Q: What is the latest news about Boise State’s Venture College?
Venture College is re-joining the Division of Research and Economic Development (DRED) at Boise State University. Venture College’s work supporting entrepreneurs, founders and innovators continues without interruption. This transition reconnects the entrepreneurial ecosystem with the university’s broader research and economic development infrastructure.
Q: Are Venture College programs going away?
No. This is an administrative realignment — not a reduction in programs or change in staffing or mission. Venture College’s staff will remain in place and its signature programs, including incubator workshops, pitch competitions and business development resources, will remain fully operational and continue to grow within this dynamic environment.
Q: Why is this move happening now?
The timing reflects the natural evolution of how Boise State supports innovation and entrepreneurship. The Division of Research and Economic Development has been building out a more unified, community-facing entrepreneurship ecosystem called The Junction, Boise State’s new hub for business innovation, research translation and venture creation.
Bringing Venture College into DRED places it at the center of The Junction’s ecosystem, alongside partners like Trailhead, TechHelp, the Office of Technology Transfer, the Idaho Small Business Development Center, Studio\Blu and the College of Business and Economics (COBE). The goal is to make it easier for community members and industry partners to access the full range of Boise State’s entrepreneurship and research resources in one connected place.
Q: What is The Junction?
The Junction is Boise State’s on-campus hub for entrepreneurship and community engagement, located at 2225 University Drive in Capitol Village. Launched in October 2025, it brings together university programs and community partners under one roof so that entrepreneurs, small business owners, researchers and industry leaders can access resources in one centralized hub.
Q: Will Venture College’s programs still be available to the community?
Absolutely. Venture College’s programs have always been open to community members and entrepreneurs beyond the Boise State campus — and that remains true. The free, 10-week Venture College Incubator, the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge, pitch competitions, workshops and mentorship opportunities are all continuing as normal. If anything, The Junction makes these programs more accessible: community members and industry partners can now walk in and connect with Venture College alongside a network of other Boise State resources in one location.
Q: How does this affect our existing partnership or sponsorship with Venture College?
Nothing changes for existing partners and sponsors. Relationships, agreements and points of contact remain intact. Those who sponsor events like the Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge or serve as mentors or judges will find those programs continuing uninterrupted and unchanged. If you have specific questions about your partnership, reach out directly to Cara Van Sant, Director of the Venture College, at caravansant@boisestate.edu.
Q: How can we get involved or stay connected?
Community members and industry partners are encouraged to visit The Junction, attend drop-in hours, serve as mentors or judges, or sponsor Venture College events. To explore partnership opportunities, reach out directly to Cara Van Sant at caravansant@boisestate.edu.