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CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Where Visionaries Become Founders
Launch Your Idea
ABOUT THE CENTER
Educating Bold Thinkers to Become Global Changemakers
Center for Innovation & Global Entrepreneurship (CIGE) is an entrepreneurial ecosystem designed to support students at every stage of the startup journey. Through programs, mentorship, and experiential learning, we help turn ideas into sustainable businesses with global reach.
ABOUT THE CENTER
Educating Bold Thinkers to Become Global Changemakers
Center for Innovation & Global Entrepreneurship (CIGE) is an entrepreneurial ecosystem designed to support students at every stage of the startup journey. Through programs, mentorship, and experiential learning, we help turn ideas into sustainable businesses with global reach.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
From Learners to Leaders
At CIGE, we empowering students, faculty, industry partners & community innovator to create, and lead.
Students
- Current undergraduate and graduate students
- Non-degree and continuing education learners
- Recent university graduates seeking upskilling or certification
Empower your entrepreneurial journey with hands-on training, mentorship, and global networks – transforming classroom knowledge into ventures that make a borderless impact.
Faculty & Academic Leadership
- Course instructors and program directors
- Department heads and deans involved in business, STEM and tech disciplines
Partner with CIGE to integrate entrepreneurship into curricula, support research-driven ventures, and foster experiential learning opportunities.
Partners
- Industry partners and employers offering internships, mentorships, collaboration, and sponsorships
- Institutional partners such as other universities, training organizations, and government agencies
- Community organizations and investors focused on workforce development, business and STEM outreach
Join CIGE to co-develop startups, mentor rising founders, and connect with globally minded entrepreneurs building cross-border solutions.
Industry Leaders & Volunteers
- Entrepreneurs and startup founders interested in collaborating on projects or providing real-world challenges
- Professionals willing to volunteer as guest speakers, mentors, or event facilitators
- Community and industry experts eager to support student learning and career readiness through hands-on involvement
Become a mentor or collaborator—share insights, host challenges, and invest in the next generation of global changemakers.
OUR ADVANTAGE
Global Vision, Local Impact
At CIGE, we believe diversity drives discovery – helping students create bold solutions that reach across cultures and markets.
International Focus
Empowering global entrepreneurs with cross-border solutions.
Global Partnerships
Connecting students with a worldwide network of mentors and incubators.
Multicultural Lens
Fostering diverse, out-of-the-box thinking for global and local markets.
WHAT WE OFFER
Building Entrepreneurs With Borderless Vision
CIGE empowers students to dream big, break barriers, and create ventures that change the world.
- Startup Incubator & Accelerator
- Innovation Labs & Hackathons
- Global Mentorship Network
- Pitch Competitions & Seed Funding
- Entrepreneurship Certificate
Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Turn your ideas into real ventures with workspace, coaching, and expert guidance designed to help you launch or scale successfully.
Innovation Labs & Hackathons
Join fast-paced team challenges where you solve real problems, test bold ideas, and build solutions that matter.
Global Mentorship Network
Connect one-on-one with entrepreneurs, experts, and investors worldwide who can guide your journey and open doors to new opportunities.
Pitch Competitions & Seed Funding
Step into the spotlight with your startup, win microgrants, gain exposure, and pitch to real investors ready to support the next big idea.
Entrepreneurship Certificate
Earn a recognized credential that builds your skills in ideation, business modeling, and scaling, making you career- and founder-ready.
WHAT WE OFFER
Building Entrepreneurs With Borderless Vision
CIGE empowers students to dream big, break barriers, and create ventures that change the world.
Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Turn your ideas into real ventures with workspace, coaching, and expert guidance designed to help you launch or scale successfully.
Innovation Labs & Hackathons
Join fast-paced team challenges where you solve real problems, test bold ideas, and build solutions that matter.
Global Mentorship Network
Connect one-on-one with entrepreneurs, experts, and investors worldwide who can guide your journey and open doors to new opportunities.
Pitch Competitions & Seed Funding
Step into the spotlight with your startup, win microgrants, gain exposure, and pitch to real investors ready to support the next big idea.
Entrepreneurship Certificate
Earn a recognized credential that builds your skills in ideation, business modeling, and scaling, making you career- and founder-ready.
OUR GOALS
Transforming Global Perspectives Into Viable Ventures
CIGE empowers Bay Atlantic University’s international students to become the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Our Vision
To position Bay Atlantic University as a globally recognized incubator for student-driven entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable business development—where ideas grow into ventures that create lasting impact.
Our Mission
To empower students to become the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs by fostering creativity, providing mentorship, and equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and networks to succeed in both local and global communities.
Our Values
Innovation – Bold thinking, real solutions.
Entrepreneurship – From ideas to startups.
Global Connection – Networks without borders.
Impact – Ventures that serve communities.
BUILDING THE FUTURE
Empowering 500+ Students & Faculty
A new chapter is about to begin. Students, faculty, and partners share their excitement as we prepare to open this hub and shape the future of innovation together.
“As a student, I’m eager for the hub to open. The chance to access hands-on labs, mentorship, and real projects will give me the experience I need to prepare for a real career. I’m excited to finally put my learning into practice.”
Santiago Mejia
M.S in AI
“I’m looking forward to guiding students on bigger, more ambitious projects once the hub opens. With the infrastructure and tools in place, our students will finally have the resources to test bold ideas and showcase their skills.”
Perliter Walters-Gilliam
Director of Center for Innovation & Global Entrepreneurship
“The hub will let us go beyond the classroom – helping students explore innovation and entrepreneurship with an international perspective. I’m excited to support students as they take their first steps toward global impact.”
Dr. Bintou Lingani
Department Chair of Business and Economics
“This hub represents a powerful way to expand our reach. As the Director of Outreach and Partnerships, what excites me most about CIGE is the community it unlocks – students, founders, and partners under one roof. Together, we’ll ignite bold ideas into launch-ready ventures!”
Erin Hannan
Director of Outreach and Partnerships
NEWS & EVENTS
What’s Next At CIGE
Be the first to know about upcoming events, groundbreaking ideas, and the latest milestones as we prepare to launch BAU’s new hub for innovation.
