The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Catalyzer
Building entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Catalyzer at the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business breeds innovation right here on campus, helping students turn bold ideas into booming startups and value-based enterprises. We give you the tools and resources to embrace your most creative ideas to build startups that create jobs and continually innovate — we’ll even challenge you to address global problems and improve lives with your venture ideas.
When you take part in our classes and events, you will join a unique startup community here at USD, one that encourages you to take your destiny into your own hands and propels you to new heights. Plus, you will get to connect with an incredible startup ecosystem — in San Diego and beyond.
Through various initiatives, The Catalyzer brings together a world of established entrepreneurs, academic thought leaders, startup innovators, brilliant venture capitalists, and bright-eyed students. Then we stand back and watch the sparks fly.
Begin quote Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
The Toreropreneur Journey
Entrepreneurs are not born, they are made — and many are made here at the University of San Diego. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Catalyzer is here to guide you every step of the way as you follow our Toreropreneur Journey.
Unleash your inner entrepreneur.
USD Entrepreneurship Legacy Conference
At our annual USD Legacy Entrepreneurship Conference, we inspire student innovators by inviting back alumni who have embraced innovation in their careers, whether by starting a new business or by creating big change at their organization.
Fowler Business Concept Challenge
The sky is the limit on creative ideas and we encourage students to explore their entrepreneurial potential by proposing brand new ideas at the Fowler Business Concept Challenge.
Venture Vetting Pitch Competition
We challenge our Toreropreneurs to create the next big thing and introduce their business idea to market at our Venture Vetting (V2) Pitch Competition.
Resilient Entrepreneur Learning Series
Resiliency is the pillar of a successful entrepreneur. At this learning series open to students and the local community, entrepreneurs reveal how they pivot business ideas and remain resilient through challenging times.
In the News
An Unforgettable Year at the Knauss School of Business
// May 26, 2022
When the 2021-22 academic year began, the energy on campus was palpable — eagerly returning to the University of San Diego’s bea…
Double Impact: Alumni, Student Entrepreneurs Inspire and Aspire
// April 22, 2022
A double dose of inspirational and aspirational thinking and doing made for a full night of programming hosted by the Knauss School of Busin…
USD’s Changemaking Spirit To Take Center Stage at First-Ever Combined Seven-by-Seven and V2 Pitch Competition
// March 20, 2022
On April 20, University of San Diego alumni and student changemakers will share the stage for an inspirational evening of storytelling and i…
Upcoming Events
There are currently no events scheduled