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Entrepreneurship CenterDirect fundingNo equityVerified

Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship

Also known as: Pava Center, JHU Pava Center for Entrepreneurship

Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, MD

Central hub for JHU student, alumni, and community entrepreneurship, located at 320 W 29th St in Baltimore's Remington neighborhood. Formerly FastForward U, renamed 2024 to honor Pava Marie LaPere (EcoMap Technologies founder, JHU alumna). Runs the university's entire student-facing entrepreneurship programming including Kindling, Spark, Fuel, Social Innovation Lab, Summer Incubator, Blaze Awards, Ignite Fund, and President's Venture Fellowship. Open 10am-10pm, 7 days/week with co-working space for entrepreneurs.

See every program at Johns Hopkins UniversityFind your best fit

Quick fit check

  • Offers direct funding
  • No equity required
  • Currently active
  • Verified by research

Key numbers

Funding range

—

Equity

None

Application

Rolling

Campus Wide

Last activity

2026-06-24

High confidence

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

See every startup

LUMIQO

Johns Hopkins University

Student venture

AI platform for oncology trial safety.

Math Your Mind

Johns Hopkins University

Student venture

Education venture featured by Pava Center.

Key Programming

  • Kindling Pre-Accelerator — Entry-level in-person program exploring entrepreneurship. Awards up to $700.
  • Spark Accelerator — Early-stage student accelerator, 9 weeks, up to $2,000 awards.
  • Fuel Accelerator — Later-stage accelerator, semester-long, up to $15,000 including $1K entry + $4K completion + $10K Demo Day.
  • Social Innovation Lab — 6-month mission-driven accelerator, $5K grant + $15K prize.
  • Summer Incubator — 6-week in-person summer program, $4.5K-$6K stipend.
  • Blaze Awards — Year-long grants up to $30,000 non-dilutive.
  • Ignite Fund — Monthly rolling grants $100-$1,000, student-led.
  • President's Venture Fellowship — Up to $100K + $40K salary for Baltimore-based ventures.
  • Alumni Startup Showcase — Inaugural alumni founder networking event.
  • Carey Venture Strategy Program — Carey MBA student partnership.

Activity & Impact

Active and growing ecosystem with strong non-dilutive funding pipeline from $100 to $140,000. Accelerators run fall and spring cycles. Blaze/PVF applications open annually. Ignite Fund operates monthly on rolling basis. The Center serves as the primary entry point for all JHU students and alumni seeking entrepreneurship support.

Notes

  • All Pava Center funding is non-dilutive (grants, prizes, stipends)
  • No dedicated student venture fund
  • Part of broader JHTV organization
  • Strong Baltimore community focus
  • Co-working space available to all participants