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Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA·University
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1891. Known for its cooperative education (co-op) program — one of the oldest and largest in the US — and its location in University City's innovation district. Its entrepreneurship infrastructure centers on the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship (founded 2013, first standalone entrepreneurship school in the nation), the Laurence A. Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship (incubator since 2001), the Drexel University Innovation Fund ($150K evergreen fund), Drexel Applied Innovation (tech transfer), and the Drexel Startups Fund ($25K pitch competition).
At a glance
Indexed programs
5
5 currently active
Top direct funding
$150,000
Drexel University Innovation Fund (DUIF)
Equity
Mixed equity terms
Program mix
5
Entrepreneurship Center · Tech Transfer · Pitch Competition
Research verdict
Include. Drexel has a well-developed entrepreneurship ecosystem anchored by the Close School (first standalone entrepreneurship school), Baiada Institute (incubator since 2001 with competitions and space), Innovation Fund ($150K evergreen fund, 6 companies funded), and active tech transfer (50-60 disclosures/yr). The co-op program provides unique operational experience. However, Drexel lacks a dedicated accelerator program, the Innovation Fund is still early-stage (6 companies), and tech transfer volume is moderate (2-3 startups/yr).: meaningful infrastructure with room to grow.
Programs to explore
Compare funding, equity, and timing before you apply.
5 programs indexed
Funding and Equity
Innovation Fund: $150K investment (equity taken, terms not specified). Startups Fund: up to $25K non-dilutive prizes. Launch IT: up to $2K seed grants (non-dilutive). Coulter-Drexel: translational grants (amounts vary). Baiada: no equity taken for incubator participation.
Recent Activity
- 2026: Close School ranked #2 Mid-Atlantic, #20 nationally (Princeton Review).
- 2026 (Feb): Applied Innovation publishes patent process guidelines.
- 2026 (Winter/Spring): Innovation Fund accepting next round (Summer/Fall).
- 2026 (Feb-Jun): Startups Fund Spring 2026 cycle.
- 2025 (Nov): Drexel Startup Fest held.
- 2025 (Jan): Ultrafix receives $150K Innovation Fund investment.
- 2024: Coulter-Drexel and I-Corps programs active.
- 2013: Close School founded ($12.5M).
- 2012: Baiada upgraded to Institute.
- 2011: Coulter-Drexel partnership established ($20M).
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Historical winners (research notes)
- Ultrafix — Orthopedic surgical device startup ($150K Innovation Fund, 2025).
Five additional Innovation Fund portfolio companies are documented but names are not publicly published.
Missing Information
- Innovation Fund equity terms (SAFE, convertible note, or direct equity).
- Baiada incubator capacity, occupancy, and success metrics.
- Close School total enrollment and graduates since founding.
- Complete Innovation Fund portfolio company list.
- Coulter-Drexel program outcomes and annual funding amounts.
- Co-op startup placement statistics.
Drexel University
News & articles
5 news articles and official sources documenting entrepreneurship programs, winners, and activity at Drexel University.
5 sources
Official sources(5)
Drexel University
Drexel Applied Innovation — Tech Transfer
Official Applied Innovation page. Drexel's technology transfer office. Two teams: IP & Agreements, Industry Engagement. Annual output: 50-60 invention disclosures, 10 licenses, 2-3 startups. Also manages Coulter-Drexel Translational Research Partnership ($20M) and NSF I-Corps.
Read on Drexel University
Laurence A. Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship
Drexel University
Drexel University
Laurence A. Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship
Official Baiada Institute page. Founded 2001 as Baiada Center, upgraded to Institute 2012. Integral part of Close School. Provides incubation space, advising/mentoring, pitch competitions, StartupTree platform, and Starter's Review blog.
Read on Drexel University
Drexel University
Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship
Official Close School homepage. Nation's first dedicated school of entrepreneurship. Founded 2013 via $12.5M gift. #2 Mid-Atlantic, #20 nationally for undergraduate entrepreneurship (Princeton Review 2026). Offers BA/BS, MS, graduate minor, and certificates. Concentrations: Social, Corporate, New Venture Creation, Technology, Venture Investing.
Read on Drexel University
Drexel University
Drexel University Innovation Fund
Official Innovation Fund page. Evergreen venture fund acting as "friends and family investor." $150,000 per startup, up to 4 startups per year. 3 cohorts completed, 6 companies funded. Next round: Summer/Fall 2026. Also provides experiential VC learning for students.
Read on Drexel University
Drexel University
Drexel Startups Fund
Official Drexel Startups Fund page. Pitch competition hosted by Baiada Institute. Up to $25,000 awarded per cycle. Non-dilutive prizes. Fall and Spring cycles. Finalists undergo 6-10 week due diligence by student teams before Selection Committee presentation.
Read on Drexel University
This profile lists 5 programs for Drexel University. Some details may be outdated until a director verifies them.
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