The Skandalaris Center offers programs throughout the year that give commercial and social entrepreneurs opportunities to connect with each other and move ideas forward. Most are free and open to the public.
IdeaBounce®
IdeaBounce® is the Center’s flagship program and the gateway to many other opportunities. Anyone in the world can post ideas on the IdeaBounce® website and the network of creators, inventors, investors, business people, service providers, customers, mentors and others can begin to connect to transform ideas into reality, create value and bring inventions to market.
In addition to virtual connections on the website, people meet and begin to help advance ideas at free, fun, fast-paced IdeaBounce® events. The agenda includes two-minute pitches from pre-selected idea “bouncers,” the announcement of campus and community winners, a reception for all and a private dinner for the winners and judges only.
All are welcome to hear ideas, and events typically include an “open mic” portion. Judges represent venture capital firms, incubators, faculty and other local entrepreneurs. They select winners based on the clarity of the presentation, the passion of the bouncer and his request for help–as the purpose of the event is to get people to connect and help each other. In addition to dinner with the judges, winners receive $100.
Dates for 2011–2012 IdeaBounce® events are:
- September 22 - May Auditorium, Simon Hall
- November 17 - TBA
- February 23 - Whitaker Hall Auditorium
- March 29 - Steinburg Auditorium
Visit the IdeaBounce® website to post a new idea or browse ideas, read pointers on presenting at an event, find out how to host an IdeaBounce® event or register for an event.
Coffee with the Experts
Coffee with the Experts provides opportunities for startup social and commercial entrepreneurs to have a 10 minute private conversation (and a free cup of coffee) with panelists with various areas of expertise, including experienced entrepreneurs, investors and service providers.
The program facilitates meetings between experts and entrepreneurs in which entrepreneurs can troubleshoot specific challenges, prepare for an IdeaBounce® by getting feedback before bouncing an idea publicly, or review feedback from and IdeaBounce® and determine next steps.
The only requirement to make an appointment is to have an idea posted on IdeaBounce®. Contact the Skandalaris Center at sces@wustl.edu or (314) 935-9134 to schedule an appointment for a Coffee with the Experts.
Appointments are available from 8:00—9:30 a.m on the following dates in 2011–2012:
- September 28
- October 26
- November 16
- January 25
- February 29
- April 4
Read pointers to prepare for an event.
YouthBridge SEIC
The YouthBridge Social Enterprise and Innovation Competition (SEIC), the first of its kind in the region, was launched in the fall of 2005 as a partnership between Washington University and the YouthBridge Community Foundation. The competition has awarded over $600,000 in grants and in-kind services, and also includes a $5,000 student cash prize.
The competition promotes the development of innovative approaches to social problems to enhance sustainability and increase capacity of mission-based organizations, moving these social ventures beyond traditional dependence on philanthropy and government. Throughout the competition, participants receive feedback from a panel of social investors and judges who are experts in social entrepreneurship and innovation.
Entry to the competition and all events are free. YouthBridge SEIC 2012 events include:
- September 8: Combined YouthBridge SEIC and Olin Cup Kickoff
- September 16: YouthBridge SEIC/Olin Cup IdeaBounce®
- January 3: Executive Summaries due
- January 11: Semi-Finalists Announced
- January 26: Elevator Pitch Competition
- March 20: Business Plans due
- April 4: Final Presentations
- April 11: Awards Ceremony
Learn how to enter the competition and read the judging criteria. View the calendar or download the printer-friendly Welcome Kit (pdf). See a list of past YouthBridge SEIC winners and view pictures of them on our Facebook page.
Olin Cup Competition
The Olin Cup Competition began at the Olin Business School in 1988, and has awarded funding to winning commercial ventures since 2003. Unlike many business plan competitions, Olin Cup awards are seed investments in the new company.
In order to be eligible for the investment, the team must include a Washington University student or alumnus, or faculty or staff member. Typically awards are made for $50,000 and $20,000, in addition to a $5,000 student cash prize.
Throughout the competition, participants receive feedback from a panel of investors and judges. Teams have commented that the process and feedback alone make the competition valuable, regardless of any funding awards received.
Entry to the competition and all events are free. Olin Cup 2011 events include:
- September 8: Combined YouthBridge SEIC and Olin Cup Kickoff
- September 16: YouthBridge SEIC/Olin Cup IdeaBounce®
- October 17: Cup Executive Summaries due
- October 24: Semi-Finalists Announced
- November 10: Elevator Pitch Competition
- January 4: Business Plans due
- January 19: Final Presentations
- February 1: Awards Ceremony
Read more about the how to enter and the competition process, the calendar, the judging criteria or download the printer-friendly Welcome Kit (pdf), including a list of FAQs. Read about our past Olin Cup winners and view pictures of them on our Facebook page.
Skandalaris Seminar Series
The Skandalaris Seminar Series: Developing Skills, Perspectives and Relationships, is a free opportunity for commercial and social entrepreneurs from the community and campuses of Washington University to explore possibilities, learn and connect with each other.
The seminar series builds on the curriculum taught to Washington University students and reflects the Skandalaris Center's Philosophy for Entrepreneur Development. The seminar series helps student and community entrepreneurs learn and understand their skills, motivations and passion. The non-credit series is four three-hour sessions offered in the fall, and repeated in the spring.
The fall 2011 series dates are:
The spring 2012 dates are:
Read more about the series, including the topics and format, download a printable schedule, or register for the seminars.
I*D*E*A*: Skandalaris Center Pre-Orientation Program
IDEA (Innovation*Discovery*Experience*Action) is the Skandalaris Center’s Pre-Orientation program for incoming freshmen. During this three-day program students interested in art, engineering, business or the sciences learn how to evaluate their ideas and how to move them forward. Participants learn about the Skandalaris Philosophy for Developing Entrepreneurs, hear panel discussions from social and commercial entrepreneurs, meet some of Washington University’s entrepreneurial faculty, participate in their first IdeaBounce® and race in a scavenger hunt around St. Louis.
Visit the orientation website to learn more: http://orientation.wustl.edu/preorientation/idea
Skandalaris Center Internship Program
Skandalaris Center subsidized internships were first offered in summer 2002 through a program subsidized by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The Center's internship program was significantly enhanced in the summer of 2008 with a $1 million gift from Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Skandalaris. The gift enables the Center to pay a stipend to student interns and provide optional room and board for them on campus for the 10-week internship. The enhanced program provides for a rich learning and on-campus living experience for undergraduate students.
The only cost to a first-time sponsoring organization is a one-time payment of $1,000 due at the start of the internship. (An organization may hire a second intern for the full cost of $6,000, but only a limited number of these full-cost internships is available.)
Read more about the student experience and application, link to the host organization application or FAQs, or register for the Friday events.
Read about the experiences of the 2011 Skandalaris Interns.
The Hatchery
The Hatchery (Business Planning for New Enterprises) is the university's capstone entrepreneurship course. This course is offered by the Olin Business School in both the fall and spring semester and is open to all students at the university.
Students form teams around a commercial or social venture idea proposed by a student or community entrepreneur. The deliverables for the course include two presentations to a panel of judges and a complete business plan. The deliverables in the course are similar to the deliverables in the Center’s business plan competitions and can be a valuable first step toward competition and funding for a new venture.
Entrepreneurs seeking a team of students may attend a Hatchery IdeaBounce® to recruit a team.
Dates for 2011–2012 are:
- Tuesday, September 6
- Tuesday, January 17
Read the syllabus (pdf) or read more about the process and cost for community entrepreneurs.