Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship, an integral part of Washington University in St. Louis, serves as a vital hub for fostering entrepreneurial activity and innovation within the university community. Its primary mission is to empower students, faculty, and alumni to transform their ideas into impactful ventures, whether they are for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, or social enterprises. The center achieves this through a comprehensive suite of programs, workshops, mentorship, and crucial non-dilutive funding opportunities, aiming to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and venture creation.

A cornerstone of the Skandalaris Center's funding initiatives is the annual Skandalaris Venture Competition (SVC). This highly competitive program provides significant non-dilutive capital to promising ventures across various tracks, including for-profit, non-profit, and social impact categories. For instance, in 2024, the SVC awarded a total of $210,000 in non-dilutive funding to 13 teams, with the top for-profit venture receiving a substantial prize of $50,000. Beyond the financial awards, participants benefit from rigorous coaching, pitch development, and exposure to a network of mentors and potential investors.

In addition to the SVC, the Skandalaris Center supports nascent ideas through its Ignite Grants program, designed for very early-stage projects that require initial capital to develop prototypes, conduct market research, or validate concepts. These grants typically provide up to $2,500, offering crucial seed funding to help ventures gain initial traction. The center's holistic approach ensures that ventures at different stages of development can access the necessary resources, from foundational workshops and networking events like IdeaBounce® to more substantial financial awards that can propel them towards commercialization or broader impact. This strategic support positions the Skandalaris Center as a key enabler of entrepreneurial success within the Washington University ecosystem.