The Fuqua School of Business was buzzing with energy, curiosity, and creativity when over 130 students gathered for The Innovators’ Spark—the official kickoff to entrepreneurship and innovation. Hosted by Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E), this event welcomed students ready to explore new ventures, invest in innovation, or bring transformative ideas into existing companies.
From the very first moment, the day delivered on its promise to ignite entrepreneurial thinking. The agenda was packed with interactive sessions and inspiring conversations:
Agenda Highlights: The day featured a mix of hands-on activities, peer insights, and alumni engagement. Students explored the power of community through the Reciprocity Ring, gained valuable advice from second-years, and connected with alumni over lunch. They were challenged to think big during a Moonshot Thinking session and encouraged to map out their next steps at Fuqua. The event closed with a fun surprise—birthday cake and a sing-along to celebrate facilitator Josh Cohen.
Student Voices: Throughout the day, students shared reflections that highlighted the impact of The Innovators’ Spark:
“It was the perfect introduction to both I&E and the amazing Team Fuqua culture.”
“Innovators’ Spark fired me up to pursue my passion and avoid the herd mentality.”
“It was the perfect introduction to both I&E and the amazing Team Fuqua culture.”
“This event made me realize the importance of asking for help—there’s always someone willing to lend a hand.”
“It’s the best first thing to do once you arrive at Fuqua.”
Impact: For many, the event was more than just a kickoff—it was a transformative moment of connection and inspiration. Whether students came in with a business idea or were simply curious about the entrepreneurial path, they left with a renewed sense of possibility and a strong community behind them. As one student put it, “The Innovation Spark really sparks something in you. I highly recommend it as an introduction to business school.”
Fuqua Students and I&E: The momentum built at The Innovators’ Spark continues throughout the year with workshops, speaker events, venture support, and mentorship opportunities through Duke I&E. No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, there’s a place for you here. Here’s to the ideas born, the connections made, and the sparks that are already becoming flames. Welcome to Fuqua, and welcome to the innovation journey!