Story perspectives

Missouri S&T Hosts Entrepreneurs; Utah Launches Startup Academy

10/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) Kummer Vanguard Scholars hosted entrepreneurs, including Nick Akers, CEO of Inzo Technologies, who urged, "Don’t quit, no matter what," and Scott Volner, owner of Catalytic Innovations.
The University of Utah's Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute announced the Lassonde Startup Academy, a 2026 summer program for high school students.
The program offers experiences in product design and business creation and provides scholarships to encourage registration.

History

Historical Context

The Lassonde Startup Academy at the University of Utah, launching in 2026, aims to inspire high school entrepreneurship. This initiative responds to the 2008 financial crisis, which caused a 50% drop in venture capital funding, prompting educational reforms. By featuring entrepreneurs like Nick Akers, the program seeks to equip students with essential skills for future innovation and economic resilience.

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Story summary

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) Kummer Vanguard Scholars hosted entrepreneurs, including Nick Akers, CEO of Inzo Technologies, who urged, "Don’t quit, no matter what," and Scott Volner, owner of Catalytic Innovations.
The University of Utah's Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute announced the Lassonde Startup Academy, a 2026 summer program for high school students.
The program offers experiences in product design and business creation and provides scholarships to encourage registration.

1 / 2