Rutgers University entrepreneurship

Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, has become an integral part of the startup and VC ecosystem, nurturing many notable startups and entrepreneurs. One of the pioneering examples includes the creation of the tech company, Johnson & Johnson, by three Rutgers University alumni Robert Wood Johnson I, James Wood Johnson, and Edward Mead Johnson.

The University encourages entrepreneurship and innovation through various initiatives such as 'The Road to Silicon Valley' program which prepares students for internships and full time employment in startups and technology companies. It has also partnered with TechLaunch, New Jersey's premier technology accelerator, for BullPen, a pitch series event to connect tech companies with investors.

Rutgers Business School hosts and sponsors numerous entrepreneurship activities including the annual business plan competition. Furthermore, Rutgers Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CUEED) is a prime example of their mission to build a world-class research-driven, teaching and practitioner-oriented urban entrepreneurship and economic development program. It has, over the years, aided numerous startups and contributed meaningfully to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Rutgers.

Notable entrepreneur Greg Olsen, an American entrepreneur, engineer and scientist who, in October 2005, became the third private citizen to make a self-funded trip to the International Space Station, is a Rutgers University Alumnus. His communications component manufacturing start-up, EPITAXX, was a major contributor to the technological revolution and was eventually sold for $12 million.

Rutgers has also seen success in venture capital investment. For instance, Sir Roy Gardner, a Rutgers Alumnus, is a commanding figure in the UK venture capital scene, serving as Chairman of the supervisory board at Paine & Partners, a private equity firm. Moreover, David Chazen, another Rutgers standout, has found success as a managing partner at Tullis Health Investors.

In conclusion, Rutgers University has exemplified continuous growth and success in the startup and VC ecosystem with a rich history of entrepreneurial alumni, significant initiatives fostering entrepreneurship and a notable presence in venture capital investment.