Ohio State Targets 100 Annual Student Startups by 2030

The Ohio State University launched BuildX on Wednesday night, a new initiative designed to scale student entrepreneurship. The program sets a specific target: launching 100 investable student startups per year by 2030. The goal is to increase private investment in Ohio and expand the local startup ecosystem.

BuildX operates out of a 7,000-square-foot space in Pomerene Hall. The university converted this area into a collaborative hub where student teams can test ideas and meet with mentors. Shereen Agrawal, Associate Vice President for Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship, described the location as a dedicated environment for students to work and connect with peers.

Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Trevor Brown emphasized the importance of structured learning in addition to practical experience. Brown noted that research in neuroscience suggests open, airy spaces can stimulate creativity. He argued that combining established business knowledge with hands-on experimentation accelerates the move from concept to implementation.

The initiative includes a new academic curriculum starting in spring 2027. Students will gain access to two new three-credit-hour startup labs. These courses complement the existing Intro to Software Startups class. One lab is open to students validating a problem and developing an initial solution. The second lab serves teams that are ready to build and launch their ventures.

Participants will collaborate with current entrepreneurs, alumni, and local business leaders. Tim Keenan, an Ohio State alum and founder of the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, said the program connects students across different academic disciplines. He noted that the space brings together business students, technologists, and engineers who want to start companies but need training.

The program features a competitive accelerator for selected student teams. Participants in the BuildX Accelerator receive $15,000 in funding, embedded founder coaching, and access to investors. The process ends with a Demo Day event where founders present their business ideas to potential backers and supporters.

Keenan told attendees that the resources provided are designed to help students take action. He stated that the university has provided the necessary tools and that the remaining requirement for success is for the students to begin their work.