A-State, Epicenter Memphis to launch EpicenterU: Students to Startups

Arkansas State University announced Thursday (May 7) a new partnership with Epicenter Memphis to launch EpicenterU: Students to Startups, a university-based entrepreneurship program supported by an approximately $800,000 grant from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA).

EpicenterU will be implemented at A-State as a founding university partner, expanding hands-on entrepreneurship education and creating new pathways for students to develop, launch, and scale venture-ready ideas while strengthening regional economic development.

“The Delta region is home to extraordinary talent, and EpicenterU is our commitment to ensuring that talent has every opportunity to flourish right here at home,” said Anthony Young, president and CEO of Epicenter Memphis. “With the support of the Delta Regional Authority, we can now build a sustainable pipeline of homegrown founders who will create jobs, attract capital, and strengthen communities across the region.”

Epicenter Memphis was awarded nearly $812,000 from the DRA to support program-related activities for EpicenterU. This investment will bolster economic development within the Delta region by building a strong and competitive pipeline of young entrepreneurs.

“The Delta Regional Authority is committed to investing in programs that create lasting economic impact across the Delta region,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA federal co-chairman. “By connecting aspiring entrepreneurs to training, mentorship and real capital, EpicenterU will help build a foundation for a more innovative and resilient regional economy.”

“Arkansas State University is excited to partner with Epicenter and the Delta Regional Authority to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy,” said Luna Acosta, director of technology transfer at Arkansas State University. “EpicenterU gives our students hands-on entrepreneurship training, access to experienced mentors, and the funding to pursue their ideas. It strengthens our ability to connect students with the skills, mentorship and networks needed to turn ideas into viable ventures while building economic momentum across the Delta.”

Dr. Jim Washam, dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business, noted, “This partnership reflects how we think about business education at A-State. EpicenterU complements our Bachelor of Science degree in entrepreneurial management and strategic leadership while expanding experiential learning opportunities. Just as importantly, it creates new pathways for students from across the university to engage with entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation. We believe this program will not only launch new businesses but inspire a generation of students to build their futures here.”

EpicenterU is designed to transform undergraduate students into venture-ready founders through a multiphase initiative spanning four academic years. The program equips young innovators with the skills, capital access and mentorship needed to launch high-growth, scalable companies while creating meaningful pathways to stay and build in the Delta.

The program unfolds in three phases. During the first year, the program will be developed, the curriculum will be designed, and it will be launched on the campuses.

During year two, the full curriculum delivery including design thinking, customer discovery, and capital readiness modules will be launched alongside experts-in-residence engagement and competitive fellowship recruitment. In the years that follow, selected fellows will receive $40,000 annual stipends, up to $7,500 in company development funds, dedicated mentorship, and regional pitch and showcase opportunities.

A-State joins Epicenter as a founding university partner, committing to provide on-campus space, faculty engagement, program marketing, and alumni network access to support students and fellows. The collaboration reflects a shared vision of embedding entrepreneurship directly into academic life across the Delta Region.