ANN ARBOR — The University of Michigan’s Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies has been named the nation’s No. 4 graduate entrepreneurship program and No. 7 undergraduate program in annual rankings released Tuesday by the Princeton Review and Entrepreneur Magazine.
It was the sixth consecutive year the Institute has placed among the top five graduate programs in the nation.
The institute is part of UM’s Ross School of Business.
“As interest in entrepreneurship grows at a rapid pace, we at Michigan Ross are here to help students learn and determine if entrepreneurship is the right choice for them,” said Alison Davis-Blake, dean of the business school. “The Zell Lurie Institute provides a number of world-class courses, programs, internships, and competitions that are a critical part of that process. Our focus on action-based learning, and the opportunity to manage real funds, develop real projects and interact with mentors who are successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists themselves is what sets Ross apart.”
The institute’s many programs include a collaboration with the UM College of Engineering’s Center for Entrepreneurship that has supported the launch and operation of the jointly managed TechArb student start-up business incubator and the new Bharat Desai Family Accelerator. Working with partners at the university and in the business community, the institute also has developed an impressive platform of annual symposia spanning entrepreneurial business, venture capital and private-equity investment that engages students with leading alumni, serial entrepreneurs, business practitioners and investors.
Also, in July, the institute received a pledge of $60 million from the Zell Family Foundation, which provides additional endowed support for the continued delivery and development of entrepreneurship programs for students and alumni.
“What sets us apart year after year is our commitment to pushing the boundaries of entrepreneurship education and delivering the action-based learning experiences that prepare our students for career success, whether they are launching a start-up venture, driving innovation in an established company or pursuing a pathway in the venture-investment industry,” said Stewart Thornhill, executive director of the Zell Lurie Institute.
Since its inception in 1999, Zell Lurie has awarded nearly $4.4 million in funding and engaging more than 5,500 students through its entrepreneurial program portfolio, which includes four student-led venture funds, Dare to Dream grants for student start-ups and the Michigan Business Challenge. These venues allow students to test and validate business ideas, procure funding at strategic stages of business development, connect and form management teams with their peers and receive coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs and prospective investors.
More about the institute at www.zli.bus.umich.edu.