"Empower Students. Inspire Curiosity." LaunchpadOSU is a student-run startup weekend within The Ohio State University’s Keenan Center of Entrepreneurship. Throughout three days, students of all majors are invited to think of a new business idea, create teams, work with experienced mentors, and pitch their idea to judges for prizes. Moving forward with this business after the weekend is optional. We put an emphasis on our weekend being a learning opportunity by making participation free and for anyone, regardless of past knowledge relating to entrepreneurship. As teams gain experience writing problem statements, studying their market, creating customer surveys, and networking with industry professionals, our hope is they will leave inspired to be part of the next generation of business builders. Throughout the year, our Launchpad Staff (made of students in OSU’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Scholars Program) puts together this event from scratch. This gives them the chance to take on meaningful leadership roles and apply skills they learn in the classroom (ex. marketing, finance, etc.) to a real life project. We are looking for judges and mentors for our event who are interested in paying it forward to our aspiring entrepreneurs. If you would like more information on becoming one, please reach out to us at launchpadosu@gmail.com.