The campus field guide

University of New Haven

West Haven, CT·University

Explore 4 programs ↓Meet the founders ↗Official campus site ↗

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Inside this ecosystem · 4 linked sources

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.

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.

How we know this: the figures on this page come from the linked sources (last verified 2026-06-23); what those sources do not state is left unknown.

At a glance

Indexed programs

All currently active

Top direct funding

Direct funding available

Equity

No equity on indexed programs

Program mix

Venture Development · Academic Program · Pitch Competition

Programs to explore

Compare funding, equity, and timing before you apply.

4 programs indexed

Pitch Competition

SMERD Pitch Competition

Pitch Competition

Also: UNew Haven SMERD

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funding range

Direct fundingNo equityannualActive

Last activity: 2025-11-01
Participants: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
Verification: Partially Verified

Academic Program

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program

Academic Program

Official site

Also: UNew Haven Entrepreneurship Program, Pompea Entrepreneurship Program

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funding range

Indirect supportNo equityrollingActive

Last activity: 2025-12-01
Participants: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
Verification: Verified

From students

Be the first student from University of New Haven to post a startup.

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Founders at this school

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.