University of Massachusetts Amherst

Four UMass Amherst Student Startups Share $65K in Annual Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition

Amherst Indy news article about 2026 Innovation Challenge final. Four startups shared $65K. Winners: Hert

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship

--- title: "Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship" source_url: https://www.umass.edu/entrepreneurship/ capture_date: 2026-06-25 source_type: web --- The Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management is the central hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Executive Director Gregory Thomas. The Center provides start-up competitions (Innovation Challenge up to $65K, Minute Pitch $2.5K), incubator space at Bartlett Hall 301 (free for all UMass students), boot camps, mentorship, and year-round programming. Supports Entrepreneurship Club and Social Entrepreneurship Club. Open to UMass students and GOLD alumni (graduated within last decade). Partners with businesses, alumni, and regional organizations. Contact: berthiaume@umass.edu.

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

Collegiate Summer Venture Program (CSVP)

--- title: "Collegiate Summer Venture Program (CSVP)" source_url: https://www.umass.edu/entrepreneurship/collegiate-summer-venture-program capture_date: 2026-06-25 source_type: web --- The Collegiate Summer Venture Program is an intensive two-month summer program partnership between UMass Amherst and Valley Venture Mentors. Online via video conference. Open to students from AIC, Amherst College, Bay Path, Elms, GCC, Hampshire College, HCC, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Springfield College, STCC, UMass, WNEU, Westfield State. Need-based scholarships available. Access to dedicated mentors, industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs. 20+ hours/week commitment. Participants must attend all minimum required dates.

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy

--- title: "Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy" source_url: https://www.umass.edu/entrepreneurship/innovation-and-entrepreneurship-academy capture_date: 2026-06-25 source_type: web --- The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy is a fall semester cohort program for UMass students and GOLD alumni. Multidisciplinary participants from any discipline. Open to for-profit, nonprofit, and hybrid startup plans. Designed as a launchpad program that feeds into the Innovation Challenge and Maroon Venture Partners pathway. Provides mentorship and resource access.

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

Berthiaume Center Incubator Space

--- title: "Berthiaume Center Incubator Space" source_url: https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/centers/berthiaume-center-for-entrepreneurship capture_date: 2026-06-25 source_type: web --- The Berthiaume Center Incubator Space is located in Bartlett Hall, Room 301 (previously Goodell Hall 616). Offers unlimited free access during building hours to UMass Amherst students of all levels and disciplines. Members can reserve classroom and conference room. Free snacks and coffee. Exclusive access to Berthiaume Center opportunities. Office hours with Berthiaume Center staff for venture advice.

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

Innovation Challenge

Innovation Challenge program page. Premier spring pitch competition. Up to $65,000 in equity-free funding. Preliminary Round and Final at Old Chapel. Open to UMass students and GOLD alumni. 2026 winners: Hert

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

Maroon Venture Partners Fund

--- title: "Maroon Venture Partners Fund" source_url: http://maroonventurepartners.com/ capture_date: 2026-06-25 source_type: web --- Maroon Venture Partners Fund is a for-profit VC fund investing exclusively in early-stage companies linked to UMass Amherst. Fund I (2017, ~$5M, 13 companies). Fund II (launched Jan 2024, $3.2M commitments toward $5M target). Typical check: $100K-$300K, often initial outside equity. Investment Committee: Charlie Johnson (Managing Director), John Brooks, Nancy Confrey, Mike Masterson, Ameeta Soni, Steve Willis. Portfolio: Myrias Optics, 88 Acres, Aclarity Inc. Not controlled by UMass but coordinated with Berthiaume Center, TTO, IALS. Student engagement in due diligence. Deal flow from Berthiaume Center, TTO, IALS, Office of Research and Engagement.

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

Minute Pitch Competition

--- title: "Minute Pitch Competition" source_url: https://www.umass.edu/entrepreneurship/events/minute-pitch-competition capture_date: 2026-06-25 source_type: web --- The Minute Pitch Competition is a fall event where students pitch their business idea in 60 seconds for the chance to win $2,500 in prize funding. Held at Old Chapel. Applications due early October ($2,500 in 2025). Open to UMass students across all disciplines.

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

Technology Transfer Office (TTO)

--- title: "Technology Transfer Office (TTO)" source_url: https://www.umass.edu/tto/ capture_date: 2026-06-25 source_type: web --- UMass Amherst Technology Transfer Office manages inventions and copyrightable works from the UMass research community. Located at 400 Venture Way, Suite 235, Hadley, MA. FY 2025: 76 invention disclosures. Offers low-cost one-year exclusive option to license patent rights. Seed fund to support new ventures. Referrals to business partners, lawyers, accountants. Supports start-up companies as avenue for commercializing cutting-edge technologies. Works with IALS (Institute for Applied Life Sciences). Provides hands-on workshops on company formation and product development. OTCV Technology Development Fund provides up to $35K for proof-of-concept development (system-wide UMass program).

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