Fostering Student Innovation

YEI Mentor Program

The YEI Mentor Program supports innovation and entrepreneurial activity in the Yale community by matching student ventures, led by either graduates or undergraduates, with volunteer mentors who can share their proven experience and skills to help increase the probability of a startup's success.

Through hands-on mentoring, Student Ventures learn how to move ideas to the marketplace - how to hone their products or services, identify markets, build networks, and seek funding. Ventures in all stages of development are welcome to apply to participate in the program.

Relationships between mentors and potential entrepreneurs are established on the basis of each entrepreneur's needs and preferences, and the interests of the available mentors. Mentor services are offered without charge and entrepreneurs are assured impartial and unbiased advice by a code of ethics to which all mentors must adhere.

Mentors are selected for their expertise in business formation and operations and for their skills as advisors. They bring a wide range of experience as entrepreneurs, CEOs, and corporate directors.