Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship
Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship
Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship
Applying to B-Lab or the Brown Venture Prize?
Need an application mentor for B-Lab or the Brown Venture Prize? Fill out this form to be matched with an application mentor who can guide you through your submission and help you stand out.
Priority Deadline: December 10, 2025 — submit early to secure your mentor!
Stay in the Loop!
Get the latest on events, startups, and opportunities at the Nelson Center.
See, Solve, Scale
Brown is fertile ground for entrepreneurship — for students, faculty, and alumni alike. We believe entrepreneurship is a powerful way to solve problems and spark change. Our courses, programs, and venture support help students turn ideas into lasting impact.
Learn through courses, certificates, and experiences that equip students to take on real-world challenges.
Our events create an inclusive space for all who are curious about entrepreneurship and connection.
Connecting students to venture support, grants, and opportunities beyond the Nelson Center.
Providing faculty, researchers, and grad students with resources - events, courses, and funding - to advance entrepreneurship.
Through inclusive mentorship, we connect ventures with expert advisors who accelerate their growth.
Explore B-Lab, BVP, and Co-Lab—programs designed to turn your ideas into real ventures.
Where Do I Start?
Not sure where to begin your entrepreneurial journey? Explore our programs, connect with mentors, or attend an event - we're here to help you take the first step.
Creating Solutions with Impact
At the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship, we empower a vibrant community to turn ambition into ideas into tangible ventures, driving real-world change. Our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is reflected in the cumulative achievements of our ecosystem.
Omena
Founded by Francesca Raoelison ‘23, Omena equips young people with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) tools to break trauma cycles and build resilience, transforming education and advocacy in Madagascar and beyond.
Perennial
Founded by Jack Roswell ‘20, Alex Zhuk ‘20 and David Schurman ‘20, Perennial leverages digital soil mapping technology to enable cost-effective, precise measurement and verification of sustainable agricultural practices, supporting scalable global climate action projects.
We do "hubs" really well. Our Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship is fast becoming one of the most impactful hubs on campus. There, students hatch ideas, launch ventures, and hone entrepreneurial skills — not just in business, but in how business can transform lives.