May 30, 2025
Housed within the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute is more than a campus program — it’s a launchpad for the state’s next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
By providing students with transformative experiences through entrepreneurship, Lassonde has become a nationally ranked hub of innovation and academic excellence. Since its founding in 2001, the program has expanded to offer workshops, networking events, competitions, seminars, scholarships, and more to support thousands of students in building and growing businesses.
The institute boasts Lassonde Studios, a five-story innovation hub and housing facility that provides space for students to grow and showcase their projects. Events such as their annual Demo Day allow community members and prospective investors to see the students’ work and offer support through purchases or donations.
Following this year’s Demo Day, Lassonde announced a $25 million donation from the Lassonde Family Foundation, in addition to officially welcoming its new executive director, Scott Holley. It was a full-circle moment for Holley, who was one of the institute’s first student leaders while he was an undergraduate at the Eccles School.
“All of the doors that opened for me in my career were made possible by the programs that have grown into this incredible institute,” Holley said during his Demo Day keynote. “I’m astounded by what it has become through the Lassonde family’s generous support. The team is truly dedicated to growing its global range while never losing sight of the direct one-on-one impact we have with every student we connect with.”
Along with mentorship and scholarships, Lassonde offers Get Seeded, a pitch competition that validates students’ ideas with funding to help get them off the ground. The program is complementary to the Startup State Initiative’s Get Started: Business Idea Challenge, where Lassonde serves as a key partner in expanding access to entrepreneurial resources statewide.
When it comes to student success, the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute is a shining example of how providing a supportive and nurturing space is vital in contributing to the future. Learn more at Lassonde’s website, and visit the Startup State Initiative’s resource page to explore other support available to Utah businesses.
The information in this article is current as of the publishing date and is intended for informational purposes only. This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Any resources and organizations mentioned, unless an entity of or a partner of the state of Utah, are not formally endorsed by the Startup State Initiative or state of Utah.