The University of Notre Dame has a vibrant startup and venture capital ecosystem. The Notre Dame IDEA Center is the university’s main engine for igniting and fostering innovative and entrepreneurial activities. Since its inception, the IDEA Center has helped launch hundreds of startups, many of them by students, faculty, and alumni of the University. The center provides both academic and practical support to these startups, hosting seminars & workshops, providing funding opportunities, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and investors.

In the 2020 fiscal year alone, the IDEA Center launched 32 startups and raised $44 million in capital. This indicates a thriving environment where new businesses are constantly being created and nurtured to funding success.

The Irish Angels Investing Network is another significant part of Notre Dame’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Comprised predominantly of Notre Dame alumni, the Irish Angels have provided funding and mentorship to a multitude of startups and entrepreneurs. One example is the investment in PreparedHealth, a healthcare technology company co-founded by Notre Dame alumnus Tim Coulter. PreparedHealth was later acquired in a successful exit, showcasing the power of Notre Dame’s connected and supportive ecosystem.

The university also conducts various venture competitions like the McCloskey New Venture Competition, which provides students, alumni, and faculty the opportunity to win start-up funding. In 2021, Notre Dame affiliated startups won a combined $400,000 in cash and in-kind prizes at the McCloskey New Venture Competition.

Moreover, the university's alumni network also plays a crucial role in nurturing this ecosystem. The vast network of alumni not only provides a strong base of support for new endeavors but often serves as the starting point for startup initiatives. Examples of successful Notre Dame entrepreneurs include Ryan Chen, a former Notre Dame student who co-founded NeuroFlow, a digital health startup that has since raised millions in funding.

Through these initiatives, the University of Notre Dame continues to foster a robust environment for startups and venture capital investment, focused on nurturing innovation and promoting entrepreneurship amongst its students, faculty, and alumni.