Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI)

Supporting UConn startups since 2007.

The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), housed within the UConn School of Business, is the university’s hub for entrepreneurial exploration, education, and acceleration. Established in 2007, CCEI was the first organized center to support entrepreneurship activity at UConn.

CCEI empowers students, faculty, staff, and alumni to transform ideas into impactful ventures through hands-on programming, immersive experiences, and strategic mentorship. Whether someone is taking their first steps into entrepreneurship or scaling their startup, CCEI provides a clear path forward — offering guidance, resources, and a thriving network to support every stage of the journey.

We offer a robust suite of programs tailored to meet the needs of diverse innovators. From early-stage ideation to venture-building support, CCEI fosters an environment where ideas can grow into viable companies. The center also supports broader community engagement with local businesses, and professional development through various initiatives.

Throughout the year, we serve as facilitators for innovation across the state. Flagship events celebrate top startups and connect aspiring entrepreneurs to successful founders, investors, and thought leaders. By bridging academic research, real-world practice, and a deep commitment to inclusive innovation, CCEI is cultivating the next generation who will lead the entrepreneurial future of Connecticut and beyond.

This year's fundraising goals.

Your support during UConn Gives helps sustain and grow some of our most impactful early-stage programs.

First, donations this year will help fund our Get Seeded Pitch Nights, where student founders from any UConn school/college are able to present their ideas for early-stage funding and feedback from audience members. The program was launched in 2018, and since has hosted dozens of pitch nights that have resulted in 300+ ideas being cultivated.

"I first explored the business potential of [my] idea when I signed up for Get Seeded — that's where it all changed. In preparing for the competition, I learned new ways that my project could be commercialized, built a network of business experts, and discovered some realities about launching a product. We have since won over $50,000 in non-dilutive funding, and our team has been recognized with state, national, and international awards and recognitions. Now, I work with a UConn lab and have a point of sales selling shellfish to customers. My advice would be that: ideas will evolve, but it's important to start somewhere. For that reason, I would encourage anyone to explore their idea with Get Seeded." — Keegan Jalbert, Founder of AccessFlora

Gifts this year will also support BUILD Hartford, a hands-on, three-credit course that connects students with Hartford-based small businesses and organizations to tell their stories and strengthen the city’s overall ecosystem. Students are able to work with a wide range of individuals and organizations to create innovative projects, and the course serves as an opportunity for them to hone their business storytelling skills.

“I’m so thankful for everything this experience has given me. I’ve never taken a course that felt so connected to the real world, and I honestly loved it. Over the semester, I got to explore some amazing local businesses, meet inspiring people, and learn how to tell stories in a more meaningful and professional way. Whether it was visiting TheaterWorks, hanging out at The Brownstone, or learning about Parkville Market, every experience helped me see how important local entrepreneurship is to a city like Hartford. This course helped me improve my presentation and communication skills, helped me think differently about how stories can shape the way we connect with businesses and communities.” — Lauren Saunders, BUILD Hartford Student

Additionally, your generosity will help maintain and activate the Founder’s Lounge, a dedicated space where students can collaborate, attend events, meet mentors, and build their ventures within UConn’s entrepreneurial community. Located within the UConn School of Business in Storrs, it offers student founders a welcoming place to recharge and access resources to bring their ideas to life.

"From the start, the Founder's Lounge has been a defining part of my experience at UConn. I joined early in my first semester at UConn as a transfer student, and it’s been hands-down one of the best parts of my experience so far. It’s helped me grow as a founder by giving me space to work and take calls, countless resources, and stay consistent. The ability to connect with CCEI staff, other Founder's Lounge members, and suggested resource outlets has noticeably helped my company's progression. The like-minded environment has also led to real friendships with people and keeps me motivated, excited, and surrounded by people who are also serious about building/development, which has made a real impact on both me and my venture." — Nicholas Ambrosio, Founder of TimeTrade Co.

Every gift helps us create more opportunities for innovators to connect, learn, and launch.

*Any additional funds will be used for the general activities of the group. The UConn Foundation (EIN 06-6070722) is an independent, not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that exists to support the educational, scientific, cultural, research, and recreational objectives of the University of Connecticut.