About Us

Eight students standing in a row.

Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge (SVIC) is one of two programs offered through the Silicon Valley Center for Entrepreneurship. Our mission is to cultivate entrepreneurs at San Jose State University and provide the necessary tools and guidance to enable students to take their innovative business ideas to the next level. All ideas remain the intellectual property of the participant. From humble beginnings, the Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge began in 2004 as the Neat Ideas Fair and has grown into one of the largest events during the fall semester with student participation from all eight colleges on campus. Winners of the competition receive cash awards to further advance their innovations, but all participants receive mentorship and networking opportunities from SJSU faculty, industry professionals, and proven entrepreneurs who are eager to support students throughout the entire design process.

Learn more about the Silicon Valley Center for Entrepreneurship

Advisors

Program Director

Sarika Pruthi
Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship
School of Global Innovation and Leadership
Lucas College and Graduate School of Business

Advisory Committee

Anu Basu
Director, Silicon Valley Center for Entrepreneurship
Professor, Entrepreneurship
Lucas College and Graduate School of Business