Elevate Nexus, a new program launching in 2019 under Elevate Ventures, will provide programming and funding to higher education institutions, communities and the entrepreneurs they engage. The result will create a stronger bond among higher education institutions, community partners and entrepreneurs. This robust, unified, smarter network will lead to more high-quality startups launching and growing in Indiana.

Pre-Seed and Seed Pitch Competitions:

Every year, Elevate Nexus will award pre-seed and seed awards to startups launching the next high-growth businesses in Indiana. Regional pitch competitions will occur twice a year providing funding in the form of convertible notes. Regional pitch winners will be welcomed to an annual statewide competition where investments are even larger. Are you an entrepreneur interested in participating in a pitch competition? Click here for more details.

Elevate Origins:

Those new to entrepreneurship or anyone interested in refining a pitch deck is invited to join an online and in-person workshop series that will take participants through the process of refining their business idea and developing a pitch deck ready for pre-seed and seed investors. For more information, click here.

Road Shows:

Once a year, leading entrepreneurs and investors will travel the state to host panel discussions, share advice, and provide feedback to entrepreneurs interested in gaining fresh perspectives. Roadshows will be centered around local events and entrepreneur support organizations to highlight the resources currently available in each community.

Elevate Nexus Partnership Program:

Participating higher education institutions will be eligible for mentorship and programmatic support through Elevate Nexus. Representatives from each partner institution will meet regularly with Elevate Nexus staff to further launch and develop entrepreneurship programming, have opportunities to engage and collaborate with other Elevate Nexus partners, and play a leading role in guiding future Elevate Nexus programming.

Higher Ed Entrepreneurship Programming Grants:

Through a partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, over the next three years, Elevate Nexus will provide grants to higher education institutions for the development and improvement of entrepreneurship programming. Efforts will be evaluated on their impact, sustainability and community engagement. Are you a higher education institution interested in learning more about the entrepreneurship programming grants? Click here to apply.

Higher Education Matching Awards:

When startups receive investments from the Elevate Nexus program, higher education institutions and community partners will receive a grant totaling 10 percent of the amount award. The grant will be earmarked toward entrepreneurship programming to help continue to build on existing successes.

Annual Conference and Best Practice Sharing:

Participating higher education institutions will be invited to attend an annual conference to learn about new and leading ways higher education institutions are engaging entrepreneurs. As well, participants will receive regular updates from Elevate Nexus on new programs and best practices.

The 2021 Elevate Nexus Conference will be on August 11. Click for more details.

Click here to view the Elevate Nexus 2020 Update, posted 5/14/2020

Interested in learning more?

• Sign up for the Elevate Nexus newsletter to receive up-to-date information on Elevate Nexus and community program and funding opportunities as they roll out.
• Are you a higher-education institution leader not yet involved in Elevate Nexus and interested in receiving programming and funding support to launch or grow entrepreneurship support initiatives? Contact us by selecting “Elevate Nexus” in our contact form.
• Are you an entrepreneur interested in participating in a pitch competition? Click here to learn more.
• Have additional questions? Contact us by selecting “Elevate Nexus” in our contact form.