Startup Week

A celebration of UB’s innovation and startup ecosystem, with a week full of events, hosted on UB’s three campuses, all free of charge. Get to know the community, and learn from and connect with entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, and like-minded students. The series of programs will catalyze students to find their inner entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.

Get to know the community, and learn from and connect with entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, and other innovation leaders. This is a conference and celebratory experience located on and off campus, as well as virtually. With free food and great networking, we hope that you will join us!

Fall 2024 Startup Week

Check back in Fall 2024 for next year's Startup Week festivites.

UB Startup Week Sample Schedule

Startup Boot Camp | Friday, September 16 - Sunday, September 18, various times & locations

Embrace your inner entrepreneurial spirit in this 3-day experience -- meet and expand your network, explore the Buffalo Startup scene, learn to avoid the mistakes that stop so many founders short, and ask for help in a way that gets you the access you need. 

Pitch-off Improv | Mon., Sept. 19, 10 a.m. - noon, One World Café

90-second pitch about an idea or business students imagine based on a grab bag of props presented.

Non-linear journey, The Path of an Entrepreneur | Tue., Sept. 20, 2 - 3 p.m., 210 Student Union

Hosted in partnership with UB Career Design Center, 43North, and Forge Buffalo

Get Seeded! | Tue., Sept. 20, 7 - 8 p.m., 330 Student Union, North Campus

A monthly pitch competition offering seed funding, where the audience votes to invest in ideas presented by University at Buffalo students.

This is What an Entrepreneur Looks Like, Lemonade Stand | Wed., Sept. 21, Noon – 1:30 p.m., Student Union Patio (outside weather permitting), North Campus

The lemonade stand, a nod toward that first classic childhood business experience. The pop-up will promote the CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad at UB, a program that helps students develop entrepreneurial skills and become innovators. 

LinkedIn Optimization for Entrepreneurs and Innovators, presented by Terry Rice, UB Alumnus and Entrepreneur Magazine Contributor  | Wed., Sept. 21, 74-5:30 p.m., Student Union Lobby, North Campus

LinkedIn is the platform to master in order to build a strong professional presence and consistently grow your business. With over 80% of socially generated B2B leads coming from

LinkedIn could easily be the only social media platform you need to land partnerships and customers. Unfortunately, only 3% of LinkedIn’s 310 million monthly users share posts on a weekly basis.

The most common reason people don’t post? They’re not sure what to write about. During this workshop, you’ll learn how to rapidly come up with impactful content that attracts and activates your target audience.

  • Announce IDEAS Competition: Apply for the virtual CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad Ideas Competition for the chance to be one of four University at Buffalo students to win $1,000, and the chance to compete nationally for $10,000.

This is What an Entrepreneur Looks Like, Lemonade Stand | Thurs., Sept. 22, Noon – 1:30 p.m., Harriman Hall (outside weather permitting), South Campus

The lemonade stand, a nod toward that first classic childhood business experience. The pop-up will promote CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad at UB, a program that helps students develop entrepreneurial skills and become innovators. 

Innovate and Caffeinate | Thurs., Sept. 22, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., 220 Student Union, North Campus

A weekly gathering for innovators and makers at the University at Buffalo. Networking is the best way to have your coffee!

Reverse Pitch | Friday, September 23, 4 – 6 p.m., Seneca One, Downtown Buffalo

43North Portfolio Companies will present on their business models, culture, and talent needs in a rapid fire format, followed by time for Q&A and networking with founders.

Hosted in partnership with UB Career Design Center, 43North, and Forge Buffalo