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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Watch ‘Live Create Launch at Lassonde’
Tips for Launching at Lassonde
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.