The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Hill Institute is the central entrepreneurship hub at Furman University. A nationally awarded institute developing innovative and entrepreneurially minded leaders through experiential learning programs, pitch competitions, new venture accelerators, and thought leadership forums.

• Founded: 2020 (programs launched)
• Ventures launched/accelerated: 233 since 2020
• Active partners: 47 (2025)
• Program graduates: 382 since founding
• Student interest increase: 150%+ since 2023
• Executive Director: Bryan Davis
• Senior Director: Eric Cooperman

• furman-paladin-pitch ($10K Johnny Flynn Award)
• furman-gvl-starts (9-week community accelerator)
• furman-futurex (venture residency)
• furman-clemens-fellowship (angel investing fellowship)
• furman-next-big-idea (BMW ideation challenge)
• furman-innovation-academy (high school program)
• The Dins Student Marketplace
• Venture Fellows Program
• Advantage Greenville

GoldRush Energy (Jackson Price '25), MonteValle (Alexa Valdovinos '25), Astrea (Aubrey Zoodsma '26), CollegeCoach (Ivan Agyaakwah '25), LKRM (Andrew Farrell '25), Good Dogs of Greenville (Karly Cunningham)