Stanford Technology Ventures Program : About Us

About Us

Mission & Vision

Mission
We empower aspiring entrepreneurs to become global citizens who create and scale responsible innovations

Vision

Imagine a future where every entrepreneur sees themself as a global citizen who acts in the interest of others. A future where responsible innovation practices are standard operating procedure. A future where entrepreneurs scale solutions that elevate joy, health, and prosperity for all.

As humanity grapples with dilemmas of extraordinary complexity and global scale, STVP, housed in the Department of Management Science & Engineering, is leading a movement to educate leaders who will solve the major challenges of the 21st century. We deliver transformational experiences that equip aspiring entrepreneurs — from all backgrounds, disciplines, and areas of the world — with the ability to solve problems by harnessing engineering principles, ethical decision-making, and emerging technologies.

Our vision anchors on three strategic action areas:

Advance ground-breaking research on technology entrepreneurship and innovation. Leading-edge scholarly research from STVP creates a deep understanding of start-up performance and growth, technology innovation, and entrepreneurial policy. Our rigorous approach provides accessible insights that entrepreneurs apply in practice, while also improving the theoretical understanding of entrepreneurship.
Create and deliver teaching and learning approaches that develop entrepreneurs as global citizens. Through innovative educational programs from STVP, Stanford students from every discipline gain transformative learning experiences, a community of talent, and Stanford Engineering’s spirit of groundbreaking technology innovation. Our pioneering pedagogies and widely accessible curriculum resources power learning experiences around the world.
Scale responsible innovation practices with stakeholders in communities around the world. STVP is leading an inclusive, global movement that elevates the standards of entrepreneurship. Working with diverse communities of entrepreneurship educators, startup teams, investors, and policymakers, we strengthen ecosystems together.

At STVP, we blaze new paths for powerful experiential teaching, uncover novel research insights, foster knowledge networks that span the globe, and activate aspiring entrepreneurs to create meaningful change in their lives and for their communities. With more than 25 years of impact and a vibrant global network, STVP is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of entrepreneurship education.

Read about our Latest programs and center highlights in our Annual Reports

View our Annual Reports

GCEC Awards

Legacy Award

STVP’s Tom Byers and Tina Seelig won the 2024 GCEC Legacy Award for their pioneering work to advance entrepreneurship education and create a lasting impact on the field.

View 2024 GCEC Awards

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Teaching & Pedagogical Innovation

STVP won the 2022 GCEC award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship Teaching and Pedagogical Innovation.

View 2022 GCEC Awards

Center Leadership

Tom Byers

Professor, MS&E and Faculty Director, STVP

Bio

Chuck Eesley

Associate Professor, MS&E, and Faculty Director, STVP

Bio

Kathleen Eisenhardt

Professor, MS&E and Faculty Director Emeritus, STVP

Bio

Riitta Katila

Professor, MS&E and Faculty Director, STVP

Bio

Michael Lepech

Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering and Faculty Director, STVP

Bio

Tina Seelig

Executive Director, Knight-Hennessy Scholars and Faculty Director Emeritus, STVP

Bio