Entrepreneurship at Louisiana Tech is more than launching startups—it’s a way of thinking that empowers students to solve problems, test ideas, and communicate their vision with confidence. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation exists to cultivate that mindset across every discipline, providing students with hands-on experiences, resources, and mentorship to bring bold ideas to life.
Our Mission
To foster an entrepreneurial culture at Louisiana Tech by equipping students with the skills, experiences, and networks they need to innovate, create value, and lead in any career field.
What We Do
The Center connects students, faculty, alumni, and partners through programs that spark creativity and transform ideas into impact. From pitch competitions to cross-campus collaborations, CEI serves as the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation at Tech.
Signature Programs & Events
- Top Dog New Venture Championship
Tech’s premier entrepreneurial pitch competition where students showcase their startups and compete for over $11,000 in cash prizes. - Top Pup Pitch Competition
An early-stage competition for Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship students, offering a first taste of ideation and pitching. - Won in One
Our twist on the classic elevator pitch competition—students deliver one-minute pitches inside Wyly Tower’s elevator as it climbs to the 16th floor. - Backed by Business
A cross-college collaboration pairing engineering and business students during the Freshman Design Competition to test ideas for market potential. - Bulldog Entrepreneurs
A student-led organization open to all majors, building an entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus through workshops, networking, and leadership opportunities.
Hands-on opportunities like Top Dog, Top Pup, and Won in One prepare students not only to launch ventures but also to bring creativity and innovation into any organization they join. By reimagining how entrepreneurship is taught and experienced, CEI is helping students gain the confidence and mindset to make an impact anywhere.
Entrepreneurship at Tech is open to everyone—regardless of major, background, or career goals. Whether you’re curious about innovation, eager to launch a business, or simply want to develop skills that make you stand out, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has something for you.
LEAD & LAUNCH: THE INNOVATION INSTITUTE
Ready to turn your ideas into something real?
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Louisiana Tech University is hosting
a free, hands-on summer camp for rising high school juniors and seniors who want to
think creatively, solve problems, explore business ideas, and build confidence.
This is a non-residential, in-person experience held on Louisiana Tech’s campus in
the College of Business.
Throughout the week, students will work in teams to develop a business idea, learn
from entrepreneurs and community leaders, participate in field trips and hands-on
activities, and finish the week by pitching their idea on Pitch Day at the Joe Aillet
Suites.
No matter what major or career path you choose, the ability to think creatively, solve
problems, communicate ideas, and take initiative will set you apart.
This camp is designed to help you develop an entrepreneurial mindset—a way of thinking
that is valuable in business, engineering, healthcare, education, and beyond.
Hosted By
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Louisiana Tech University with support from Delta Community College and the Lincoln Parish Chamber of Commerce.
Camp Details
Who: Rising high school juniors and seniors (2026-2027 academic year)
Capacity: 30 students
Cost: Free
When: June 15-19
- Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast)
- Friday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Pitch Day)
Where: Louisiana Tech University College of Business (502 W. Texas Ave.), with select off-site field trip locations
Included: Meals and camp t-shirt
Top Dog
The 2025 Top Dog New Venture Championship was held November 6. Click here to learn about our winners.
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching a business—it’s about solving real problems, uncovering opportunities, and learning through action. The Top Dog New Venture Championship is Louisiana Tech’s premier business pitch competition, open to students from all majors and disciplines. Teams pitched their ventures to a panel of judges for $11,000 in prizes and major campus bragging rights.
Whether your idea is market-ready or still evolving, Top Dog provides a platform to showcase innovative thinking, entrepreneurial grit, and the journey behind your venture. The competition welcomes both polished business models and early-stage ideas backed by strong insight and creativity.
Student pitches are evaluated on:
- Innovation – originality, creativity, and potential for impact
- Business Potential – viability, market understanding, and scalability
- Entrepreneurial Insights – customer discovery, lessons learned, and adaptability
Top Dog is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for ideas, a celebration of student innovation, and a snapshot of the future being built right here on campus.