Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Our mission
Supporting the student entrepreneur
The Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is your go-to hub for innovation
and entrepreneurship at OSU! Dive into our cutting-edge programs and explore a wealth
of resources designed to elevate and inspire the next generation of innovators and
trailblazers.
Would you like more information on Riata Center programming?
Upcoming events and deadline
Business Plan Competition
Intent to complete deadline: Nov. 16
Executive Summaries due: Nov. 19
Finals: Jan. 27, 2026
Startup Social
Riata's newest event!
Come mix, mingle and make meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs and big
thinkers ready to create exciting possibilities. Whether you study business, engineering,
art, or beyond - this networking events welcomes all majors, proving it takes many
mindsets to spark big ideas.
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.
"The Riata Center created a supportive environment that helped me grow as an entrepreneur
and as a person. Their belief in me and my business gave me clarity to see its full
potential, supported by incredible resources and a caring community." - Courtney P. Brown, Class of 2014 & 2022
Student-Made
For students, by students
Student-Made is a nationwide organization dedicated to discovering, supporting and
showcasing Student-Creators of all types. Submit today to be a creator!
We still have two Student-Manager positions available. We'd love your support in
helping us to recruit for the Community Engagement Manager and the Events & Partnerships
Manager. Use the Manager Application below to apply.
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. Appointments can be made but are not required.
Business Plan Competition
Open to all OSU students, this is a great way to gain experience pitching your business
idea while gaining valuable feedback from industry experts.
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.