ABOUT CCEI
The Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), established in 2007, was the first organized center to support entrepreneurship activity at UConn. CCEI is identified as an area of strength by the university and is vital to the state and national economy. CCEI carries the legacy of the inaugural entrepreneurship education initiative at UConn, funded by the Wolff Family in the mid-1980's.
Since then, the center has transformed entrepreneurship programming to support new venture development. At CCEI, we value the strength of our community, empowering effective communication, and the cultivation of knowledge. Ultimately, we inspire a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation across the university, the state of Connecticut, and beyond.
So, join us! Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea, or an experienced business leader looking to support the next generation of innovators, CCEI welcomes you into our community. Together, we can shape the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in Connecticut.
Mission
At CCEI, we aim to empower entrepreneurs and innovators, create a vibrant startup ecosystem, and contribute to economic development in Connecticut. We strive to provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and make a positive impact on society.
Our commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange further enhances the foundation for success in our vibrant startup community at CCEI.
Initiatives
CCEI supports students, faculty, and alumni as they are innovating and creating solutions to some of the world's greatest problems. We connect students with opportunities to learn and engage in entrepreneurship, and know that these experiences will be a catalyst to building the future they dream of. For alumni, we are here to support their passions no matter where their journey takes them.
While Entrepreneurship. Starts. Here. We certainly know it is just one step!
Transforming UConn into an entrepreneurship engine for Connecticut + beyond.
CCEI transforms ideas into companies that raise significant capital, create new jobs, generate revenue, and make an impact on the world. In doing so, we offer a pipeline of programs designed to support founders as they turn high-potential ideas into scalable ventures through hands-on support, mentorship, and access to critical resources.
Experiential learning is at the forefront of what we do.
CCEI is helping shape the future of higher education at UConn through experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world engagement, connecting students with entrepreneurs, startups, and industry to solve real-world problems. So, we amplify storytelling and effective communication techniques to inspire action, build community, and connect innovators across Connecticut.
Providing continuous initiatives to support connection.
We understand the importance and significance of building a strong entrepreneurial community. CCEI organizes networking events, conferences, and meet-ups to connect entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. By fostering connections, we aim to create an environment where ideas flourish, partnerships thrive, and students are equipped with the resources they need.