IEEE Entrepreneurship 101 Ohio Workshop

Photo: University of Dayton Campus

IEEE Entrepreneurship 101 Ohio Workshop
01 – 03 June 2026
Location: Dayton, Ohio, USA

Are you interested in commercializing your idea or invention and creating a business? Do you live in Dayton, Ohio, or in IEEE Region 2 (Eastern U.S.), and would you like to learn how to be an entrepreneur? We are looking for STEM participants from all walks of life and ages who are interested in learning about entrepreneurship.

Now you have a chance to apply to this IEEE Entrepreneurship workshop co-sponsored with IEEE-USA, IEEE Region 2, IEEE Dayton Section, Young Professionals & Women in Engineering (YP-WIE) Joint Chapter Dayton Section, and the University of Dayton on making the world a better place. This workshop encourages ideas that support the UN-Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

We are looking for interested participants who will work in teams to develop their ideas and then pitch them to judges on the final day. The winning team will get a prize.

The workshop will be held in Dayton, Ohio, starting on 01 June and ending on 03 June. The in-person event will be preceded by two virtual meet-ups in the weeks prior to the workshop to solicit ideas and form teams of approximately five people each. In these teams, participants will work to develop their pitch deck and video. Participants will only get a certificate if they attend all virtual and in-person sessions.

Once in Dayton, participants will learn about topics including taking an idea to market, creating a lean business model canvas, traditional and digital marketing, value proposition, finances, intellectual property, contracts and negotiation, leadership soft skills, and more. Guest speakers will include experts on local investment opportunities, local entrepreneurial success stories, and more. Participants will also receive mentoring from a team of experienced inventors and entrepreneurs. On 02 June, participants will have the opportunity to network with the broader Dayton area entrepreneurial ecosystem at the IEEE-USA IWRC event on campus at the University of Dayton Memorial Union.

Application / Registration Deadline for application: 30 April 2026.

Apply for the IEEE Entrepreneurship 101 Ohio Workshop

Applications are due by 30 April, and accepted participants will be notified by 06 May.

If you are accepted to attend, we expect full commitment to the two online sessions and three days of the workshop. Attendance in all sessions is mandatory and active participation & teamwork are expected towards the final pitch.

If required and approved, participants will receive lodging for four nights, 31 May – 03 June, in shared rooms at the venue hotel in Dayton. Lunch will be provided on 01 and 03 June with two breaks for coffee and snacks. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on 02 June as part of the IWRC event. Travel expenses are not covered.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur and make the world a better place!