Innovate
Entrepreneurship
Live. Learn. Lead.
Innovate is a community of entrepreneurs determined to make the world a better place, one idea at a time. Our goal is to cultivate belonging, community, and entrepreneurial spirit. We do this by creating meaningful connections, conversations, and opportunities to engage both inside and outside of the classroom.
Living
Led by the Program Coordinator, Innovate students will attend a variety of workshops and events throughout the academic year that focus on building community, leadership, and skill building. Examples of events include The Great Rubber Duck Regatta, How to Pitch workshop, and weekly study halls. Our students are supported by six upperclassmen that serve as Wing Leaders. These Innovate leaders support community initiatives, act as a campus resource, and encourage students to step outside their comfort zone.
Learning
Innovate's Academic Coordinator, a professor within Pamplin College of Business, assists in developing the vision for Innovate. The Academic Coordinator teaches the required course MGT 1064. During the MGT 1064 course, Innovate hosts weekly Fireside Chats, where we bring professionals to campus to speak on their experience. Additionally, Innovate leadership plans treks to local and regional companies, providing students opportunities to explore new ideas and network with industry professionals.
Innovate is located in Virginia Tech’s state-of-the-art Creativity and Innovation District (CID). The CID residence includes access to maker spaces (including 3D printing, laser cutting, and wood and metal shops), collaborative technology, practice rooms, and other amenities to help nurture creativity and innovation. Students interact with a faculty family and participate in additional creativity-focused programming. Within the CID, Innovate has a lounge that acts as a hub of the community where students enjoy each other’s company and collaborate on projects.
Innovate is for students of any major, academic college, or academic year who have an expressed interest in opening their own business and more broadly entrepreneurship. We welcome those who have a desire to bring their ideas to life, connect with professional entrepreneurs and experienced faculty, and engage in the vast entrepreneurship ecosystem at Virginia Tech.
First-year students new to Innovate will be automatically enrolled in the first-year experience and professional development course, MGT 1064, during the fall semester. Living in the Innovate Living-Learning Community is contingent upon the successful completion of the required Innovate freshman coursework and maintaining a committed level of participation in community activities and experiences. First-year students are expected to participate in all Innovate Orientation events during Move-In Week.
Returning students, both those returning to Innovate and those returning to Virginia Tech but new to Innovate, are required to take the second-year entrepreneurship course, MGT 2064, during the fall semester. Living in the Innovate Living-Learning Community is contingent upon the successful completion of the required Innovate coursework and maintaining a committed level of participation in community activities and experiences. All returning Innovate students are expected to participate in key activities as well as consider student leadership roles.
Students in Innovate will pay a $50 per semester fee to live in the program.
If you are a new student coming to Virginia Tech, you can apply for Impact once you have accepted your offer of admission from Virginia Tech and paid the matriculation fee. If you are a current or returning student, you can apply in the StarRez Portal beginning in October. Learn more about the application process.
More About Innovate
- Innovate Living-Learning Community
(Pamplin College of Business) - Follow Innovate on Instagram
For additional information contact the Program Coordinator, Derin Murphy at pcobinnovate@vt.edu.