Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Our mission
Supporting the student entrepreneur
The Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship exists as the entrepreneurial
catalyst for OSU students, faculty and staff, alumni and the State of Oklahoma. We
offer state-of-the-art experiential programs and valuable resources to help elevate
and inspire future generations of thinkers and doers.
Learning by doing
Opportunities for experiential learning
OSU students interested in the venture creation process can gain hands-on experiences
through the Riata Center’s experiential learning opportunities led by a variety of
industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, faculty and staff.
Riata Business Plan Competition
Registration is now open!
Open to all OSU students, this is a great way to gain experience pitching your business
as well as gaining valuable feedback from industry experts. Apply by Nov. 8 and submit
your business plan by Nov. 19.
The Allen Family
Genius Bar
Located on the first floor of the Spears School of Business, the Genius Bar is housed
in the Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Designed for ALL OSU students
to gain FREE knowledge from OSU faculty, seasoned entrepreneurs and diversified industry
experts. Genius' are on site Tuesday-Thursday most weeks. Appointments can be made
but are not required.
Oct. 18: Pinot's Palette (Lisa Riley)
Nov. 8: Write on Fundraising (Jonathan Weber-Mendez)
Nov. 15: Thermal Specialties (Mitch Myers)
It all starts with an idea...
Riata Pitch and Poster
Friday, Oct. 20 - Student Union Starlight Terrace
Before committing to writing a business plan, a pitch and poster competition is the
perfect way to get feedback on your new business idea or product. Student contestants
create posters and quick pitches to present to judges who award scholarship money
to the overall competition winner and the top three finishers in each track. A people’s
choice honoree is also selected to recognize an audience favorite.
For those who served
The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program
The national program offers cutting edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship
and small business management to members of the U.S. armed forces who are disabled
as a result of their service. Veterans develop competencies associated with creating
and sustaining a business while learning to coordinate with services for veterans
and others with disabilities. The Veterans Entrepreneurial Program is free to participants
thanks to generous supporters.
A world of resources for student entrepreneurs
The Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a clearinghouse for a world of resources for any OSU student with a concept for a venture who just needs some direction. Resources include hands-on opportunities and events to connect and network with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.