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University of New Haven

West Haven, CT·University

The University of New Haven is a private comprehensive university in West Haven, Connecticut, with a rapidly maturing startup and innovation infrastructure. Its ecosystem is anchored by The Elevation Center, a $10M+ 133,000 sq ft innovation hub, and the Connecticut Invents commercialization pipeline (with FORGE and NextMinds). The Pompea College of Business delivers the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program, complemented by the annual SMERD Pitch Competition.

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At a glance

Indexed programs

4

4 currently active

Top direct funding

Direct funding available

Equity

No equity on indexed programs

Program mix

4

Venture Development · Academic Program · Pitch Competition

Research verdict

Include. The University of New Haven exhibits substantive and growing startup infrastructure: a heavily funded innovation hub (Elevation Center), a distinctive commercialization partnership (Connecticut Invents), sustained student competitions (SMERD), and active curricular programs. The combination of physical infrastructure, scholarship-backed commercialization pathways, and recurring pitch competitions places it solidly in the emerging category. meaningful and growing ecosystem, still in build-out phase without a formal accelerator or venture fund.

Programs to explore

Compare funding, equity, and timing before you apply.

4 programs indexed

Funding and Equity

No dedicated venture fund identified. SMERD offers cash prizes (amounts vary by year). Connecticut Invents provides full-tuition scholarships and in-kind commercialization support. No equity taken in any program.

Recent Activity

  • 2025: $10M secured for innovation center development
  • 2026: Elevation Center branded and announced
  • 2026: Connecticut Invents MOU signed with FORGE/NextMinds
  • 2026: Eastern Metal Works master research agreement signed
  • 2023–2025: SMERD Pitch Competition held annually
  • 2024/25: Hult Prize OnCampus Finale active

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

See every startup

StockWave

University of New Haven · Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program

Student venture

University of New Haven Hult Prize OnCampus team documented in the 2024/25 finale. Part of the growing UNewHaven entrepreneurship pipeline.

Historical winners (research notes)
  • StockWave — Hult Prize OnCampus Finale 2024/25 team.

No centralized startup portfolio is published beyond program-specific winners.

Missing Information

  • Exact SMERD prize amounts (not consistently published).
  • Governance and staffing for the Elevation Center.
  • Whether formal seed capital, convertible notes, or venture funds are planned.
  • First Connecticut Invents cohort outcomes (program launched 2026).
  • Existing tech transfer or IP portfolio outside Connecticut Invents.

University of New Haven

News & articles

4 news articles and official sources documenting entrepreneurship programs, winners, and activity at University of New Haven.

4 sources

News & articles(3)

This profile lists 4 programs for University of New Haven. Some details may be outdated until a director verifies them.

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