Exploring Innovation

Are you curious about innovation & entrepreneurship, but do not know where to start? Have no fear!

The Big Idea Center partners with departments at Pitt, local members of the innovation community, and neighboring schools to bring low-commitment events to students who are looking to get involved with an amazing community of Pittsburgh change-makers. No idea needed!

Whether you are looking to explore entrepreneurial concepts or hear about the journeys of real-life innovators, there is something for everyone from any student level or area of study. Take a look at some of our upcoming events and register for one (or more!) today. Now is the best time to get involved!

Learn more about upcoming programs

MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE

Career Paths in Startups & Innovation | November 5

Made possible through a collaboration with LifeX®.

Explore the variety of career possibilities within innovation through those who have successfully navigated a path from student to early startup employee, or to a non-traditional, entrepreneurship-adjacent role!

Panelists:

Cally Uhl – Events and Marketing Coordinator @ Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance
Mackenzie Nelson – Director of Product Management @ Harvie
Matt Geyer – Manager @ Diamond Kinetics

LifeX, a Pittsburgh-based organization in the heart of Oakland, was founded in 2017 and serves as the Life Science Greenhouse for Western PA. LifeX is at the forefront of cultivating the next generation of life science companies by working closely with early-stage founders as well as university partners, including Pitt and CMU. Through its broad-based continuum model, LifeX integrates programmatic support, strategic investment, and a scalable framework to drive early-stage life science innovation from concept to commercialization.

This event has concluded (November 5, 2025).