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A Message From Our Director
At Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Duke I&E), we hold a clear conviction that preparing students to think and act entrepreneurially is one of the most impactful ways to shape leaders who can meet the challenges of our time. We are meeting this moment by preparing students to turn uncertainty into opportunity, and bold ideas into real-world impact. The convergence of macroeconomic shifts, the democratization of technology, and a world in need of fresh solutions means it is imperative that Duke students are equipped with the mindset and skillset to approach problems as innovators: ready to challenge assumptions, mobilize resources creatively, and build ventures and initiatives that drive meaningful progress for business and society.
In FY25, we doubled down on our commitment to providing a complete system for innovation and entrepreneurship education. We support Duke students with the foundational knowledge, hands-on experiences, and community they need to innovate with confidence and purpose. From climate and health to science and technology, our students are tackling the world’s most urgent challenges with an entrepreneurial mindset.
FY 25 Highlights:
- 4,061 unique students served across Duke programs (+14% vs. FY24)
- 43% of the undergraduate Class of 2025 (compared to 30% in Class of 2024)
- 23% of the graduate/professional Class of 2025 (compared to 20% in Class of 2024)
- 47 undergraduate majors
- 34 PhD disciplines
- 8 Fuqua degree programs
- 312 PhD students served (138 enrolled in the graduate/professional certificate)
- 9,134 total interactions (+20% vs. FY24), with strong repeat engagement
- With 951 students enrolled (468 undergraduates, 483 graduate/professional) the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate is the largest certificate program on campus
- 2,200+ alumni, parents, donors, and community members engaged through events
- 400 alumni and parents volunteered as mentors, speakers, advisors, and advocates (+46% vs. FY24)
Our programs foster innovation and nurture adaptable, mission-driven graduates who are ready to thrive in their careers. We are proud that our students emerge as resilient problem-solvers ready to lead in their chosen industry. In this year’s impact report, we invite you to explore how Duke I&E is helping our students shape the future.
- Experiential Learning: Our interdisciplinary and problem-focused courses, certificates, and programs foster collaboration and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. These experiences build the skills, competencies, and networks that equip students with tools and perspectives they will carry and apply throughout their personal and professional lives.
- Startup Awards: We provide non-dilutive funding that empowers students to move from idea to action, accelerating their impact, and learning throughout the process.
- Connections to Expertise: Our global network of Duke alumni, parents, donors, and volunteers connects diverse industry experience and expertise across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With the support of Duke’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, our students are identifying “problems worth solving,” testing ideas, launching ventures, and building the skills to create meaningful impact. We are proud to share their progress and invite you to explore Duke I&E’s impact in FY25. The future is bright. WE ARE MADE FOR THIS.
To Impact,
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Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Associate Professor of the Practice of Management, The Fuqua School of Business