IMPACT REPORT FY2025-FY2026
Entrepreneurship expands opportunity. The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute is advancing a new model for university entrepreneurship— one designed around community, connection, and access. We cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, build ecosystems that empower innovation, and create pathways for students, researchers, founders, educators, and communities to transform ideas into lasting impact. Edson E+I designs ecosystems where opportunity, innovation, and people thrive together.
The Legacy Behind Our Name J. Orin Edson believed in the power of innovation to improve lives. His transformational philanthropy elevated ASU’s entrepreneurship efforts, creating a foundation for impact that endures.
A Message from Our Executive Director Entrepreneurship is ultimately about possibility. The belief that an idea, with the right support, can create a better future. Throughout Fiscal Year 2026, the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute continued to expand what is possible for entrepreneurs and innovators across Arizona State University and the communities we serve. Our work reflects a simple but powerful commitment: entrepreneurship should be accessible to everyone. This year, we strengthened the pathways that help people move from curiosity to action and from ideas to impact. We expanded educational opportunities, connected entrepreneurs with mentors and resources, supported the development of new technologies and ventures, and deepened partnerships across ASU, Arizona and beyond. We created spaces—both physical and virtual—where people could connect, experiment, learn and belong. The impact highlighted in this report demonstrates the power of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our progress is made possible by the dedication of our team and the generosity and collaboration of educators, mentors, funders, community leaders, industry partners and university colleagues who share our belief in the potential of people and ideas. As we look ahead, entrepreneurship will play an increasingly important role in helping individuals and communities navigate rapid technological, economic and social change. I am proud of what our community accomplished in FY26 and energized by the opportunities ahead. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this work. Together, we are building a more accessible, connected and resilient future, one entrepreneur, innovator and idea at a time.
Linda Ricchiuti, Executive Director
Institute Impact
FY26 Institute at a glance 77,000+
11,000+
Innovators reached across Edson E+I programs
Innovators actively engaged in Edson E+I programming
$770,000+
800+
Non-dilutive funding awarded to founders to support venture growth
Hours of mentor support across the E+I ecosystem
48%
680+
Increase in the Institute’s external funding opportunities year over year
Team members added by Edson E+I founders* includes FTEs, interns, contractors, volunteers
*57 founders completed the FY26 impact survey, representing ventures fr
70% Of founders surveyed* launched a new product or service
63% Of founders surveyed* generated revenue
42% Of founders surveyed* secured outside funding
rom across multiple Edson E+I programs.
Home to the nation’s
LARGEST and
MOST ACCESSIBLE university entrepreneurship community.
Designed for impact.
Reimagining the University Entrepreneurship Institute Why it matters Entrepreneurial potential exists everywhere, but access to the right support, expertise, networks, and resources does not. Edson E+I exists to remove those barriers and help more people turn ideas into solutions, ventures, and economic opportunity.
How Our Cont
Modularized Offerings
Interoperable by Design
Our services and content are broken into modular components.
Built to work together seamlessly across programs, teams, and partners.
e. Our approach We deliver support through a connected continuum of services—combining strategy, learning, mentorship, venture development, community, funding pathways, and innovation spaces—so entrepreneurs can enter at any point and access the right resources as their needs evolve.
tinuum Works
Plug and Play Delivery Easily configured to fit unique needs and audiences.
Faster to Market. Greater Impact. Reusing and recombining what we’ve built–so we can move faster and amplify impact.
WHERE IDEAS FIND THEIR PLACE
Creating connections. Strengthening ecosystems. Edson E+I's network of place-based innovation spaces (PBIS) is intentionally located within and alongside ASU's Innovation Zones, positioning entrepreneurs where research, industry, talent, and innovation converge. From co-working spaces and innovation hubs to maker environments and collaborative meeting spaces, these environments are designed to spark new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate venture creation. These spaces serve as gateways into Arizona's entrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing together students, founders, faculty, mentors, investors, and community partners. Where innovation thrives through connection and community.
Th stu res
hrough our Place-Based Innovation Spaces (PBIS), entrepreneurs, udents, faculty, and community innovators access mentorship, sources, and collaborative opportunities.
1,398
2,452
4
Events and meetings hosted
Space users
Place-Based Innovation Spaces
EDSON E+I MENTOR NETWORK
Connecting people. Growing ventures. Edson E+I's centralized mentor network connects entrepreneurs with the people, perspectives, and expertise that empower them to build resilient ventures. By bringing together founders, industry experts, alumni, and investors, we create a community that strengthens entrepreneurs and accelerates meaningful impact across every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Where connections become confidence and ideas become ventures. Thank you for this amazing space to be innovative, safe to make mistakes and learn, and to share your resources. Corporate America taught me to be small, take what was given, and to ‘wait my turn’ — which is the opposite of how I have been treated by the Edson E+I mentors.” – Kathleen Norgaard, Founder of Norgaard’s Nursery
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The Edson E+I mentoring community brings together experienced founders, industry experts, and ecosystem leaders to help entrepreneurs navigate every stage of their journey.
356
838
72
Unique ventures have been served hrough mentorship
Hours of mentorship provided to E+I ventures
Active mentors in the Edson E+I Mentor Network
EMPOWERING INNOVATION CHAMPIONS
Equipping educators. Expanding opportunity. Edson E+I invests in the educators and community champions who make innovation accessible to learners of all ages. Through high-quality curriculum, hands-on training, entrepreneurial learning experiences, and meaningful partnerships, we equip the people closest to learners with the tools and confidence to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking. Working alongside schools and community partners locally, nationally, and globally, we extend innovation education from educators to classrooms to communities. By reaching learners early, we help build a pipeline of confident problem solvers prepared to become the students, innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders of tomorrow. Where empowered educators inspire the next generation of innovators.
$
Awa adv and
By investing in educators and innovation champions, Edson E+I extends the reach of entrepreneurial learning into classrooms and communities nationwide.
$775,000
arded in stipends to vance teacher growth d student innovation
350+
40+
Educators engaged
Nationwide site visits delivering hands-on coaching and support
FY26 Academic Collabor
Innovation thrives across boundaries. Edson E+I is built to together colleges, schools, researchers, faculty, students and across Arizona—to combine expertise, share resources and c
Across ASU ASU Health Barrett, The Honors College Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering Health Entrepreneurship Accelerator Lab (HEALab) Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts Learning Enterprise Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation Spark Center for Innovation in Learning School for the Future of Innovation in Society
This list is representational, not an exhaustive list of all
rators and Co-Creators
connect and collaborate across ASU. Our work brings university leaders—and extends to academic institutions create new possibilities for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Across ASU, continued Skysong Innovations Sun Devil Athletics Sun Devil Campus Stores W.P. Carey School of Business
Regional Academic Collaborators Grand Canyon University Maricopa County Community College District Northern Arizona University University of Arizona
Edson E+I academic collaborators and co-creators.
FY26 External Collaborat
Greater impact is built together. Our ecosystem extends be leaders, foundations and mission-aligned organizations. These resources and perspectives to create new opportunities and e
Cities & Municipalities Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA) The City of Chandler, AZ The City of Goodyear, AZ The City of Mesa, AZ The City of Phoenix, AZ
Philanthropy & Social Impact Aspiring Youth Academy Dorrance Family Foundation Edson Family Foundation eSeed Challenge, by the Prescott Student Venture Fund The Henry Ford Verizon Foundation
This list is representational, not an exhaustive list of al
tors and Co-Creators
eyond the university through collaboration with cities, industry e relationships bring together complementary expertise, extend the reach of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Industry Arizona Commerce Authority Canon U.S.A. Cisco GoDaddy International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) Mayo Clinic National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Opendorse RTX Corporation Salt River Project (SRP)
ll Edson E+I external collaborators and co-creators.
Built for flexibility. Designed for impact. Arizona’s largest university-powered network of incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs and entrepreneurship programs.
We designed an entrepreneurial ecosystem that connects people, id and opportunity throughout the entrepreneurial journey. By integratin education, mentorship, funding, commercialization, and community, create pathways that help innovators move forward.
Our interconnected continuum of services allows entrepreneurs to engage through multiple pathways, accessing a network of resource Delivered through in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences, our mo expands access and meets entrepreneurs where they are.
This modular approach allows us to adapt quickly, respond to emerg needs, and deliver greater impact across our K–12, university, facult community audiences.
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Audience Impact
Advancing K-12 Impact 6,500+ K-12 students engaged in Invention Convention Arizona
40+ Schools and organizations participated in Invention Convention Arizona
40,000+ Middle school students nationwide engaged through The Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Program
200 Middle schools participated in The Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Program across 26 states FY26 IMPACT
BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE
Inspiring young innovators. Edson E+I empowers young people to see themselves as innovators, problem solvers, and future entrepreneurs. Through Invention Convention Arizona and The Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Program, students develop creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindsets while tackling real-world challenges. Together, these experiences strengthen Arizona's innovation pipeline and inspire the next generation to imagine, create, and lead. I loved seeing students realize that innovation...can also mean improving, adapting and building on ideas. These experiences help students connect classroom learning to the real world and show them that their ideas have value.” — April Fox, Armstrong Middle School, Philadelphia, PA and Lab Mentor, Verizon Innovative Learning Lab Program
Empowering Student Innovators At the center of Edson E+I’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is Venture Devils, ASU's flagship venture development program for students.
$590,000+ Non-dilutive funding awarded to student-led ventures
563 New ASU and MCCCD student ventures joined Venture Devils
26,000+ Students exposed to entrepreneurship programming at ASU FY26 IMPACT
LAUNCHING BOLD IDEAS
Helping ASU students build what’s next. Edson E+I helps students discover entrepreneurship through experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and momentum. By connecting students with mentorship, experiential learning, funding opportunities, and a vibrant entrepreneurial community, we help innovators from every discipline prepare for what's next—whether launching a venture or building the entrepreneurial mindset and career-ready skills to thrive in any field. Together, these experiences create pathways that transform bold ideas into meaningful impact. Being Media Arts and Sciences majors, we come from a more technical and creative background but the Venture Devils program helped us take our idea and realize it as a business opportunity.” — Ben Chatfield, BioSynth Music Co
Fueling Community Ventures 3,800+ Founders engaged in community programming
700+ Small businesses supported
1,300+ Events hosted across 4 PBIS spaces
420+ Founders across Arizona engaged in the new Venture Start program FY26 IMPACT
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
Entrepreneurship drives economic opportunity. Edson E+I creates accessible entrepreneurial pathways that help founders launch, grow, and sustain ventures that strengthen Arizona's innovation economy. Our founder-focused support empowers entrepreneurs across Phoenix, throughout Arizona, and around the world to overcome barriers, accelerate growth, and build resilient businesses that create jobs, strengthen local economies, and expand opportunity. Together, these pathways create opportunity, foster economic vitality, and build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems across Arizona. We've grown our network through Chandler Endeavor's variety of events, and we've created meaningful relationships that have propelled our growth. — Aaron Collette, Founder and CEO of Zealacare
Bringing Innovation to Market 205+ Faculty ventures in the Innovation2Market pipeline
$41,000 Awarded to faculty founders, including 11 SBIR microgrants
402 Invention disclosures
186 Issued patents
FY26 IMPACT
IDEAS INTO IMPACT
Turning discovery into real-world impact. Edson E+I equips faculty, staff, and graduate researchers with the resources, mentorship, and entrepreneurial pathways needed to extend the impact of their work. By connecting research with commercialization expertise, industry partnerships, funding opportunities, and entrepreneurial support, we help innovators move discoveries beyond the laboratory and into the world. Together, these pathways accelerate innovation, expand opportunity, and transform research into lasting impact. That shift in mindset—to think not just about solving a customer’s problem, but where we can add value—has allowed me to start formulating new ideas about who I want to reach out to and how to tell them our story.” — Matthew Becker, Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Featured Programs
Empowering young innova to solve tomorrow's biggest challenges.
Invention Convention Arizona
ators
Building Arizona's Next Generation of Innovators As Arizona's official affiliate of The Henry Ford's Invention Convention Worldwide, Edson E+I is building the state's innovation pipeline by empowering K–12 learners to identify problems, develop creative solutions, and think like entrepreneurs. Through educator training, regional competitions, and statewide collaboration, we are expanding access to invention education across Arizona.
Turning Curiosity into Confidence Through Invention Invention Convention Arizona teaches far more than the invention process. Students build creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial confidence by researching, prototyping, testing, iterating, and refining solutions to realworld challenges. Along the way, they discover that innovation begins with curiosity —and that their ideas have the power to improve the world around them.
Advancing collegiate stud entrepreneurship at scale.
ASU Venture Devils
dent
Helping Students Turn Ideas Into Ventures Venture Devils empowers ASU students to explore entrepreneurship through mentorship, experiential learning, and a supportive community designed to help ideas grow. Whether testing a first concept or building a high-growth startup, founders gain the guidance, connections, and confidence needed to move from possibility to progress.
Creating Momentum for Student Founders As ASU's flagship venture development program, Venture Devils creates opportunities for student founders to refine ventures, compete for non-dilutive funding, and connect with experienced mentors. In FY26, the program supported 563 new student ventures and awarded more than $590,000 to help founders continue building and scaling their ideas.
Strengthening entrepreneurial futures for student-athletes.
SPORTx at ASU
Creating New Pathways for Student-Athletes SPORTx expands access to entrepreneurship by meeting student-athletes where they are. Designed around the realities of collegiate athletics, the program helps participants develop entrepreneurial mindsets, build digital ownership, and prepare for careers, ventures, and leadership opportunities that extend well beyond competition.
Building Leaders Beyond the Game SPORTx recognizes that every athlete's future looks different. Through entrepreneurial education, personalized mentorship, and opportunities to explore business, brand, community, and career pathways, studentathletes develop the confidence and ownership needed to create lasting value during competition and throughout their lives.
Expanding access to entrepreneurship across Arizona.
Venture Start
Creating Accessible Pathways for Arizona Founders Made possible by the Arizona Commerce Authority, Venture Start is a no-cost, hybrid program that removes barriers to entrepreneurship by connecting founders across Arizona. Through practical learning, mentorship, and a supportive statewide community, entrepreneurs gain the confidence, skills, and connections needed to build sustainable ventures and engage with Arizona's innovation ecosystem.
Building a Statewide Community of Entrepreneurs In its inaugural year, Venture Start engaged 422 founders across two statewide cohorts, demonstrating the power of accessible entrepreneurship. By creating a foundercentered pathway into Arizona's entrepreneurial ecosystem, the program helps innovators transform bold ideas into resilient businesses while strengthening connections across the state.
Accelerating research commercialization throug entrepreneurial pathways.
I2M Lightning Incubator
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Accelerating Faculty Innovations Toward Commercialization The Innovation2Market Lightning Incubator helps faculty innovators rapidly evaluate commercialization opportunities and identify the most effective path to impact. Through expert guidance, entrepreneurial education, and practical tools, participants develop commercialization roadmaps, funding strategies, and the confidence to move discoveries beyond the laboratory.
Creating Pathways from Research to Real-World Impact Launched in Spring 2026, the Innovation2Market Lightning Incubator adapts Edson E+I's proven venture development curriculum to meet the unique needs of faculty innovators. By connecting researchers with commercialization expertise, entrepreneurial resources, and Arizona's innovation ecosystem, the program helps transform promising discoveries into startups, licensing opportunities, and solutions that benefit society.
Looking forward. The future of entrepreneurship is built together. Every day, we see what becomes possible when people are given the opportunity to explore ideas, solve meaningful problems, and build something bigger than themselves. Together with our students, faculty, founders, educators, partners, and supporters, we will continue expanding access to entrepreneurship and creating pathways that strengthen communities, inspire innovation, and transform lives. Thank you for helping us expand opportunity through entrepreneurship and innovation.
entrepreneurship@asu.edu entrepreneurship.asu.edu
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Expand opportunity. Build community. Create lasting impact.
entrepreneurship.asu.edu