FEBRUARY 2026 | THE HILL INSTITUTE NEWSROOM | |
As we step further into 2026, our whole team continues to be energized by the momentum building across The Hill Institute and our innovation ecosystem.
In February, in partnership with BMW's Global Innovation Team, our innovation hackathon gave students the opportunity to operate at the pace of real industry innovation - bridging classroom learning with direct career pathways.
At the VentureSouth Summit, our Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship alumni stepped confidently into diligence and venture conversations, demonstrating that our students aren’t just learning entrepreneurship, they’re actively practicing it.
Across programs like Rinker Paladin Pitch, Advantage Greenville, and GVL Starts, our focus is clear: develop leaders prepared to create, invest in, and scale meaningful impact.
Thank you for continuing to invest in this mission.
Onward together,
Bryan Davis
Executive Director
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FURMAN'S NEXT BIG IDEA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BMW
On Friday, February 20, we hosted Furman’s Next BIG Idea (i.e. our version of an innovation hackathon) at the Furman Innovation Lab in partnership with BMW’s Global Innovation Team, convening high-performing students and industry leaders for a focused, real-world innovation sprint.
Students from across disciplines engaged in a design challenge developed and delivered by BMW, collaborating in cross-functional teams with guidance from BMW mentors, Furman faculty, and our innovation coaches. The experience was intentionally designed to mirror the pace, rigor, and expectations of corporate innovation, providing students with direct exposure to industry-driven problem solving.
Throughout the afternoon, Brent, Akshit, Brooke, Dave, Kendall, and Makayla (pictured above in BMW Innovation Team apparel) worked alongside students during the build phase and ultimately served as the judging panel. Their leadership and engagement elevated the experience and reinforced the strength of this strategic university–industry partnership. Student feedback has been exceptionally strong, underscoring both the quality of the challenge and the measurable impact of hands-on corporate collaboration.
The program also functions as a talent pipeline initiative. Select students will advance to a paid eight-week summer internship, where they will continue developing the ideas initiated during the event with coaching from BMW, our team, and select industry mentors. Stay tuned for the internship announcement in the coming weeks.
Through initiatives like Furman’s Next BIG Idea, we continue to strengthen corporate partnerships, expand experiential learning opportunities, and create impactful pathways from classroom to career.
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2026 VentureSouth Summit & Venture Analyst Internship
We were proud to sponsor and attend the 2026 VentureSouth Summit, joining leading founders, investors, and capital partners from across the region for a focused conversation on early-stage investment and venture growth. The summit continues to serve as a key touchpoint for strengthening relationships and deepening engagement within the Southeast’s innovation ecosystem.
We are also pleased to announce that Matthew Micolucci ’28, an Economics major and recent graduate of the Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship, has been selected as this year’s Venture Analyst Internship recipient. Since completing the fellowship this fall, Matthew has already begun contributing to VentureSouth's due diligence, venture pipeline development, market research, and operational support.
His early impact reflects the strength of the Clemens program as a talent development pathway and our continued commitment to preparing students for real-world engagement in venture capital and early-stage investing.
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2026 RINKER PALADIN PITCH APPLICATIONS
Applications are closing soon for the 2026 Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition, Furman’s premier student pitch event. Four finalists will work one-on-one with our team to refine their ideas before competing live for the $10,000 Johnny Flynn Award.
Open to all full-time Furman undergraduate students:
- Applications close March 1, 2026
- Program begins March 9
- Pitch Competition on April 16
LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE
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GVL STARTS | FALL 2026 APPLICATIONS
GVL Starts is a 9-week, in-person accelerator for first-time founders in the Greenville community, offering mentorship from local entrepreneurs, coaching from design thinkers, instruction from university faculty, and access to a committed investor network. Since 2021, the program has supported 201 ventures, many of which have gone on to raise capital, hire employees, or open storefronts.
The program meets Thursdays from 5:30–8:30 PM at the Furman Innovation Lab, running September 10 – November 5, 2026.
LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE
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Clemens Angel Analyst Annual Dinner
Jianna, Downtown Greenville | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Are you a Furman Undergraduate student curious about the Clemens Angel Analyst Program? This is the room to be in. Join us for a private buyout dinner at Jianna in downtown Greenville on Thursday, March 26 from 5:30–8:00 PM. Connect with Clemens alumni, local CEOs, investors, Furman trustees, and the Clemens family over incredible food, a full bar, and high-caliber conversation across Furman’s entrepreneurial network.
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Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition and The Dins Student Marketplace
Timmons Arena | 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
The Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition is heading to Timmons Arena for the first time as four student finalists take the stage to pitch their BIG venture ideas for the chance to win the $10,000 Johnny Flynn Award. We’ll kick off the afternoon with The Dins Student Marketplace from 3:00–4:00 PM, an open campus showcase where any Furman student entrepreneur can sell and promote their business, separate from the pitch finalists. Enjoy food and drinks while discovering what your peers are building. Then from 4:00–5:30 PM, the finalists pitch live to a panel of judges, with the audience casting a vote for their favorite venture. All registered attendees will be entered into a post-event raffle. This event is open to Furman students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and the broader community.
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Advantage Greenville | Venturing Beyond Earth
Roam Greenville ONE Center | 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Advantage Greenville returns with a forward-looking conversation on the future of space and entrepreneurship. As the space economy accelerates beyond government programs into startups, data, launch systems, and regional innovation ecosystems, new opportunities are emerging for founders and communities alike. Curious about where opportunity is moving next and what it means for Greenville and the Upstate? Join us for coffee, networking, and a high-impact start to your day.
| | | WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS | | |
Our operations are fully supported by generous donors and program sponsors. Please consider donating today to support our mission of creating innovative and entrepreneurially minded leaders at Furman and in the Upstate.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
Please email Innovation@Furman.edu
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