As the sun set over New Haven, the energy from Startup Yale 2025 was still buzzing through the halls of Hotel Marcel. Over two packed days, we witnessed something extraordinary: students stepping into their power as entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders—turning ideas into action, and passion into purpose.

The pitches were bold. The stakes were high. And the room? Electric.

From the first round of pitches on Thursday to Friday’s grand finale, we saw everything from climate tech and AI to public health and storytelling take center stage. These weren’t just business ideas—they were visions for a better world.

After

The wait is over! We are thrilled to announce the finalists for Startup Yale 2025, a landmark year as we celebrate a decade of supporting groundbreaking student ventures at Yale.

After six transformative years leading Tsai CITY, Executive Director Clare Leinweber is retiring—but not before leaving an indelible mark on Yale’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. From scaling student ventures to fostering a culture of bold experimentation, Clare’s legacy is one of impact, inclusion, and lasting change.

Cambium is building an AI that helps turn waste wood into usable lumber

Navigating the AI Revolution: Practical Applications for Student Entrepreneurs: From idea to impact—AI is changing the game for student entrepreneurs. Find out how at Startup Yale’s can’t-miss workshop!

Startup Yale’s Mentors’ Dinner gives Yale students exclusive access to connect with experts, get advice, and grow your network—register now before spots fill up!

Banofi Leather, a material science company based in India, has introduced a groundbreaking plant-based leather made from banana crop waste after extensive research.

Madhav Lavakare ’25 created the glasses as a more accessible hearing aid.

Explore student ventures, nonprofits, creative projects, and more created with support from Tsai CITY's Spring 2025 Venture Development Programs.