University News

Charger Startup Weekend for Students Wins First Place at Inaugural CT Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony


Students from six Connecticut universities, representing 32 academic majors and programs, participated in the event.

May 02, 2017

University of New Haven Startup Weekend for Students Wins First Place at Inaugural CT Entrepreneur Awards Ceremony

The University of New Haven’s Charger Startup Weekend, a program for students held last fall, has been awarded first place in the community-favorite education category at the first Connecticut Entrepreneur Awards ceremony.

Charger Startup Weekend was the first event organized by the university’s multi-disciplinary program in entrepreneurship and innovation that was created last fall.

"Charger Startup Weekend was an extraordinary event that had a far-reaching impact on the students who participated," said College of Business Dean Brian Kench. "It fostered entrepreneurial spirit and an innovative mindset."


Charger Startup Weekend 2016 Video


Held over a 46-hour period Sept. 16 to 18, Charger Startup Weekend provided undergraduate and graduate students a collaborative, competitive environment that involved brainstorming ideas for products and services, testing marketing ideas with potential customers, networking, and professional mentoring, all of which culminated in a pitch competition similar to the hit TV show "Shark Tank."

Joint leadership provided by both the engineering and business colleges resulted in a larger and more significant event than in the previous year, and is a testament of the power that can be unleashed by joining forces.

– Tagliatela College of Engineering Dean Ronald Harichandran


Students from six Connecticut universities, representing 32 academic majors and programs, participated in the event. The teams were generally a mix of undergraduate and graduate students, and they were mentored by 22 entrepreneurs from the region and faculty members.

See more photos from the event on the Charger Start-Up Weekend Facebook page.