Students huddled talking on campus

Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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 (CEI) 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 $20,000 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.