November 17 - 21
Get ready for a full week of bold ideas, creative collisions, and entrepreneurial energy! Made By Tigers Entrepreneurship Week is a campus-wide celebration of the makers, dreamers and doers shaping the future—from student startups to faculty-led ventures.
In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, this dynamic series of events will turn the UofM campus into a launchpad for innovation. Expect a packed lineup of: interactive workshops, pop-up markets, keynote speakers, pitch competitions and networking opportunities.
Entrepreneurship Week is open to all students, faculty, alumni, and members of the Memphis community. It’s a celebration of bold ideas, fearless experimentation and the power of entrepreneurship to shape a better future. Whether you're building your first business, exploring new possibilities or just curious about the startup world, this is your moment to connect, create and be inspired.
week of events
Getting Started with Entrepreneurship
NOON - 1PM | VIRTUAL: Microsoft Teams
Kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week with a virtual event that explores the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Memphis. Discover the tools, funding and mentorship available to help turn your ideas into action. This session highlights how students, faculty, and alumni can tap into a powerful network of entrepreneurial resources that the University of Memphis has to offer.
The Next Big Thing - Pitch Competition
4:30 - 6:30 PM | FedEx Institute of Technology | The Zone
Watch bold ideas come to life as pre-selected entrepreneurs pitch their ventures live for a shot at $10K in startup funding. Presented by the McEniry Family Foundation, and hosted by the Society of Entrepreneurs and Epicenter, this high-energy competition celebrates innovation across Memphis and beyond.
Design and Code Meet-Up
6 - 8 PM | Crews Center for Entrepreneurship | 3618 Walker Ave.
Calling all designers, developers, and tech-curious creatives! This meet-up is your chance to connect with Memphis’s growing tech community—from students at the University of Memphis to seasoned industry pros. Whether you're just starting out, eager to share your skills, or looking to learn from others, join us for an evening of collaboration, conversation and community.
How I Built This: Creating an Online + IRL Community
5 - 7 PM | Crews Center for Entrepreneurship | 3618 Walker Ave.
Join renowned gaming community builder Pikachulita and the innovative team behind Otaku Asylum for an interactive discussion on cultivating meaningful, inclusive and sustainable communities—both online and in real life. Drawing from their deep roots in gaming, streaming and digital engagement, these leaders will share actionable strategies for fostering connection, belonging and growth across platforms and spaces.
Expect a dynamic mix of storytelling, hands-on activities plus a Q&A session all designed to help you build a community that thrives.
Made By Tigers (Pop-up Market and Showcase)
NOON - 6 PM | Crews Center for Entrepreneurship | 3618 Walker Ave.
Celebrate the bold creativity and entrepreneurial drive of the students and faculty at the University of Memphis. Discover groundbreaking products, unique services, and visionary ideas – all proudly developed right here on campus. A $500 prize will be awarded for the most innovative product, and another $500 will go to the best booth presentation.
The final round of the Made by Tigers Elevator Pitch Competition will take place at 1:00 PM during the showcase, so be sure to stop by and cheer on the finalists as they pitch their ideas live. Whether you're looking to network, support campus talent, or spark your own creativity, this showcase will give you a firsthand experience of what it means to be Made by Tigers!
If your business is interested in participating in this event, you must be an active UofM student, faculty or staff member and submit the registration form below.
Event Agenda
- 12:00 - 6:00 PM - Made by Tigers Expo (Pop-up Market and Innovation Shocase)
- 1:00 PM - Made by Tigers - Elevator Pitch Competition
- 3:00 - 6:00 PM - Live Music and Special UofM Cypher and D’Angelo Tribute Cypher hosted by Upward Light Community Cypher and SonStorm Studio
Entrepreneurship Week reflects the University of Memphis’ commitment to innovation and community impact. We’re creating a space where students, alumni and local entrepreneurs can come together to share ideas, build connections and ignite change.