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Pitch CompetitionDirect fundingNo equityVerified

Patricelli Center New Venture Awards

Also known as: Wesleyan New Venture Awards, NVA

Wesleyan University · Middletown, CT

Annual competition-style program awarding significant non-dilutive grants to student-led ventures (social enterprises, nonprofits, projects). Structured application, selection, and pitch process. Total pool marketed as $36K+.

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Quick fit check

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

Key numbers

Funding range

$6,000 – $8,000

Cash Award, Non Dilutive

Equity

None

Application

Annual

Campus Wide

Last activity

2026-04-01

High confidence

Application and Timing

Annual cycle. 2024 awards announced April 22. 2026 awards announced April 2026.

Participants

Wesleyan students leading early-stage ventures, both nonprofit and for-profit with social impact mission.

Funding and Equity

2024: three ventures received $6,000 each. 2026: two tracks (non-profit and for-profit) with winners each receiving $8,000. Total pool $36K+. Non-dilutive. No equity.

Recent Activity

  • 2022, 2024, 2026: NVA cohorts highlighted in university and Patricelli blogs
  • Consistent multi-year continuity

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

See every startup

Sabi

$8,000

prize won

Wesleyan University

Competition winner

2026 Wesleyan New Venture Awards winner ($8K). Founded by Naomi Ivie '27 through the Patricelli Center grant competition.

Historical winners (research notes)

2024: Mudanza Dance Project, Pyari, Nailepu Foundation. 2026: Sabi (Naomi Ivie '27), HerWay Recruiting (Aviva Schnitzer '28 & Malia Apor '28).

Verification Gaps

  • Total number of applicants not disclosed
  • Startup outcomes post-award not centrally tracked
Additional research notesShow

Evidence

Wesleyan news article May 2024.[1] Wesleyan news article April 2026.[2] Patricelli Center site.