Beyond Profit: How Drexel Is Cultivating The Next Generation Of Social Innovators.

The need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent, from the climate crisis and rising inequalities to global health threats. And the solution is? Entrepreneurship: a powerful engine for change that drives the development of new ideas, technologies, and business models that can address these pressing issues. At the intersection of innovation and social impact, startups are reshaping industries and creating solutions with the potential to change the world.

Entrepreneurship has always been about recognizing opportunities and problem-solving, but today’s entrepreneurs are focused on more than just driving a profit. Social impact and sustainability have become the backbone of many recent startups, highlighting how important it is to the upcoming generations that we take care of our planet and the people living on it.

The students and alumni at Drexel University are not shying away from this movement. Whether it’s having a spark of an idea inside the classroom or becoming the CEO of a sustainable company, the Drexel community’s dedication to innovation and social change is reflected in the work of students, faculty, and recent graduates. Through friendly competitions at the Close Schools events, and initiatives like the Impact Innovation Hub (IIH) Drexel is fostering an ecosystem of creativity and collaboration that encourages entrepreneurial thinking with a purpose.

Fighting Food Waste and Hunger

Drexel graduate Evan Ehlers started his nonprofit, Sharing Excess when he got the idea to cash in his unused meal swipes at the end of each week and give them to people in need. A few years later his idea has grown significantly, spreading its impact across cities in the North East region.

Evan’s organization has developed innovative solutions to rescue surplus food from various sources– including grocery stores, restaurants, and events– and redirect them to local charities and shelters. This process ensures that food that would’ve otherwise gone to waste reaches the individuals and families who struggle with food insecurity.

Sharing Excess’s incredible work has gained even more attention thanks to a powerful partnership with Mr.Beast Philanthropy. Together they are working to give over 24 million meals a year. This attention has not only highlighted the critical issue of food waste and hunger but has also demonstrated the enormous potential of combining social entrepreneurship with the influence of social media.

Eco-Conscious Makeup

Paige DeAngelo’s entrepreneurship journey started unexpectedly when she realized how much waste her makeup routine as a dancer was generating. Unable to find any eco-friendly alternatives, she decided to create her own– leading to the development of her first product refillable, dissolvable mascara tablets.

Her idea took off after participating in Drexel’s Entrepreneurship Co-op, where she received mentorship and resources to refine her product. All of her hard work and dedication paid off when she won first place in the Global Student Entrepreneur Award (GSEA) U.S. final, which helped her gain confidence as an entrepreneur and visibility for her brand.

AER Cosmetics is focused on sustainability and offers a vegan, cruelty-free formula that’s designed to reduce waste in an industry estimated to amount 120 billion units of trash each year. It might only be a small step, but something as simple as a refillable tube of mascara can make a big difference in the long run. Going forward, Paige is looking to find new ways to develop other makeup products with the same goals in mind.

Healthcare Accessibility and Efficiency

Health care systems in developing countries often face significant disparities and challenges with outdated practices like paper-based medical records hindering efficient care. That’s where Drexel students Tony Okeke and Kamdi Okeke saw an opportunity for change, and they created MEDDIBIA. As they work on the solution to digitize accessible medical records and improve health care delivery.

The inspiration for their idea came from their mother who worked in healthcare, and their personal experiences with inefficient paper records in Sub-Saharan Africa. But all of this began inside of the classroom in Drexel’s ENTP450 class Launch It! With guidance from the Close School’s entrepreneurial community, they refined their pitch and went on to win the spring Drexel Startup Funds Competition, earning crucial funding to help bring their idea to life.
MEDDIBIA’s software uses AI to transcribe and digitize medical records simplifying patient care and improving efficiency in healthcare systems. Now the team is focused on enhancing its platform and expanding its reach to make a real difference in healthcare across the globe.

Close School Opportunities

The Close School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation presents many opportunities and resources for students to transform their ideas into impactful ventures. With a curriculum that challenges traditional learning models, we encourage students to go beyond the classroom and challenge them to tackle real-world problems. Through hands-on projects and creative thinking, students are equipped to take on global issues such as sustainability, inequality, and public health.

This is furthered by valuable resources like the Impact Innovator Hub and the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship, which provide students with incubation spaces and the support students need to take their ventures to the next level. Whether it’s refining a product, connecting with mentors, or gaining access to seed funding, these resources give students the tools they need to turn their ideas into realities that make a meaningful difference.

Drexel students also have access to a variety of events that foster collaboration and growth. Startup Fest and Future Fest are two prime examples, offering students platforms to showcase their innovations and make their mark. Including events like Fast Pitch Competitions where students compete for funding with quick pitches, and Proving Ground Expos where students can sell and market their products.

The heart of Entrepreneurship is creating positive change. Through its dedicated programs and resources, the Close School is preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs to not only succeed in the business world but also make lasting contributions to society for a more sustainable future.

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