The University of Massachusetts opened the VDC in 2009 to enable the most promising entrepreneurial talent from around the world, whatever their university, to move or remain in Boston after graduation to realize their dreams. Today, our thriving community includes entrepreneurs in residence launching innovative technology and life science companies in our award-winning incubator. They are joined by talented students from our own university preparing for careers in fast growing venture capital backed companies under the guidance of our mentors. VDC's signature programs include GEIR (http://vdc.umb.edu/geir/) and StEP (https://www.umb.edu/vdc/step).