Honoring innovators, entrepreneurs and community collaborators

✓ To create entrepreneurial leaders who find sustainable solutions to economic and social problems.

✓ To prepare students in business, science, engineering, and all disciplines who are looking to become entrepreneurs through business ownership or venturing.

✓ Fosters innovation and creates opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community.

✓ Educates founders to advance their entrepreneurial journeys.

✓ Drives economic growth.

~500 students enrolled

>30% pursuing a degree

20 faculty w/real-world experience

Undergraduate program = TOP 25 nationally

https://business.fau.edu/centers/adams-center/

“Providing highly effective, practical, expert education to students, founders, veterans, and the community is what we do.”
Dr. Kevin C. Cox, Director

• Affordable intensive training
• Early-stage founder knowledge
• For students, faculty, staff, alumni, &community

• Funded by Veterans Florida
• Intensive training for veterans, servicemembers, &their spouses
• Mentorship &networking

• Students pitch their next big ideas/ventures &compete for seed-funding
• Student Track sponsor - Florida Atlantic University Adams Center for Entrepreneurship
• Veteran Track sponsor - Dr. Eric H. Shaw and Office Depot

The Office of Technology Development (OTD) catalyzes innovation at Florida Atlantic University through the protection and commercialization of university research. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, OTD propels groundbreaking, inventive ideas into the marketplace. The office assists faculty and students by evaluating new innovations, securing intellectual property protection, developing marketing strategies, and executing license agreements. It also offers resources such as the Innovation Pilot Award Program that provides up to $15,000 in funding for early-stage innovations to demonstrate their value and de-risk them for potential partners.

https://www.fau.edu/research-admin/technology-development/

“The Office of Technology Development is committed to building a culture that supports translational research and inspires our faculty and student innovators to create technologies that have real-world impact.”
Dana Vouglitois, Senior Associate Director

The Florida Atlantic Wave Competition is a key entrepreneurial program supporting students from all majors in developing innovative solutions to societal challenges.

This program offers mentorship and seed funding, culminating in an awards ceremony that includes the $2,000 Dr. Eric H. Shaw Florida Atlantic Wave Excellence in Innovation Award, and $1,000 prizes for community engagement and Palm Beach State College track winners.

https://www.fau.edu/innovation-and-business-development/fau-wave/

“I have seen tremendous growth in our student entrepreneurs; going from just a concept to a working prototype and presenting in various conferences and pitch events.”
Regina Thompson, Strategic Initiatives, Assistant Director

The Runway offers participants more than $100,000 in resources, including mentorship from industry experts, educational workshops, research access, investor connections, and networking opportunities. It selects high-growth potential entrepreneurs, particularly in fields aligned with the university’s research priorities, and provides ongoing support tailored to each startup’s needs. As it enters its second decade, The Runway continues to be a leader in startup incubation and acceleration, solidifying South Florida as a hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurial success.

“The Runway is proud to be the bridge between academic innovation and real-world application, ensuring our entrepreneurs are equipped to meet today’s market demands."
Jessica Beaver, Associate Director

The Runway at Florida Atlantic University continues to play a vital role in South Florida’s growing startup ecosystem. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we've accomplished within the last year.

• 54 Venture Companies Supported
• 49 Jobs Created
• 300+ Mentor Meetings
• 3,500+ Hours Mentored

Venture Program Resources and Support:

• Structured team-based mentoring
• Entrepreneurial workshops and education
• Access to university resources
• Investor Connections
• Networking opportunities
• Pitch Practices
• And more…

https://www.fau.edu/therunway/

Selection Process: Twice a year, The Runway selects high-growth potential entrepreneurs, focusing on ventures aligned with the university’s research priorities, such as drone technologies, AI, cybersecurity, and environmental sciences.

Ongoing Support: Participants receive practical support, including assistance from interns and regular pitch practice to refine presentation skills. The Runway continues to evolve, adapting to entrepreneurs' changing needs, and remains committed to refining its offerings and maintaining its leadership in startup incubation and acceleration.

Mentoring: Mentoring is tailored to each startup's needs, while the educational component covers business model development, financial planning, and marketing strategies.