Where student ideas find mentorship, direction, and momentum. 

The Grid is UMB’s hub for student innovation and entrepreneurship. We support early-stage ideas through personalized mentorship, hands-on programs, and connections to real opportunities — on campus and beyond. 

 

Skill Building & Exploration

The Grid offers dozens of workshops and programs focused on practical skills, including: 

  • Pitch development and storytelling 
  • Customer discovery and market research 
  • Design thinking and prototyping 
  • Funding, business formation, and career pathways 

Students can engage at any stage — from early curiosity to active venture building. 

Programs That Build Momentum through Mentorship and Practice

Signature programs like Grid Pitch and Grid Pitch Studio provide structured, mentorship-driven experiences that help students deepen their work and prepare for real-world opportunities. 

Connections & Opportunities

The Grid connects students to collaborators, community partners, and ecosystem leaders — helping them access opportunities beyond the classroom. 

Grid Pitch is a mentorship-forward innovation program that pairs aspiring student entrepreneurs with expert mentors, connects them to industry leaders and investors, and helps accelerate their projects through strategic feedback and funding. Whether you’re exploring your first idea or scaling your startup, Grid Pitch gives you the support and network you need to make your vision real. 

Applications for Grid Pitch 2026 are now open. Learn more. 

Next Steps

Your path to success starts here