtually come together to collaborate on solving some of the world's most pressing problems.

Chihuly sculpture in Pigott Building

Jones Idea Challenge

Work in reverse! A company presents a problem to participating teams and the teams pitch a solution they come up with. Cash prizes are awarded to teams that come up with the best solutions.

JPA to Founder Friday

Downtown Seattle lights

Jones Progress Awards

This rigorous SU alumni business accelerator turns goals into accomplishments by providing a solid infrastructure of grants, mentors, and connections.

Conference attendees

Family Business Exchange

FBX is a community of family business owners who gather to engage in education, networking, and professional development tailored specifically to family businesses.

Bob Monroe of Figurehead Brewing holding a bottle of their beer

Founder Fridays

Learn from seasoned entrepreneurs about their business journeys, challenges, and what it takes to succeed.

What our students say about the IEC "You can be a freshman and jump right in."

Alejandro Ramirez, '21 Finance and Management

"These programs allow you to engage with people in the business world that you might not be able to interact with otherwise. And if you do get the chance to jump into the business world with the IEC, you don't have to wait until graduation. You can be a freshman and jump right in."

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academic Programs

Program Directory

  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor

    Minor

    Broaden your perspective and future impact in any area of undergraduate study by minoring in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Select electives to match your interests.

    • Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Minor

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Certificate

    Professional

    Learn the critical strategies and skills to launch, manage and lead innovative programs and organizations with a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

    • Certificate

Get answers to your IEC questions