Director's Message
Welcome to Ciocca Center at Santa Clara University! Ciocca Center is an interdisciplinary center with a mission to encourage and teach an entrepreneurial mindset.
This issue of The Mindset highlights the importance of viewing problems as opportunities, one of the fundamental motivators of innovation and invention. We have three stories in this issue that illustrate how students and alumni are approaching life's challenges with entrepreneurial thinking, leading to unique paths in life.
I am especially struck by how the common elements of entrepreneurial thinking make an appearance in so many different undertakings. In this issue, we hear from students, faculty, and alumni from nearly every discipline - School of Law, Leavey School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Education & Counseling Psychology, and the College of Arts & Sciences - now that's interdisciplinary!
 |
We are excited to bring you these stories and we welcome your feedback.
Keep reading,
Chris Norris, Executive Director
Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
 | With a career interest in startups and human-computer interaction (HCI), Cinthya Jauregui '22 General Engineering, Human-centric Design, knows she needs a unique skillset. HCI is not available as a major at SCU, so Cinthya is creating a degree of her own, starting with an Engineering background. Read the article. |
Broncos, Actually  | Though she started out as a journalism major, after taking a film class, Malarie Howard '14 Communications decided she preferred screenwriting. Her drive as a storyteller has led her to develop her own TV series, Spiraling, and has also helped her overcome the hurdles she's encountered in her field. Malarie currently serves on staff for the CW's In the Dark, now streaming on Netflix. Watch the interview here. |
 | Beth Killough MA Counseling Psychology '03 uses horses to provide professional and leadership development in her business The Circle Up Experience. Her unique approach has opened a new world of opportunities in her practice. Watch the interview here. |
 | What do Hack for Humanity, the Venture Capital Investment Competition, and the Engineering Entrepreneurship Panel have in common? They are all programs that Ciocca Center supports either financially or otherwise. If your club or organization has an interdisciplinary program or idea that needs sponsorship, let's see if we can collaborate! |
 | Have you ever wondered what it takes to apply to a startup accelerator? Accelerator Prep School offers you the opportunity to experience a supportive, dynamic, hands-on environment as you prepare to apply for an accelerator. Learn how to take your idea and make it a reality through roadmapping, problem solving, and pitch development. Applications are due February 12th. |
 | Environmentally-friendly bike tires, a game that teaches kids how to give an authentic apology, and a new twist on music-streaming are just a few of the ideas that were part of Idea School this past fall. The 5-week program launched in October with more than 20 participants. Learn more here.
|
A Well Lighted Place  | Ciocca Center is currently accepting proposals for original research focused on the intersection between innovation and entrepreneurship and the challenges and opportunities relating to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Awards will be significant, up to $30,000 each, and may run for 12-18 months, with an application deadline of January 31, 2021. View the complete Research Program Call For Proposals. |
 | Ciocca Center provides financial support to hire new faculty related to innovation and entrepreneurship. In fall, Mary Fuller, principal and founder of the Fuller Tech Law Group and a high-tech specialist for more than three decades, joined the Entrepreneur’s Law Clinic as a Senior Clinical Fellow, bringing a wealth of experience to students and programs. Learn more here. |
 | College of Arts and Sciences Professor Takeshi Moro joined Ciocca Center's Faculty Advisory Board in October. His photography has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including solo exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago and Serlachius Museot, Finland. We look forward to learning more about his work and his perspective! Learn more here. |
Upcoming Events
|
|
March BVA Café + Prep School Kick-Off
4 p.m., Charney Hall Atrium, Santa Clara University
Bronco Ventures is bringing our community together - the March BVA Café will double as the kick-off for the 2026 Bronco Ventures Accelerator Prep School cohort!
Join founders, investors, mentors, students, alumni, and friends of the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem for an evening of networking, conversation, and community. Come meet and support the newest Prep School founders as they begin refining their ventures and preparing for top accelerators. Let’s welcome the next generation of innovators!
Thursday, March 12, 2026
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Charney Hall Atrium, Santa Clara University
Food & drinks provided
RSVP here!
|
|
|
BVA Cafe
6:30 p.m., Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street Welcome to BVA Cafe, Bronco Ventures Accelerator’s Monthly Meetup where you can meet and mingle with fellow BVA entrepreneurs, mentors, advisors, and entrepreneurship-curious. Enjoy small bites while hearing updates from BVA Alumni and meeting new startup founders.
Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street
Terrace on the Third Floor if the weather is sunny
Lobby if rainy and cold |
|
|
May BVA Café + Prep School Graduation Celebration
4 - 7 p.m., Lucas Hall 126, Santa Clara University
We are excited to share that our May BVA Café will be combined with a special celebration - the graduation of the 2026 Bronco Ventures Accelerator Prep School cohort!
Join us for an evening of networking, community, and inspiration as we recognize the founders who have spent the past months refining their ventures and building traction. Meet the graduating teams, connect with fellow founders, investors, mentors, alumni, faculty, staff, and students, and celebrate the next wave of innovation emerging from Santa Clara University.
|
|
|
Business Pitch Competition
All Day
Ciocca Center’s Business Pitch Competition takes place each spring. We use a virtual portal called Pitchtape, an asynchronous online platform where companies can record their pitches.
SCU students of all majors are encouraged to apply for a spot in the competition!
Sign up here!
|
|
|
CANCELED: BVA Cafe
6:30 p.m., Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street
Welcome to BVA Cafe, Bronco Ventures Accelerator’s Monthly Meetup where you can meet and mingle with fellow BVA entrepreneurs, mentors, advisors, and entrepreneurship-curious. Enjoy small bites while hearing updates from BVA Alumni and meeting new startup founders.
Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street
Terrace on the Third Floor if the weather is sunny
Lobby if rainy and cold
|
|
|
Ugrad and Grad Commencement Weekend
All Day
|
|
|
Ugrad and Grad Commencement Weekend
Midnight
|
|
|
BVA Cafe
6:30 p.m., Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street Welcome to BVA Cafe, Bronco Ventures Accelerator’s Monthly Meetup where you can meet and mingle with fellow BVA entrepreneurs, mentors, advisors, and entrepreneurship-curious. Enjoy small bites while hearing updates from BVA Alumni and meeting new startup founders.
Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street
Terrace on the Third Floor if the weather is sunny
Lobby if rainy and cold |
|
|
BVA Cafe
6:30 p.m., Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street Welcome to BVA Cafe, Bronco Ventures Accelerator’s Monthly Meetup where you can meet and mingle with fellow BVA entrepreneurs, mentors, advisors, and entrepreneurship-curious. Enjoy small bites while hearing updates from BVA Alumni and meeting new startup founders.
Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street
Terrace on the Third Floor if the weather is sunny
Lobby if rainy and cold |
|
|
BVA Cafe
6:30 p.m., Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street Welcome to BVA Cafe, Bronco Ventures Accelerator’s Monthly Meetup where you can meet and mingle with fellow BVA entrepreneurs, mentors, advisors, and entrepreneurship-curious. Enjoy small bites while hearing updates from BVA Alumni and meeting new startup founders.
Lucas Hall, 738 Franklin Street
Terrace on the Third Floor if the weather is sunny
Lobby if rainy and cold |
Follow us on social media!
|
|
Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Santa Clara University
Lucas Hall Suite 109
cioccacenter@scu.edu
|
|
