Entrepreneurship and Innovation
04 March 2025

Husk Power Systems Eyes IPO and Aims to Provide Clean Energy to 100 Million

Husk Power Systems has come a long way since its co-founder and CEO, Manoj Sinha (MBA ’09), first tackled the lack of electricity in his home state of Bihar, India. Today, Husk owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of hybrid minigrids, has achieved profitability and plans to raise $400 million in debt and equity ahead of a planned IPO in 2027.

27 February 2025

Alumni Entrepreneurs Share Insights, Experiences With Darden Audiences

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business Black Business Student Association, Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, and Batten Institute hosted a panel on Wednesday to celebrate diversity in business, highlighting challenges, successes and resilience through the insights of three Black business owners who have MBAs from the School.

21 February 2025

‘Noogs’ Inventors Race to Grow Their Business

Paige Foote, a marathoner and running coach, and Ben Foote, a second-year University of Virginia Darden School of Business student, are the entrepreneurs behind Noogs, a startup company seeking to grow in the competitive world of sports nutrition.

20 February 2025

How the Founder of JAS Drinks Pivoted from Mezcal to Mocktails

When serial entrepreneur Cecilia Rios Murrieta (MBA ‘22) launched her first craft spirit venture, she was driven by her passion for mezcal, tequila's smoky cousin. Her latest startup, JAS Drinks, was inspired by her newfound commitment to an alcohol-free lifestyle.

24 January 2025

How One Visionary Entrepreneur’s Legacy is Fueling the Next Generation of Startups

The untimely passing of Damon DeVito (MBA ’94) in 2023 left a profound void but also galvanized the Darden community to celebrate his legacy. His mission continues through the newly established Damon DeVito Venture Velocity Fund. Created by J. Hunter Reichert (MBA ’94), Ian W. Ratcliffe (MBA ’94) and other members of the Class of 1994, the fund’s Fearless Founder Award supports students who embody the entrepreneurial ethos DeVito championed.

17 December 2024

Vox Names Darden’s Anton Korinek to ‘Future Perfect 50’ List

This year, University of Virginia Darden School of Business professor Anton Korinek is among the select honorees appearing on the “Future Perfect 50” list compiled by Vox Media. Korinek also serves as a UVA professor of economics.