Experiential Learning Accelerators



Accelerate UConn Program Launches

UConn Launches Program to Help Students, Faculty Transform Ideas for Technology into Commercialized Products

New Haven Register – The University of Connecticut is launching a program to help students and faculty transform ideas for technology into commercialized products. The school kicked of its Accelerate UConn program with a ceremony Tuesday in Storrs. The program, which builds upon UConn’s existing technology transfer, incubation and commercialization infrastructure, is being funded by a three-year, $300,000 grant by the national science foundation.



A Fix for Jobless Vets? Make Them Entrepreneurs

CNBC – For a variety of reasons, the solution to joblessness among veterans may be to prod more of them toward entrepreneurship. “This gap is a nut that’s hard to crack, but I actually truly believe that veteran-owned businesses are going to be the thing that heals our country in the next 15 years,” said Michael Zacchea, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel and director of the University of Connecticut’s Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities.


DSDA Helps Diverse Business Accelerate Growth with Travelers as Funding Sponsor

Digital Journal – The Diverse Supplier Development Academy (DSDA), a Connecticut non-profit organization that works to develop opportunities for diverse Connecticut-based suppliers, is honored to announce the addition of The Travelers Companies, Inc. as a funding sponsor.

The DSDA was launched in 2013 with the active participation of Northeast Utilities, the UConn School of Business Financial Accelerator and input from several diverse businesses during pilots in 2011.



Disabled R.I. Veteran Launches ‘Broken Gear’ Clothing Line

Providence Journal – “It was amazing,” says Steven D’Amico, referring to UConn’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV).

“You’re there for nine days, 18 hours a day, on your business. At the end of the time, you have to do a pitch.” D’Amico was one of 25 disabled veterans who attended the UConn EBV program (one of 8 nationwide) last October. He plans to use his business to help other injured veterans.


4 Live Broadcasts at UConn Business Pitch Competition for Veterans with Disabilities

LinkedIn.com – On Friday, October 10th, the University of Connecticut (Uconn) Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans made history during their annual business pitch competition. Over 20 startup companies led by military veteran leaders pitched their businesses LIVE on air in 4 separate classrooms to determine which startup would win the cash prize!