Lindenwood University is proud to announce a partnership with ITEN, the IT Entrepreneur Network. Molly Hudgins, interim dean of Plaster School of Business and Entrepreneurship shared this announcement in a schoolwide meeting, in anticipation of the fall 2020 semester. As a new division of Lindenwood University, ITEN will expand its programming and provide opportunities for Lindenwood students to gain real experiences in the tech industry and engage with leaders in the field.

"Lindenwood welcomes ITEN as a new division of the university providing students with opportunities to engage in real experience and real success through hands-on entrepreneurial experiences”, shared Hudgins. "ITEN provides a pathway for Lindenwood students and faculty to enter the growing tech ecosystem throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. This is one of many steps Lindenwood is taking to provide students the ability to enhance their career path and develop the entrepreneurial mindset."

Founded in 2008, ITEN has been a catalyst for technology innovation in the St. Louis region. ITEN supports tech entrepreneurs in the successful launch of new companies by delivering educational programs and events, collaborative corporate and community partnerships, and a robust network of experienced mentors. To date, ITEN has supported over 1,200 startups with more than 140 startups currently engaged in programming. ITEN is also a leader in community
initiatives and events including the Equity in Entrepreneurship Collective, St. Louis Startup Week, Startup Connection, and the Vision Inclusion Symposium.

Mary Louise Helbig, executive director, shared her vision for ITEN as a new division of Lindenwood University, "We are committed to building connectedness within St. Louis' innovation community. Providing collaboration opportunities among our entrepreneurs, businesses, and students will benefit the individuals who are participating while promoting
economic growth in the region."

This fall, ITEN will be engaging entrepreneurs and businesses with the Lindenwood University community including students, faculty, and alumni, through validation and proof of concept programs. This collaborative framework will provide a positive economic impact to the region in the form of new business growth and workforce development.