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Entrepreneurship CenterIndirect supportNo equityVerified

Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Also known as: Ain Center

University of Rochester · Rochester, NY

University-wide entrepreneurship hub located in Carol Simon Hall, River Campus. Led by Vice Provost Dr. Duncan Moore. Coordinates all entrepreneurship programming including the Ain Foundry Program, Mark Ain Business Model Competition ($13.5K), Forbes Pitch Competition ($6K/$3K/$1.5K), e5 Program (tuition-free fifth year), student incubator at NextCorps, and the Master of Science in Technical Entrepreneurship and Management (TEAM). Also hosts the Finger Lakes regional for the NY Business Plan Competition.

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Quick fit check

  • Indirect support only
  • No equity required
  • Currently active
  • Verified by research

Key numbers

Funding range

$0 – $0

In Kind, Cash Prize

Equity

None

Application

Rolling

Campus Wide

Last activity

2026-06-23

High confidence

Application and Timing

Rolling engagement via center. Specific deadlines for competitions (fall: Mark Ain; spring: Forbes) and e5 (fall/spring cycles).

Participants

Undergraduate and graduate students across College, Hajim, Simon, Eastman; faculty and staff innovators.

Funding and Equity

Indirect — coordinates access to competition prizes and incubator resources. Competitions award non-dilutive cash prizes. No equity taken.

Recent Activity

  • 2025-2026: Active competition cycles (Forbes 2026 winners, Mark Ain 2025 winners).
  • 2025: e5 Program updated webpage; continuous cohorts.
  • 2024: NYBPC Finger Lakes regional hosted.
  • Ongoing: Student incubator at NextCorps with Final Pitch Night (Mar 2026).

Known Startups or Winners

Verification Gaps

  • Ain Center operating budget and staff count.
  • TEAM Master's enrollment numbers.
  • Complete list of Ain Foundry Program participants.

Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Additional research notesShow