By Robert Morier, Professor at Drexel University’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship
On a rainy autumn afternoon, a group of ambitious Drexel University students embarked on a journey to Princeton University, eager to immerse themselves in a new entrepreneurial environment. The day was more than a field trip; it was an opportunity to bridge two vibrant academic ecosystems, exchanging ideas and experiences that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of budding entrepreneurs and investors.
The visit was initiated through a collaboration with TigerLaunch, Princeton’s renowned student-led entrepreneurship competition. Since its founding in 2014, TigerLaunch has been a cornerstone of the student startup ecosystem, helping early-stage ventures secure more than $1.06 billion in funding and spots in leading accelerators.
As a judge for this year’s TigerLaunch competition, I saw this visit as an ideal opportunity to foster deeper connections between our universities and inspire our students to think globally about their entrepreneurial goals.
The Road to Princeton
The journey began at Drexel’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, where the participating students—representing a variety of disciplines—gathered with one shared interest: launching impactful startups and understanding how to evaluate a private company for investment. The hour drive to Princeton wasn’t just a commute; it became a mobile think tank. Conversations buzzed about pitch ideas, current market trends, and the role of university ecosystems in fostering entrepreneurship all while new friendships were being forged.
For many students, this was their first visit to Princeton. The picturesque campus offered a striking backdrop to an afternoon dedicated to collaboration, with its gothic architecture and the legacy of innovators like Einstein and Oppenheimer serving as a reminder of the profound impact that intellectual curiosity and bold thinking can have on shaping the world.
A Warm Welcome
Upon arrival, we were greeted by members of the TigerLaunch team, who extended Princeton’s signature hospitality. They wasted no time diving into discussions about their competition’s global reach. This year alone, TigerLaunch spans cities like New York, Paris, and Singapore, awarding $60,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes to the most promising student-led startups. Hearing these stories of past successes motivated Drexel students, who were excited to learn from one of the nation’s leading student entrepreneurship initiatives.
The TigerLaunch team shared insights about the competition’s structure, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, resilience, and adaptability in the startup journey. They also highlighted the competition’s focus on fostering diverse innovations, with past ventures spanning industries from biotech to consumer products.
Shared Experiences
The heart of the visit was a roundtable discussion where Drexel and Princeton students shared their backgrounds and entrepreneurial journeys. Drexel students spoke about how Drexel’s venture capital due diligence course has shaped their perspective on blending academic learning with real-world business application. Princeton students, in turn, shared stories about evaluating startups in an academically rigorous environment, discussing how TigerLaunch helped them balance academic and entrepreneurial pursuits.
It was heartening to see students exchange strategies, offer advice, and spark ideas that could potentially lead to future collaborations.
Lessons Learned
By the end of the afternoon, one thing was clear: while Drexel and Princeton are distinct in culture and resources, their commitment to empowering student entrepreneurs is remarkably similar. Both universities understand that fostering innovation requires more than funding or accolades—it takes a supportive ecosystem that encourages students to dream big, experiment boldly, and learn from failure.
For Drexel students, the visit reinforced the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones and engaging with broader networks. For the Princeton hosts, it was an opportunity to witness how Drexel’s emphasis on experiential learning is cultivating a new generation of practical, driven entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead
As the Drexel students and I departed Princeton’s campus, the energy in the group was palpable. The experience had sparked new ideas, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the possibilities within the student startup ecosystem.
Opportunities like this remind us of the importance of collaboration in entrepreneurship. While innovation can often feel like an individual pursuit, it is clear that connections, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas are vital for success. The visit to Princeton was more than a networking event—it was a catalyst for growth, inspiration, and the beginning of what we hope will be a long-standing partnership between two universities dedicated to shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
Drexel’s Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship looks forward to more initiatives like this, where students can break boundaries, connect with peers, and see their potential mirrored in others. The next big idea might just emerge from a conversation that started over pizza in a classroom at Princeton. After all, 2024 is the year of the dragon.
