Welcome to the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute

The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute is a nationally ranked hub for student entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Utah and an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business. The first programs were offered in 2001, through the vision and support of Pierre Lassonde, an alumnus of the Eccles School and successful mining entrepreneur. The institute now provides opportunities for thousands of students to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation. Programs include workshops, networking events, business-plan competitions, startup support, graduate and alumni programs, scholarships, community outreach and more. All programs are open to students from any academic major or background.


Our Mission

To provide students transformative experiences through entrepreneurship.


Best Schools for Entrepreneurship

Top 10 Ranked Program

We are proudly ranked among the best programs in the country for entrepreneurship by U.S. News and Princeton Review. Learn more about our rankings.

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Meet Our Founder

We were founded through the vision and generosity of Pierre Lassonde, an alumnus of the University of Utah, a successful mining entrepreneur and philanthropist. Learn more about him.

About Pierre Lassonde Our History


Lassonde Studios

Lassonde Studios

Learn about our Lassonde Studios, our award-winning innovation facility. It combines a public creative space and mixed-use space on the first floor with four floors of residential space above.

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Programs & Academics

We offer many programs and events for all students at the U. We offer grants, office space, workshops, meetups, certificates, degrees and a residential experience program at Lassonde Studios. Many programs and events are free.

Browse Programs


Contact Us

Have questions? Need help? Or want to visit us? We want to hear from you. Contact our office, or find someone who works here.

Contact Office People Directory


Watch ‘Live Create Launch at Lassonde’

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Tips for Launching at Lassonde

 

Join the community and stay connected by subscribing to our email newsletter and following us on social media.
Learn creative problem-solving skills that will serve you well no matter what the future holds.
Immerse yourself in everything we have to offer by joining the Lassonde 400 residential group. It will change your life!
We challenge every student to create something and launch it. You choose what.
Get a degree, minor or certificate in entrepreneurship from the David Eccles School of Business.
You’ll be unstoppable when you find the perfect mix of passion and purpose.
You won’t get anywhere if you don’t show up. Browse our event calendar, then jump in!
We have plenty of programs to choose from. Most are free and open to all students.
Find the perfect team to launch an idea. Meet people in our programs and on the first floor.
Take advantage of our many grant opportunities to build your first prototype, reach your first sale and beyond!
We advocate learning by doing, then we take it a step further by giving you the chance to teach your peers.
You will learn as much from your failures as your successes. We provide you with a safe place to test your ideas.
Learn to lead by running a student program. Apply to be a student leader. Scholarships available!
The David Eccles School of Business offers a premier program for incoming freshmen.

Lassonde Institute Annual Report

Lassonde Institute Annual Report FY 2023

Browse our annual report for the last year to see highlights from events and activities for the last year. We continued growing and supporting thousands of students and hundreds of startups.

Browse Report


Launched at Lassonde

Launched at Lassonde

We have helped launch hundreds of startups through our many programs. Discover the companies we have launched, and get inspired to do it yourself.

Browse Startups


Student Innovation at the U

Student Innovation @ the U

Read about student innovators at the University of Utah by reading “Student Innovation @ the U.” Get inspired, then do it yourself. We challenge every student to learn by doing.

Dig In!


Lassonde Studios

News & Events

Learn more about the latest activities and startups by browsing our newsroom, and find upcoming events by looking through our online events calendar.

Latest News Upcoming Events


Lassonde Student Leaders

Student Leaders & Scholarships

The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute programs are mostly managed by students for students. Students are welcome to apply for a scholarship to run one of our many engagement opportunities. Many positions are available.

Browse Opportunities


Lassonde Studios

Marketing & Media Resources

Are you a member of the media or a marketing partner? If you want photos, factsheets and other resources to help you talk about the Lassonde Institute, visit our media resources webpage.

Photos, Factsheets & More


Lassonde Studios

More Information

Do you want more information or want to visit to learn more and get a tour? Click the link below to sign up for information sessions and tours. Contact us with any questions or special requests.

Tours & Info Sessions Contact Us