News and Events

Ozmen Center news

Learn more about business and entrepreneurship at the University.

Group photo of five individuals on stage holding a large Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition check awarded to Deviant Cocktail Club.
Deviant Cocktail Club wins top prize at 2026 Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition

Annual competition supports student founders through pitching, mentorship and innovation

Students browse tables set up outdoors on campus during the Sales Expo, with rows of student-run booths on the Knowledge Center lawn.
First-year business students test real-world sales skills in hands-on entrepreneurship course

From mobile services to tech products, students learn what it takes to sell to real customers

A group of 100 Women Pitch Competition participants pose on stage holding a $10,000 check, with event sponsors displayed on a large screen behind them.
100 Women Pitch Competition invests in women founders and community‑driven entrepreneurship

Community-funded pitch competition supports women-led innovation

The JCSU exterior.
International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium returns March 5 at Nevada

From economic security to wellness, Nevada symposium centers women’s “Whole Lives”

Jordan Raulston, founder of Twisted Cocktail Club, and Armina Karapetian hold the $1,500 prize check for the LaunchNevada Pitch Competition.
Students present startup concepts in annual LaunchNevada Pitch Competition

The Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship hosted this year’s LaunchNevada Pitch Competition, highlighting the University's growing entrepreneurial community

Innevation Center Summit Conference Room with people sitting and standing, engaged in coversation.
'The greatest time in history to do a startup'

Recent Sontag winner, kinesiology student, Innevation Center member and start-up co-founder Jonathan Berrien shares insight to his success

Students gather on the lawn at the University of Nevada, Reno, visiting booths and browsing products during the ENT 200 Sales Expo, a student-run marketplace showcasing microbusinesses.
ENT 200 students launch 60+ microbusinesses and generate over $19K in sales

Students turn classroom concepts into real-world success through hands-on entrepreneurship challenge

Mehmet Tosun (Director of the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship), Jonathan Berrien, Chad Sherf, and Armina Karapetian (Director of the Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition) pose together on stage, holding a large check for $50,000.
Atlas Personal Training takes home $50,000 prize at this year’s Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition

Four teams pitched their innovative business ideas for a chance at the top prize

Robert Hutton, CEO of Sigellac, holding the winner’s check at the 2024 Sontag Business Competition.
Sontag Business Competition finalists vie for $50k in live pitch event

Long-running University event continues to fuel Northern Nevada’s start-up scene

Emily Jaenson standing on stage during her presentation at the 2025 IWES, with a screen behind her displaying "Welcome, Emily Jaenson" and her social media handles, @emilyjaenson and @leadershipisfemale.
The College of Business hosts the 2025 International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium

Hosted by the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship, the annual event celebrates women’s achievements in business and inspires future changemakers across Northern Nevada

Headshots of co-chairs Chris Yount (left) and Jeremy Lurey (right).
Family Business Program launched in University’s College of Business

Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship initiative features symposiums, networking opportunities

Four people holding a large check for $1,500 in a classroom.
LaunchNevada draws entrepreneurial pitches from across campus

The College of Business initiative supports students’ creation of business concepts

Andrew Sapwell and Akshay Mediwala pose confidently in front of a "Red Bull Basement" neon sign.
University team finishes in top 10 in national entrepreneurship competition

Proposal for AI-powered recycling bins selected from field of 15,000 entrants

Members of the Ozmen Center and community members pose for a photo with a brick backdrop behind them.
Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship celebrates 10 years of leadership

Center in University of Nevada, Reno College of Business focused on bringing ideas to reality

A group of students attentively listens to a lecture in a traditional wooden lecture hall.
University of Nevada students work with startups in the new study abroad program in Warsaw

Initiative at Google for Startups campus breaks new ground for international studies program

The Sierra Nevada Corporation headquarters building in Reno, Nevada. It is a large, modern office building with a glass facade and a flagpole flying the American flag.
New Aerospace & Defense Academy to launch at the University of Nevada, Reno with $1.13M gift from Eren & Fatih Ozmen

Eren & Fatih Ozmen continue decade-long legacy of giving to the University

Sigellac representative holds a $50,000 check for winning Sontag competition
Sigellac wins $50,000 Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition

Now in 13th year, competition generates an ecosystem of startups in northern Nevada

Five people holding a giant check awarding $50,000 to Mimirs Well-Ness with a memo for Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition
Mimirs Well-Ness wins Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition

Annual $50,000 award funded by businessman, alumnus Rick Sontag

Nazir Ansari Business building signage outside the building in the fall
Student-led business startups compete for $50,000 award

2023 Sontag Entrepreneurship Award Competition announces five finalists

A group of faculty and students from the 2019 trip to Warsaw, Poland gather for a picture
College of Business strengthens international learning programs

Students gain insights that strengthen their preparation for futures in a global economy

Sierra Hixson holding her product, Adventure Provisions, up to the camera.
Small grants support big entrepreneurial dreams across University campus

LaunchNevada Initiative by Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship supports student startups

Two autonomous drones flying over downtown Reno.
LaunchNevada to host entrepreneurship event on Feb. 23

The LaunchNevada initiative promotes student entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno

Laura Jackson sits in front of a blue background.
Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship to host International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium

The conference will be held in person on March 7 and 8

Eren Ozmen poses for the camera wearing a blue suit.
Eren Ozmen listed among top 10 on Forbes’ 2022 list of most successful self-made women

Accomplished University of Nevada, Reno alumna places in coveted business list since its inception

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval standing with Dragonfly Energy co-founders, Denis Phares and Sean Nichols, in front of their new warehouse.
LaunchNevada Initiative promotes student entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno

LaunchNevada Student Startup Awards help students refine and advance their business concepts

A headshot of Dr. Mehmet Tosun.
Mehmet Tosun, Ph.D., named as Director of the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship and International Business Programs

“His wealth of experience from his many roles and 15 years of service to the University will truly be an asset in advancing both the College and our community.”

MyKar team members (from left to right) Akram Reshad, David Haulot, Dawson Lamb, Gurjant Mand and Jacob Teems-Robinson.
Tenth Annual Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition winner announced

MyKar, LLC takes home $50,000 grand prize turning their entrepreneurial dreams into a reality

The International Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium's virtual conference platform displayed on a MacBook computer.
Third Annual International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium supports female entrepreneurs

The College of Business celebrated International Women’s Day with virtual conference

Reno Philharmonic Conductor Laura Jackson conducting orchestra at 2020 IWES conference.
International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium: Innovation in a Changing World

The top names in female entrepreneurship will present at one-day, virtual College of Business event on International Women’s Day, March 8

Woman wears a hardhat in an advanced manufacturing setting
Two, statewide University-hosted programs selected to receive Google.org grants

Impact Challenge Nevada is under way: vote online by Nov. 26 for Nevada Industry Excellence or Nevada Small Business Development Center!

Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship turns ideas into action

Project-based learning and a ‘different way of thinking’ prepare University of Nevada, Reno students for business success