The Drexel University Innovation Fund
The Drexel University Innovation Fund is an exciting initiative for early-stage Drexel student and postgraduate-led startups, as well as startups founded to commercialize the results of scientific research being developed at Drexel.
The University aspires to play the role of a friends and family investor by being the first money in with an investment of $150,000 per startup and up to four startups per year. There have been three cohorts of investment so far, with commitments to invest in six startup companies. See News-Announcements for related stories. The next round for new applications is anticipated for Summer/Fall 2026.
The Innovation Fund is an evergreen fund, where all returns will be re-invested through the fund in future startups, impacting the Drexel University startup ecosystem by supporting new ideas and innovations as they emerge.
A unique aspect of the Innovation Fund is an experiential opportunity for Drexel students to learn venture capital investing through credit-bearing courses and experiencing the Innovation Fund’s investment process with hands-on activities. Following the mission to provide a valuable, rigorous, experiential education, students will work with a faculty member to perform due diligence, develop recommendations, and present their findings to an investment committee. Students interested in this type of coursework should contact Professor Robert Morier (rlm343@drexel.edu).
“This new program will be a tremendous boost for startups developing innovative products and services based on Drexel research. The Fund will lead to increased commercialization and that is perfectly aligned with a Drexel strategic imperative to expand the impact of research and innovation."
-Aleister Saunders, PhD, Executive Vice Provost for Research and Innovation
The Drexel Innovation Fund was developed by leaders from the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, Office of Research and Innovation, Office of the Provost, Drexel Solutions Institute, the Office of Executive Vice President, Treasurer & COO and an advisory group consisting of university trustees and distinguished alumni in the venture capital industry. An Investment Advisory Committee, comprised of industry experts and early-stage investors selected by Drexel Applied Innovation and the Close School, consult on program management.