JANUARY 2025 | THE HILL INSTITUTE NEWSROOM

Last year, our team didn’t just dream big—we delivered. The Furman Innovation Lab launched, student engagement skyrocketed, ventures thrived, and our impact on Greenville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem reached new heights.

We saw record-breaking numbers of students and attendees during our programming, huge growth in new revenue each month from ventures we've supported, and partnerships that continue to fuel transformation.

And 2025? It’s going to be even bigger. This spring, we’re gearing up for:

✅ The Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition - where the next wave of bold ideas takes center stage.

✅ New industry partnerships connecting students to real-world innovation.

✅ Expanded programs at the Innovation Lab, fueling Greenville’s startup ecosystem.

None of this happens without you. Your support fuels real, measurable impact - empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and making the Furman/Greenville combination a national hub for innovation.

Let’s keep building together. 🚀

Bryan Davis

Executive Director

TOP 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

ON THE HORIZON - A "HILL INSIDER" PERK

Furman’s Next Big Idea

February 7, 2025 | Crescent Innovation Center | 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Next week, students are invited to an immersive, competitive event designed to foster innovative thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. This action-packed, one-day experience will challenge participants to team up and tackle real-world challenges presented by community and academic partners.

The event offers networking opportunities, hands-on experience in developing solutions, and an awards ceremony to celebrate outstanding ideas. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, create, and compete—register now!

The Rinker Paladin Pitch Competition

April 10, 2025 | Watkins Room, Trone | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

This exciting event showcases the innovative ideas of four student finalists who will pitch their new venture ideas to a panel of judges and a diverse audience of students, faculty, alumni, and community leaders.

Students compete to take home the $10,000 Johnny Flynn Paladin Pitch Award to support launching their entrepreneurial venture; second place will take home $2,000 while third receives $1,000. With a focus on creativity and entrepreneurship, the event helps fuel the translation of innovative ideas into action.

PS: If you're watching closely, you may have noticed a new name here. With huge thanks to Leighan and Dave Rinker, this program is getting a big upgrade with some very exciting new features we'll tell you more about next month.

Though applications open February 5, 2025, as a Hill Insider, you have early access and can apply using the link below.

NEXT MONTH'S EVENTS

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS