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! 

Problems As Change Agents

Navid Shaghaghi, Lecturer and Researcher, School of Engineering, Leavey School of  Business, College of Arts and Sciences shares his thoughts on how problems lead to entrepreneurship. Learn more about his research and projects here. Read the article. 

Designing MY Major

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.

Looking for Sponsorship?erator Prep School

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!

Accelerator Prep Schoool

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.

Idea Schoool

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

Research on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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.

Mary Fuller, School of Law

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.

Welcome Professor Takeshi Moro!

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.