da Vinci Center for Innovation
About the program · 4 linked sources
The da Vinci Center for Innovation is VCU's interdisciplinary hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, serving as the central coordinating body for the Venture Creation University strategy. Located at 1229 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA, the center offers hands-on workshops, design thinking courses, micro-credentials in innovation, and the Venture Creation Certificate (13-credit undergraduate certificate open to all VCU students).
The center operates the Shift Retail Lab (1235 W Broad St), a first-of-its-kind retail space where students and alumni test products and ideas with real-world customers. The da Vinci Center also hosts the biannual Demo Day pitch competition, sponsored by Capital One, offering cash prizes to VCU students, alumni, and local entrepreneurs.
Contact: davincicenter@vcu.edu
Also known as: VCU da Vinci Center, VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation
How we know this: the figures on this page come from the linked sources (last verified 2026-06-24); what those sources do not state is left unknown.
Key numbers
Funding range
$5,000
Equity
None
Application
Semiannual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2026-06-24
Medium confidence
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da Vinci Center for Innovation
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News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting da Vinci Center for Innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
4 sources
Virginia Commonwealth University
da Vinci Center Demo Day
Biannual pitch competition hosted by da Vinci Center, sponsored by Capital One. Open to VCU students, alumni, and local entrepreneurs. Cash prizes. Complimentary Tom Tom Festival tickets for awardees. Held at Shift Retail Lab.
Read on Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU Entrepreneurship Academy
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU Entrepreneurship Academy
Blended learning program for underrepresented VCU students and community members. Four modules, synchronous/asynchronous. Pop-up retail at Shift Retail Lab. Design Thinking module required for all VCU engineering freshmen.
Read on Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University
da Vinci Center for Innovation
VCU's interdisciplinary hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Coordinates Venture Creation University strategy. Offers workshops, design thinking courses, micro-credentials, Venture Creation Certificate. Operates Shift Retail Lab. Hosts biannual Demo Day pitch competition (Capital One sponsored).
Read on Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Venture Creation University
VCU strategic initiative providing entrepreneurship pathways to all students regardless of major. Leverages da Vinci Center as centralized interdisciplinary hub. Over 50% of students interested in starting a company; 15% already have.
Read on Virginia Commonwealth University