RCIE Student Funding Request

🗓 Registration Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE) now has a student request form available for all students who are seeking assistance with their startups and professional development opportunities, like competitions and accelerator programs. The application is open now and will remain open for students to use.

🔗 Learn more & apply

Student Entrepreneurship Advisory Council: Calling all Education & Computer Science students!

🗓 Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled

RCIE is now accepting applications for a new SEAC board member from the College of Education and the College of Science & Mathematics. SEAC ambassadors work to expand entrepreneurship across campus by helping students connect entrepreneurial thinking to their passions, majors, and future careers. As a board member, you'll host at least one entrepreneurship-focused event each semester and serve as a vital link between your peers and Rowan’s growing innovation ecosystem.

🔗 Learn more about SEAC

🔗 Apply to SEAC

2025 Idea Challenge - 90‑Second Video Submission

📝 Applications Close: Friday, November 28, 2025

🗓 Event Date: Friday, December 5, 2025

Teams who registered before October 27 and followed all competition rules are now invited to submit their 90-second pitch video to confirm their booth in this year’s Idea Challenge. Finalists will showcase their ideas, pitch live, and compete for prizes at the event.

🔗 Learn more & enter

Mentor Mondays: Book a 15-minute session!

🗓 Program Dates: Every Monday starting September 22, 2025

Whether you're working on a startup, side hustle, or just exploring a business idea, MBA Fellow Josh Perry is available for 15-minute 1-on-1 sessions to help guide your next steps.

Josh is the Co-Founder and COO of 4U Medical, a startup operating nationwide, and knows what it takes to turn an idea into a real business.

🔗 Learn more & RSVP

Nick Denzer (Marketing & Entrepreneurship ’26) took second place at the CEO Global Pitch Competition in Tampa, FL, for Pharma Connect Navigator, his AI-powered platform that connects biotech companies with qualified manufacturers. Out of nearly 300 global applicants, Denzer stood out for his strong traction and industry impact, crediting RCIE for its mentorship and support throughout his journey.

Cade Padilla (Music Industry ’26) and Student Entrepreneurship Advisory Council (SEAC) member brought students together for Collaborate to Create: The Song Writing Startup Challenge. Students formed cross-disciplinary teams to write and produce original songs, working alongside mentors in the weeks leading up to the final event. On challenge day, each team debuted their final song to a panel of judges. A special thank you to Cadence Creative Studios, founded by Padilla, who sponsored the prizes, including cash awards and a MacBook Pro raffle.

Students in Rowan’s first-year entrepreneurship course recently participated in the RU Innovative Challenge, where they had just three hours to develop a solution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. Congratulations to Team Volunteerly for earning First Place with their idea that connects students to local volunteer opportunities and strengthens community ties.

Rowan alumnus and top State Farm agent Ryan Salonia '14 returned to campus for RCIE's Coffee with an Entrepreneur series, sponsored by Saxbys, to share how mindset has shaped his journey. Ryan spoke candidly about navigating early-career anxiety and burnout, and how a personal turning point helped him realign his purpose around family, discipline, and mental clarity. He encouraged students to stay rooted in their “why,” avoid “rearview mirror thinking,” and surround themselves with people who elevate them.

This month’s Think It, Pitch It event got a boost from the CEO Club, who kicked things off with a quick pitch bootcamp. Students picked up tips on confidence, storytelling, and how to frame a strong idea before taking the mic for their 60-second pitch. Congrats to all who pitched and to our winners!

Congratulations to +Pouch for placing in the Top 3 at the 2025 NJ Social Determinants of Health Challenge, hosted by Cooper Medical School. The student-led venture is redefining hydration with a fast-absorbing electrolyte pouch that’s compact, convenient, and designed for precise replenishment.

Congratulations to Dr. Mike Dominik and alum Ashley Kulikowski-Dolan on their recent publication in Cases on Social Entrepreneurship in the United States. Their case study highlights Ashley’s work as a student entrepreneur and her commitment to driving social change. “Few have accomplished as much in terms of social impact,” said Dominik. “It’s been my privilege to co-author this work with one of our students.”

As part of RCIE's Coffee with an Entrepreneur series sponsored by Saxbys, students sat down with Bill Goodwin, founder of Goodwin Design Group, for a candid conversation about creativity, risk-taking, and building a career in branding. Bill shared stories from his early days discovering design in college to leading creative for major toy brands at Tyco and eventually launching his own firm. He encouraged students to stay curious, learn from failure, and move fast. “Failure is a great blessing,” he said. “But you have to move quickly. Break things. Move fast.”

Congratulations to Dr. Myeongho David Park, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, for presenting his research at three national conferences this fall: the Wharton People and Organization Conference, the Strategic Management Society Conference in San Francisco, and the Southern Management Association Conference in Greenville. His work explored entrepreneurial well-being, institutional change, and stakeholder management.

Lauwinda Cherilus (Business Administration ’23, MBA ’25) is building Baron Rides, a ride-share app designed specifically for students. Inspired by her own transportation challenges, she created the platform to help students carpool affordably and safely. The app also aims to support international students, who often face added barriers accessing reliable transit and community connections. Launch is planned for fall 2026. Read more here.

The Rohrer College of Business recently welcomed students from Delsea Regional and Washington Township High Schools for a campus visit. As part of the experience, Dr. Michael Dominik led an interactive workshop introducing students to the entrepreneurial mindset.