Ratcliffe Eco-Entrepreneurship Fellows Program
What if your idea could change the world—and your future?
An industrial transformation is underway, where virtually everything we do needs to be reinvented so we can operate sustainably, protect the environment, and manage climate change. It is an exciting time for innovators who seek to create businesses, commercialize discoveries, and develop new products that will address these challenges.
The REEF@UD Fellowship equips student innovators with everything they need to launch environmentally focused startups: expert mentorship, funding, and a powerful platform to grow.
Who can become a REEF@UD Fellow?
REEF@UD is open to all UD upper-level undergrads, grads, and post-docs keen to use their ingenuity to solve environmental challenges. Qualified members of the community may also apply to be considered. Undergrads will be required to enroll in the practicum course during spring semester (ENTR / GEOG / GEOL / MAST 489).
Impact
REEF@UD is designed to enhance current experiential learning opportunities for eco-minded students, innovators, and entrepreneurs to:
- Unlock the commercialization potential of scientific discoveries and new technologies resulting from CEOE and other UD research.
- Pursue innovation and entrepreneurship aimed at addressing environmental challenges.
- Make a positive impact on the environment now and throughout their careers.
- Prepare for eco-entrepreneurial roles in startups, established companies, enterprises, and other organizations.
A Semester-long program on the basics of eco-entrepreneurship
The program’s four-month training program emphasizes best practices and offers team-specific guidance to participants as they work to develop and refine their ideas. The program culminates with a pitch event where a panel of industry experts will evaluate and recognize the top ideas.
Build your network and learn with industry experts and mentors
Participants will connect with a diverse set of mentors throughout and beyond the program, with expertise in entrepreneurship, business leadership, innovation, venture funding, government, environment, and more.
Access up to $50K tp advance your research, prototype your ideas, and launch your venture
Up to three Fellows will be awarded 12-month $50k fellowships, including stipend, tuition scholarship, and prototyping funds to take their idea to the next level.
REEF@UD operates as a joint project of the College of Earth, Ocean & Environment and Horn Entrepreneurship, advancing CEOE’s commitment to connecting cutting-edge science with society and Horn Entrepreneurship’s mission to empower world changers.
REEF@UD is generously funded by the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation and operates as a joint project of the College of Earth, Ocean & Environment (CEOE), and Horn Entrepreneurship, advancing CEOE’s commitment to connecting cutting-edge science with society and Horn Entrepreneurship’s mission to empower world changers.
