Entrepreneurship at Louisiana Tech is more than launching startups—it’s a way of thinking that empowers students to solve problems, test ideas, and communicate their vision with confidence. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation exists to cultivate that mindset across every discipline, providing students with hands-on experiences, resources, and mentorship to bring bold ideas to life.
Our Mission
To foster an entrepreneurial culture at Louisiana Tech by equipping students with the skills, experiences, and networks they need to innovate, create value, and lead in any career field.
What We Do
The Center connects students, faculty, alumni, and partners through programs that spark creativity and transform ideas into impact. From pitch competitions to cross-campus collaborations, CEI serves as the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation at Tech.
Signature Programs & Events
- Top Dog New Venture Championship
Tech’s premier entrepreneurial pitch competition where students showcase their startups and compete for over $11,000 in cash prizes. - Top Pup Pitch Competition
An early-stage competition for Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship students, offering a first taste of ideation and pitching. - Won in One
Our twist on the classic elevator pitch competition—students deliver one-minute pitches inside Wyly Tower’s elevator as it climbs to the 16th floor. - Backed by Business
A cross-college collaboration pairing engineering and business students during the Freshman Design Competition to test ideas for market potential. - Bulldog Entrepreneurs
A student-led organization open to all majors, building an entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus through workshops, networking, and leadership opportunities.
Hands-on opportunities like Top Dog, Top Pup, and Won in One prepare students not only to launch ventures but also to bring creativity and innovation into any organization they join. By reimagining how entrepreneurship is taught and experienced, CEI is helping students gain the confidence and mindset to make an impact anywhere.
Entrepreneurship at Tech is open to everyone—regardless of major, background, or career goals. Whether you’re curious about innovation, eager to launch a business, or simply want to develop skills that make you stand out, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has something for you.
2025 Top Dog
The 2025 Top Dog New Venture Championship will be held on Thursday, November 6 at noon in the Joe Aillet Press Box and Suites (1450 W Alabama Ave, Ruston, LA).
Come support your fellow students as they pitch their ventures. Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship, want to cheer on your peers, or just love a good pitch—we want to see you there!
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching a business—it’s about solving real problems, uncovering opportunities, and learning through action. The Top Dog New Venture Championship is Louisiana Tech’s premier business pitch competition, open to students from all majors and disciplines. Teams will pitch their ventures to a panel of judges for $11,000 in prizes and major campus bragging rights.
Whether your idea is market-ready or still evolving, Top Dog provides a platform to showcase innovative thinking, entrepreneurial grit, and the journey behind your venture. The competition welcomes both polished business models and early-stage ideas backed by strong insight and creativity.
Student pitches will be evaluated based on:
- Innovation – originality, creativity, and potential for impact
- Business Potential – viability, market understanding, and scalability
- Entrepreneurial Insights – customer discovery, lessons learned, and adaptability
Top Dog is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for ideas, a celebration of student innovation, and a snapshot of the future being built right here on campus.