UTexas – Talking Startups with Michael Dell
It has been an exciting month at the University of Texas. Just in time for National Entrepreneurship Week, I hosted Michael Dell at an interactive event discussing his experiences beginning a startup in college and becoming the youngest CEO of a fortune 500 company. It was a full house! 477 excited students, faculty, and community members crowded in to hear Mr. Dell be interviewed by Dr. Bob Metcalfe, inventor of ethernet, founder of 3Com Corp., former partner at Polaris Ventures, and current professor of innovation at UT-Austin. After a lively 45 minute interview, the floor was opened up to students for questions. Afterwards, Mr. Dell joined students at the reception for more intimate interaction. He was an engaging, genuine speaker and excited to interact with young budding entrepreneurs. Read further coverage of the story here.
Dr. Bob Metcalfe interviews Michael Dell
Dell talks to students
Pitching the upcoming NCIIA Social Innovation Bootcamp on UT Austin Campus
Another very exciting development is the joint hosting of a VentureLab on UT-Austin’s campus. The Dell Social Innovation Competition (DSCIC) has been a part of the UT campus for a few years. Last year they had over 1400 applicants from all over the world. The winner of the competition receives $50K to accelerate work on their venture. Last year, Dell donated $5M to support the initiative and keep the program running. This year, the NCIIA has teamed up with the DSIC to host the Social Innovation Bootcamp January 12-16.
On Tuesday Nov. 29th, the first ever Made In Austin career fair was put on by the folks at Campus2Careers and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. The job fair brought together 350 students and 93 of central Texas’ fastest growing startups. The event was the first focused entirely on connecting talent with startups.
Thursday Dec. 1 was the 1 Semester Startup Demo Day – the culmination of the work the 72 Longhornpreneurs have been doing on their 20 startups in the 1 Semester Startup class. The teams pitched to a room of about 200 attendees – investors, media, follow classmates, and instructors. Read more coverage by the Silicon Hill News and The Daily Texan.
Great end to a great year. Hook ’em!
1SS Showcased on the jumbotron while UT Longhorns practice
