Apex Center celebrates growth

The Apex Center for Entrepreneurs, an interdisciplinary center housed in the Pamplin College of Business, recently released its 2019-20 annual report showing significant growth and achievements since the center’s launch in 2014.

During the past year, the Apex Center engaged with 2,971 aspiring student entrepreneurs who launched 93 startup teams, while providing more than $55,000 in grants and cash prizes for students to build and launch new products and services.

“Given the unique challenges of today’s world, the mission of the Apex Center to inspire and empower Virginia Tech students to put their passion, purpose, and ideas into action has never been more relevant,” said Robert Sumichrast, dean of the Pamplin College of Business. “The skills and competencies gained through experiential, hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship are critical in preparing students to start new companies as well as foster career readiness for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The impact of Apex Center programs on students' experiences is profound. “As a student entrepreneur, having access to faculty who have real-world experience as well as a network of successful alumni-entrepreneurs has been an incredible asset in launching our company,” said Erica Sullivan, co-founder and CEO of Low Ultraviolet (LUV). “The Apex Center has been such a big part of LUV’s journey and we are excited to see the next chapter of Apex’s growth.”

Team LUV consists of students representing the Pamplin College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and the College of Engineering. Development of cross-functional teams, such as LUV, represents one of the core value propositions offered by Apex Center. 

For more information on the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs, please review the 2019-20 annual report below.