Wharton Stories: Entrepreneurship & Innovation

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This year’s finalists tackled firefighter cancer, frontline medical devices, maternal nutrition, global healthcare access, and more.

4 Startup Challenge Finalists Share What Inspired Their Ventures

Four people stand with arms crossed behind Ben on the Bench statue and wear masks and gloves. Ben is also wearing a face mask
From donations to delivery services for at-risk populations, the Wharton community is joining in the fight against the pandemic.

How Wharton Students Are Supporting COVID-19 Relief Efforts

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Rachel Prokupek’s deliciously unconventional baklava proved to be both a campus hit and a crash course in entrepreneurship.

The Business of Baking: One Student’s Take on an Old-School Treat

Daymond John and a professor sitting in front of a backdrop of white balloons
The Shark Tank star spoke candidly with students competing at Wharton’s first 24-hour IDEATHON 2020.

Daymond John on Focus, Fashion, and Finding the Right Mentor

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Each year, Wharton Social Impact Initiative works with hundreds of students, supporting them in their quest to launch a high-impact career. Meet nine alumni making a difference through their careers in business and finance.

9 Alumni Changemakers Working in Social Impact

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“I used to not believe in core values — until we picked ones we believed in and operationalized them. They work if they’re real.”

How an Award-Winning Marketing Firm Fosters Work/Life Balance

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At the competition kick-off in September, Penn researchers and last year’s Y-Prize runner-up spoke on new inventions, taking the innovative approach, and why participation matters.

Y-Prize Calls On Entrepreneurs to Reimagine Nature-Inspired Tech

Group photo of Moelis scholars in graduation robes and formal clothes, standing in front of a bright window.
From augmented reality to agriculture, these five Penn grads in the Moelis Advance Access Program are kickstarting their careers before returning to Wharton for their MBA degree.

Inaugural Moelis Fellows Share Why They Will Be Returning to Wharton for Their MBAs

Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne smiles in front of a blurry background. She wears a white shirt with large blue and purple earrings.
Alumna social entrepreneur Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne is changing the market for women entrepreneurs of color.

How This Alumna Is Driving $1 Billion to Women of Color Tech Entrepreneurs

Natasha Jacobs has short straight light brown hair and wears a navy shirt. She smiles and faces a girl with dark hair.
After founding her own birth control startup, Natasha Doherty, W’18, joined medical professionals and top academics for a review of leading research in women’s sexual and reproductive health.

A Social Entrepreneur’s Inside Look at the Contraceptive Technology Conference